Changing dogs behaviour on walks, without training

It's All About Your Dog's Window! This window is what ruins recall, creates obsession, and leads to hyperactivity in your dog.


By "window," I mean their window of opportunity! Two hours a day is the most common duration I see people taking their dogs out for, and that's amazing, so keep it up. However, one thing you have to keep in mind is, if you aren't providing your dog with outlets or mental stimulation at home, you're training your dog to empty their energy reserve within those two hours every day, because that's their window of opportunity to live their life.


Side Note:

We also have to consider the nature of these walks. If we have a dog that isn't bred for exploring and hunting, like our sight hounds, scent hounds, or terriers, relying solely on walks for stimulation may not be enough. Many dogs are bred for specific tasks, and it's perfectly fine to fill most of their outdoor time with those tasks. Remember, that time is for them, and this will help them make the most of it! Who cares about exploring if you aren't bred for it? To learn how to identify your dog's predatory needs and how to teach them their job, if they need one, there is plenty of material for you on MK9Plus.


This is why obsession, hyperactivity, or unreliable recall can still be seen in dogs that sleep the recommended 18 to 20 hours a day. If they are getting everything they need in life, but only within that two-hour window, you're training them to meet their needs ASAP!Understanding the difference between stimulation and outlets is crucial, as you don't want to waste your time with pointless activities at home. Make the most of your time and dive deep into the world of outlets to alleviate your dog's frustration.


The importance of learning goes beyond just meeting your dog's needs.

Learning also includes understanding the best and worst times for enrichment. Why? It's because everything increases arousal, including both highly beneficial activities and those that can cause more problems. Some days, engaging in these life-changing activities won't help at all.


That's why MK9Plus does more than just offer tips—we aim to create competent dog parents and ensure dogs are in responsible hands! No more aimless enrichment just because someone said it would be good to do.

Comments

  1. Jayne11 January 2026 at 03:31

    Hi Max, this all makes absolute sense ...but, what can you do when you don't have another window of opportunity to walk your dog or, like mine, they have zero interest in morning or even lunchtime walks? (Mine is a typical couch potato greyhound type) And what outlets can you provide for a chaser that definitely can't be allowed to chase livestock....so that rules out most of Wales 🐑 and he can't be allowed off in forests or rural walks as he'll chase (and potentially nip) any dog that comes in sight? I get that chasing squirrels would lessen the urge to chase dogs ...but how do you get to that point? Cheers 🤗

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