STOP Walking Your Dog is the, perhaps contentious, title of this modern dog training book, by dog trainer and podcaster, Niki French. Surely all dogs need and love their daily walks?

But for anyone with a nervous, reactive, or over-excitable dog, the reality of walking their dog can be a real challenge.

It might be a surprise for some, but traditional ‘walks’ are a human invention and aren’t helpful for some of our dogs. Yes, dogs need exercise, mental stimulation, and exposure to nature. But walking dogs less or taking a break from walks completely for a while, can for some dogs end the cycle of constant exposure to stressful experiences.

The book is not saying you should stop walking your dog and sit back and watch Netflix! This is about understanding your dog and fulfilling their physical and mental needs in a whole variety of ways. This may, or may not, involve a walk.

This book helps people understand why their dog might be reacting in the way that they do. And helps people to feel less social pressure to take their pup for a walk, no matter what.

It’s packed with dog training, alternative activities, and lifestyle tips to be a practical book for anyone with a dog. You can learn how to train your dog or puppy at home to grow the skills they need for life, whatever their age, breed or background.

It’s also a useful guide to starting out with a puppy. Or picking up some tips for things to do when the weather is too hot or too cold to want to take your dog out. Or if you’re unable to walk due to mental or physical health struggles. Perhaps you have a dog that can’t go for a walk due to surgery or illness or old age, but they still need a fully enriched life.

Learn really practical, fun and easy ways to train your dog and help them (and you!) live calmer and happier lives.

STOP Walking Your Dog is easy to read, and available in paperback, Kindle and Audible. There is also a link to videos of the training games described in the book.

Niki French is a dog-mad, people-loving dog trainer, founder of Pup Talk and Twickenham Dog Services. Her dog Bodie, is an over-excitable Collie Lurcher X, from Battersea Cats and Dog Home.