What does wool have to do with decompression walks?

I was 8 years old when I held my first pair of knitting needles. I remember my mother sitting me in front of her and instructing me on how to make little knots with two metal needles that felt too long and awkward in my young hands. The joy of knitting grabbed hold of my attention almost immediately. Soon I was off to the (knitting) races with my needles, my yarn, and my dreams of pot holders, washing clothes, and scarves. Once I decided to try more complicated knitting patterns; such as socks, mittens, and eventually sweaters, I discovered a knitting conviction that has followed me my entire life:

Never substitute wool.

Regarding my knitting projects, the one element I won’t substitute is wool fiber. The advantages of wool fiber are worth it to me. If a project I’m knitting calls for wool as my fiber, you can bet I’m knitting with wool. Wool is a fiber that provides both warmth and cooling abilities. Wool is water resistant. I love the texture of wool fibers and the stitch definition.

However, the NO-SUBSTITUTION guideline I follow goes beyond the wool in my knitting basket. In the world of my poodles, there is something else that I never substitute - the decompression walk.

As a poodle owner, it's essential for me to provide not only physical exercise but also mental stimulation for my dogs. I’ve found that the best, most consistent, and most productive way to provide this stimulation on a regular basis is through the decompression walk.

Sarah Stremming, a dog trainer I highly recommend, describes the decompression walk as "a walk where the dog is allowed freedom of movement in nature."

This could be in the woods, a park, on a beach, or anywhere else where a poodle can explore and be in nature. Unlike a regular walk where a person and poodle simply go around the neighborhood, a decompression walk allows the poodle to engage in natural behaviors such as sniffing, digging, and running within a natural setting. It provides mental stimulation, which is important for the poodle's brain health and behavior. When a poodle is allowed to explore and engage with nature on their own terms, they use their brain to process and make sense of new information. This kind of mental activity can tire them out just as much as a physical workout.

At first glance, a decompression walk may look like nothing more than an opportunity to take a break from the routine of neighborhood walks. But, in reality, the benefits of a decompression walk go beyond that. As Sarah Stremming explains, "The cumulative effect of regular decompression walks is a sharper, more confident, more resilient dog."

The benefits of a decompression walk will even go beyond mental stimulation.

As the days and weeks pass of consistent decompression walks, a more confident and relaxed poodle can emerge. They'll also start to become more resilient in other areas of their life, including interactions with other dogs and people in your neighborhood. I believe it is the opportunity for a poodle to get to be a poodle, fully consumed in her own dogness. And when this opportunity is provided, a poodle will always rise to the occasion.

A weekly decompression walk is an essential activity that we as poodle owners should never substitute. This type of walking and exploring provides mental stimulation, encourages natural instincts, and promotes overall well-being for your poodle.

The next time you decide to walk your poodle, take them on a decompression walk somewhere in nature and watch them thrive!

If you’re a knitter, or ever decide to take up knitting; trust me when I say don’t substitute the wool. And as a poodle owner, a decompression walk is something that should be prioritized as it provides mental stimulation and promotes overall well-being in our poodles. Whether you're a knitter or a poodle owner, remember that some ingredients and activities are irreplaceable for a reason. Stick with the real stuff and watch your crafts and your poodle thrive.