Follow, Play, Explore - A Recipe For Fulfillment

Walking with our dogs isn't just about exercise. It's also about fulfilment and a fulfilled dog is happier, more relaxed and takes things more easily in its stride. Part of this is about the physical side of releasing energy but there's so much more to the instinctual side of the walk than simply being dog-tired. To be fulfilling, a walk has three instinctive, natural phases. 

Follow Mode:

While exploring and playing are healthy and natural behaviours for your dog, following your lead is equally important. During this stage of a walk, their nose is off the ground, their body is relaxed and they’re taking cues from you. Think of this as a moving meditation. You are the most relevant thing to your dog and everything else is just passing by. You're soft and relaxed and your dog is riding along beside you on this soft, harmonious wave. Buckling up Scout to its shortest length is ideal for “Follow Mode.” This allows them to walk calmly and quietly and be right by your side, both physically and mentally. It also gives you better guidance and control whenever you need it.

Explore Mode:

Did you know that 60 percent of your dog’s brain is wired to their nose? That’s why they stop what feels like every five seconds to sniff yet another patch of grass. We might roll our eyes in amusement — but exploring with their snout is critical to a fulfilling walk for our dogs.

With the Scout Leash fully extended in “Explore Mode,” your dog has the freedom to meander, investigate fun smells on the walking path, mark their territory … you name it. And thanks to the flexible bungee section, Scout softens any jarring stops or directional changes (rabbit!), but prevents your dog from moving out of reach.

Play Mode:

Last but not least, we have playtime! Squeezing a little bit of active play into your dog’s walk provides mental and physical stimulation, tuckers them out, teaches them important social skills, and helps you form a deeper bond with your dog.

In “Play Mode,” you can detach Scout from your dog’s collar or harness — and then wrap it around your torso, bandolier style, and fasten the carabiner through the handle to secure it. That way, you’ll have your hands free for frisbee throwing, hiking the single track or taking a jaunt through the dog park.

Pro-tip: You can even attach your water bottle and your dog’s Nano Bowl to the carabiner during playtime, so you don’t have to carry them or bring an extra bag.