This makes walking the dog a stress-free experience again for both of you.

Who is actually walking with whom here? Dog lovers ask themselves this question from time to time. Sometimes the dog tugs at the leash and wants to get on quickly, sometimes you're in a hurry or want to be a bit more sporty, and your dog dawdles around and sniffs every bush by the side of the path. There are solutions for this. If you keep a few simple things in mind, you and your faithful companion will have much more fun on your daily walk.

Tip 1: Avoid stress and distraction
For a nice walk, avoid stress and temporarily do without your smartphone. Take your time and devote yourself completely to your dog without being distracted by permanent digital availability. Try not to think about errands, yesterday or tomorrow. Do as your dog does. Live in the moment. In the here and now! Your relaxation will be transferred to the dog and you can enjoy the walk together with him.

Tip 2: Be considerate of other walkers and dogs
If everyone looks out for each other, the walk will be fun for everyone. If another dog comes towards you on a leash, leash your faithful companion as well. Let him walk closely with you until you reach the other dog. Most of the time the other dog is on a lead for a reason. If he seems frightened, don't just let your dog run to him either. Stay attentive and considerate, then you can avoid unpleasant experiences and everyone gets more out of the relaxed nature experience.

Tip 3: Variety is the spice of life
Many people tend to repeat the tried and tested. This provides security. But dogs also start to get bored if they always experience the same thing. Look for variety. Run cross-country or take the usual walk the other way round. Take your dog to a completely new area. There is much to discover together. Different soil and smells, earth to dig. Maybe even a swim in a lake. Offer your dog new and surprising experiences.

Tip 4: Let your dog take the lead now and then
Surprise your dog and let him decide which way to go. A good place for this would be an area where you can let your dog run free. Wait patiently until your dog starts running on its own. Many dogs hesitate to go ahead at first. If the dog follows his nose and his nature, he will enthusiastically lead the way when you accompany him. He may run the familiar route or discover new paths. If the dog cannot run freely, a loose leash will also work. If you get lost, a dog that is used to leading is more useful than Google Maps.

Tip 5: Experience adventures together
Mastering something new gives us self-confidence. Get out of your comfort zone. In summer, you could enjoy swimming in the lake together with your dog. Discover nature as an adventure playground. Balance on a fallen tree, run along a rushing torrent, climb a small mountain or hop from tree stump to tree stump. Discovering nature in a new way offers you and your dog an exciting nature experience. You yourself will get a completely new view of your surroundings and your dog will be thrilled to experience these adventures together with you.

Tip 6: Work with rewards
Is your dog distracted somewhere while sniffing around? Surprise him with some treats or a toy that you simply drop at the edge of the forest. Kneel down there and play around in the grass with your fingers. Your dog will be curious and want to see what's there. As soon as he is with you, praise him, give him the toy or treats. This creates a link in the dog's mind: "When I come to my mistress/master, there will be a reward! With play, fun and rewards, you will achieve that your dog comes to you despite great distractions and you can let him run free more often.

Tip 8: Master unpleasant situations together
Never force your dog to endure an unpleasant situation alone. You should convey to him that you have everything under control and that he does not have to worry about you. You provide protection and security and he can look to you for guidance. This does not mean that you should always avoid negative situations or actively avoid them. That way you will only get a fearful dog. You don't want that. Set a good example and your dog will follow.

Tip 9: Communicate with body language
Not talking does not mean that you refrain from communicating with your dog. For once, say nothing and speak only with your body. Dogs usually cannot decipher our words and therefore pay close attention to our body language in order to understand us. Observe yourself when you give your dog a word command. You may be indicating something completely opposite with your body that does not match the word. This can be quite confusing for your dog.

Tip 10: Just let the dog be a dog
A dog senses its surroundings with its nose. Give him as many opportunities as possible to sniff out the area. Every house corner, rubbish bin and tree contains smells and important information for the dog. In this way, he learns everything about the mood and health of the other dogs in the neighbourhood. Even if it seems disgusting for us humans that the dog sniffs the urine of other dogs, it is important for him and a completely natural behaviour.