Stop 6 - Roebury Meadow
Roebury Meadow is a wonderful field for your pups to have a run around in- surrounded by wildlifefilled hedgerows. As you walk around, check out our dog walker wellness trail helping you connect with the nature around you and your pooch.
Check out our Nature Of Loss podcast detailing the benefit noticing nature on your dog walks can have.
Dorset Dogs - Wellness trail
Follow the wellness trail to help you have a stress fee, happy, healthy walk with your pup!
1. Touch and textures
- While walking, see how many different textures you walk over
- Get down to feel how different surfaces/plants feel on your hands
- Do you think they feel the same on your dogs paws?
- Watch what surfaces your dog seems to prefer when out walking
- Imagine walking without shoes on!
2. Sound, what can you hear?
- What can you hear?
- Watch your dog's ears, where do they point towards, which sounds seem to really take their interest?
- Think about what you and can hear for the rest of your walk
- This will help you understand the excitement of their walk, and how noises effect their behaviour!
3. Loose lead walking
A great way to have the most comfortable and enjoyable walk for both you and your dog!
Check out this Facebook video about loose lead walking.
- This an be tricky with lots of distractions around you
- Wait for your dog to engage with you (look your way, come over to you etc.) then offer a treat when they are by your side and the lead is slack
- Don't aim for perfect heelwork, just for moments when the lead is nice and loose. Keeping their attention; having them check back, and offering lots of treats!
4. Recall!
A skill we all strive to have perfected, and a great way to keep yourself, your dog and others safe and allow them to enjoy their walk.
Check out this Facebook video for help with recall.
- Using a long line can be a great tool for recall as you can provide freedom, but also gain control if needed.
- Recall game: throw treats for your dog to find, then call them back to you with great rewards and encouragement.
- Using food to keep their engagement with you.
- You can also move quickly in opposite directions to gain their attention, with nice and open body language!
Follow the links below to watch more helpful videos from Dorset Dogs!