I think it’s easy in this ever-evolving world of dog training and behaviour, to get caught up in absolutes. "Always do this," "never do that." But as any seasoned professional in the trenches – or indeed, any dog guardian who has navigated a challenging behaviour – will tell you, the reality is far more complex. The truth is, when it comes to our canine companions, the most accurate answer to many questions is often: "It depends."

The Spark: When Opposing Views Ignite Deeper Thinking

The idea of nuance and “it depends” has been writ large for me recently. I, along with the rest of the PACT team, attended the APBC conference last year and this theme kept coming up over and over. Also, whenever we get asked an awesome question from one of our students, be it at our in-person fieldwork days or via email or social media, the answer often begins with “it depends”… This very idea was thrown into sharp focus for us recently. We have just released a fascinating Barks from the Bookshelf podcast episode with the wonderful Niki French, author of "Stop! Walking Your Dog." Niki’s book and our conversation explored the concept of strategically reducing or even temporarily stopping walks for dogs who are overexcited, anxious, or fearful. The aim? To take the pressure off, lower stress levels, and create space for learning and confidence-building in a more controlled environment. I think we can all get behind that idea right?

Listen to the Barks from the Bookshelf episode with Niki French

However, the very same day, a thought-provoking Facebook post surfaced from respected trainer and behaviourist, PACT member AND DOGX 2025 speaker, Roz Pooley. Roz shared her evolving perspective on recommending prolonged breaks from walks, a practice she utilized more frequently about a decade ago. She detailed why she now rarely advises this, highlighting potential downsides and what she typically recommends instead. These two, seemingly opposed views, got me thinking and led to this blog.

Read Roz Pooley's Facebook Post Here

Different Angles, Same Goal?

At first glance, these might seem like two diametrically opposed viewpoints. One advocating for fewer or no walks in certain situations, the other cautioning against prolonged breaks. It’s the kind of scenario that we often see fuel online debates and leave dog guardians (and even professionals) feeling confused. But here’s where the beauty of nuance comes in.

I’m fairly sure that if Niki and Roz were to sit down and discuss a specific dog presenting with a particular set of challenges, the likelihood is they’d find a significant amount of common ground. Their ultimate goal is identical: to improve the well-being of the dog and support the guardian in achieving a more harmonious relationship with their dog. The difference lies in the individual assessment of the dog, the human, AND their unique circumstances.

Understanding Concerns: When Might a Long Break Be Counterproductive?

Roz’s detailed post, which you can see she thoughtfully shared, outlines her concerns about prolonged walk breaks for many dogs. She rightfully points out concerns throughout the well written piece including:

Limited space
Routine disruption
Reintroduction challenges
Potential for increased frustration or guarding
Intensifying in-home issues

However, in the same article, Roz also clearly states when she might still recommend a short break: if "the dog appears quite happy to stay at home or perhaps doesn't even want to go for a walk in the first place," or if "walks are very clearly identified as a huge stressor that the dog needs a longer break from to recover and re-set," and crucially, if "the home has to be a sanctuary for the dog."

Connecting the Dots: Where Perspectives Can Align

This is precisely where the nuance lies. Niki French’s approach of reducing walk pressure is often aimed at those very dogs for whom walks are a massive stressor, where the home can be made a sanctuary for focused training and decompression. It's about quality over quantity and ensuring that outings, when they happen, are productive and positive, rather than continually triggering.

Beyond 'No Walks': Exploring a Spectrum of Solutions

I really appreciated how Roz outlines alternatives to completely sacking off the daily stroll that many trainers, including those who might advocate for strategic walk breaks, would endorse. These include:

Secure field walks
Reviewing walk locations
Reducing walk frequency or duration
Adjusting walk activities
Rest days

The Heart of the Matter: Individual Assessment is King

The key takeaway from both Niki’s and Roz’s perspectives is that assessment is paramount. There simply is no one-size-fits-all prescription. Factors such as the dog's individual temperament, breed predispositions, past experiences, current physical health, the specific behavioural issue, the home environment, the owner's lifestyle and capabilities, and the available resources all play a crucial role in determining the best path forward.

A young, energetic dog living in a small space with no garden will have vastly different needs to an elderly, fearful dog who finds the outside world overwhelming but has a secure, quiet garden. A dog experiencing chronic pain will require a different approach to one whose reactivity stems from a single traumatic event.

Why Expert Guidance is Non-Negotiable

This is why, when you're facing behavioural challenges with your dog, seeking guidance from an accredited professional trainer or behaviourist is so vital. These individuals are skilled in assessing the myriad of contributing factors – the nuances – and developing a tailored plan. They understand that what works wonders for one dog might be detrimental to another. They can help you determine if a break from walks, a change in walking routine, specific training exercises, environmental management, or a combination of approaches is the most appropriate course of action for each wonderful, individual, deliciously complicated and nuanced dog.

Embracing Nuance: The Path to Happier Dogs and Humans

So, the next time you hear conflicting advice either at the pub, on the socials or in the dog training world, remember the power of "it depends." Consider the source, understand their reasoning, but most importantly, focus on finding a professional who can help you understand the unique needs of your own dog and guide you with a nuanced, individualized approach. Because ultimately, that’s what leads to lasting, positive change. Embracing nuance, and seeking expert support when needed, is the most promising path to happier dogs and happier humans. That’s something we can all agree on.

It Depends... How Nuance is Crucial in the World of Dog Training and Behaviour