Decompression walk with Tripp along the Menomonee River Parkway

Decompression walks are my new obsession. I’ve been wanting to write about them for awhile, but was hung up on how to find the words or talk about something so simple, yet profound. What is a decompression walk? Simply put, it's a walk in nature where a dog is allowed freedom of movement, to explore, sniff, forage, explore, roll in the grass, and just be a dog. This simple walk off leash or on a long line can lead to profound physical, emotional & behavioral benefits for our canine companions. Dogs are natural hunters and scavengers, they need to be able to go outdoors to chase, play, dig, roll in dead things & discover new smells. City life can be hard on some dogs. Walking on a short leash through busy streets might not always provide the enrichment or exercise your dog needs and can be stressful, overstimulating, and trigger reactivity.

“For dogs who experience fear, anxiety, stress, or reactivity during their daily walks, decompression time can serve as a vital stress relief and an important way to improve their behavioral health. Decompression walks allow dogs to be dogs and to engage in natural behaviors in a way that is calming and decompressing. Freedom of movement allows for choice and exploration. Freedom to sniff and explore provide both physical and mental stimulation.” - Jenny Efimova - Dog Minded

The term “decompression walk” was coined by canine behaviorist, trainer, and educator, Sarah Stremming, and I share her sentiments, “There is no way for me to explain to you the enormous benefit of the decompression walk. It will heal your dog, and it will heal you. You have to trust me and try it. Without fail, every single one of my students who has embraced it has cited massive unexpected benefits to their own physical and mental well-being, aside from the wonderful improvements in their dogs. Taking to the woods, it turns out, is good for humans too. “

Off Leash was founded on the same principles as decompression walks, dogs playing and adventuring in their natural environment, so when I heard Stremming talk about “decompression walks” on her Cog Dog Radio Podcast I got excited, and thought, YES! YES! YES! I get this, we do a version of this! Soon after we started using a long lead on our walks in nature, and started officially offering them as a service. Just recently our clients have been reporting back the results.

“I just wanted to say how impressed I am with how much braver Tripp seems after y’all’s adventures! We rented a cabin out in the middle of the woods and all Tripp wants to do is explore! He’s so much more confident and open for adventure than he’s been and we’re super grateful to you for helping him with that!” - Char & Lauren, Tripp’s parents

We started decompression walks with Tripp after his trainer, Jennifer Pratt at Wag The Dog & Company, suggested they might help with his nervousness and anxiety. We pick him up at home and drive him to our walk location, one of our favorites is along the Menomonee River Parkway. We use a back clip harness and a 20 - 30 ft biothane lead. Decompression walks are led by the dog, I will only call them if we encounter other people or dogs, or a potential danger. We do practice our recall with check-ins and they are rewarded every time they come to me, whether I call them, or not. Other than that, it's up to the dog to choose their adventure. You may also hear these types of walks called “sniffari’s” because a lot of nose work is being done. Acclaimed Animal behaviorist Dr. Patricia McConnell wrote a piece in 2016 called “Take Your Dog on a Sniff” and goes into the importance of scent and how “using their noses engages a dog’s brain in vital ways, and can prevent a raft of behavioral problems.” McConnell also goes into more detail on the importance of decompression walks and says “the best way I know to tire out a dog out in a healthy way is not to get it physical exercise, but to give it mental exercise. Tricks are one way to do that, but letting a dog use its nose-brain connection is another. You can do that by playing scent games, or going on walks (especially in new places), and the pay off is huge.”

So get out there and try it with your dog, we are eager to hear about your personal experiences & adventures. You can talk to us further about getting started with decompression sniffari’s for your best friend by emailing me: Lori@OffLeashMKE.com

Sources:

“The Life Changing Power of Decompression Walks” - Dog Minded - Jenny Efimova, KPA-CTP

“The Whole Picture” - The Cognitive Canine - Sarah Stremming

“The Best Exercise For a Dog is Using Its Nose” - The Other End of The Leash - Dr. Patricia McConnell, Phd