There’s a lot to be said for letting dogs watch and take things in.
We humans are very quick and very busy. We don’t make a lot of time for taking in things (big or small) and don’t always consider that our dogs need to do this. This can mean we hurry our dogs on in certain situations and interrupt important environmental processing.
I’m not just talking about sniffing, but looking at things and watching, at a distance that your dog feels comfortable and calm at. A lot of learning goes on during this time.
An example could be watching dogs from a distance. If you have a dog that is worried by other dogs, ensure they are far enough away that they feel safe. If your dog can get excited by other dogs, ensure they’re a distance away that helps them to be calm.
Your dog may also stop to watch people, leaves blowing, birds, cars – anything really. Dogs may even choose to sit down, stand, or lie down independently during this time.
My dog used to see a seagull on our walks that he found very interesting because it was in a place that a seagull didn’t really ‘make sense’. Same one every time, because of a marking on its wing and an unusual walk. If I tried to redirect him on every time, that could be really frustrating for him and result in difficulties walking calmly afterwards. Instead, I gave him the chance to watch the seagull for a few minutes when he wanted to. Now he pays little attention to it.
If we start seeing our dog becoming worried, fixated, or over aroused then of course we can get their attention and move them on. Often if they’re in a calm and relaxed state, after a period of looking, they’ll move on when they’re ready anyway.
Next time your dog stops to watch something or suss it out, if they’re calm and relaxed, why not let them do this and give them to opportunity to move on when they’re done, rather than hurry them on because we want to? Make some time for it on your walks.
This additional choice, agency, and ability to suss things out without micromanagement can have a positive impact on behaviour and wellbeing.
Sally Lewis 2023
Know Your Dog 