#SilverSlippers: Inspire Your Dog Walks

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

I've been walking dogs for more years than I care to admit. They make good motivation and great company. Beyond that, though, I can't help but notice that as they age they need something different--a bit of a changing up--not only in pace but in approach. Between Tanner and I, we're totally almost 130 years of life experience. We're making some changes to enjoy our walks in different ways. Read on....

Walking your senior dog has never been so safe or as fun as it will be starting right now. After a recent walk with Tanner--just the two of us--we seemed to be on the same page. We're both approaching our Golden years, although his will be more Golden (aka Retriever) than mine. :) We'll be working to share our tips for walking more safely, having more fun, and getting more inspiration out of your daily walks, even as you and your dog age and slow down a bit. It's time to stop and smell the pee-mail, or maybe just the flowers. :)

Before I commence with tips and ideas, inspiration and problem-solving, I'd love to hear from you. What are your issues with walking, both for you and for your senior dog? Tell me all about it in the comments and give me your no holds barred version of what you need help with. I'm out to find more ways to make our dogs' Golden walks, as well as our own, more fun, more safe, and more inspiring. Enter #SilverSlippers, our series on ways to modify, improve and enjoy your walks even more as your dog ages.

First, let's be clear. #SilverSlippers is not just a series for senior dogs. Just as the name may intimate, silver is a microstep younger than Golden. Tanner is not yet ready for a meandering walk to the mailbox and back. He needs more stimulation, variety and fun. Finally, the second part of the name--slippers--refers to our walking, and how it may be changing from an athletic pursuit to one more aptly described as a time for wonder, reflection, bonding and soul-searching, while still providing exercise, of course.

All that said, I invite you to join us for ideas to theme your walks, changeup your approach, and give your dog some much-needed brainwork along the way. This is our opportunity to learn from one another and find new and enjoyable ways to keep us all walking happily for years to come. Watch for this series to appear often on Saturdays when we seek to inspire you with information to help you bond with your dog at our #WeeklyWag. I'll return soon with the first of this series. Be sure to subscribe if you'd like to be sure you don't miss this series.

Grab your #SilverSlippers and let's get walking,