Beyond the Walk: Rethinking Movement, Enrichment & Agency with Niki French

Walking our dogs has become one of those unquestioned “shoulds” of dog guardianship.

But what if it’s not always the most supportive choice?

In this conversation with dog trainer and behaviour consultant, Niki French, we gently challenge the idea that going for a walk is always the best thing for our dogs—and explore what it really means to meet the needs of the dog in front of us.

We dive into ACE Free Work, developed by Sarah Fisher - a practice that might look simple on the surface, but offers something profound underneath:

A way for our dogs to be, rather than perform.

Through thoughtfully designed setups using everyday objects, ACE Free Work allows dogs to:

• Move at their own pace
• Make choices without pressure
• Process their environment
• Regulate their nervous system
• Communicate in ways we often miss in more structured settings

We explore how this work can be especially supportive for:

• Dogs who find walks overwhelming or dysregulating
• Dogs recovering from surgery or injury
• Guardians who want to better understand behaviour beyond labels

We also talk about the intention behind Don’t Walk Your Dog Day happening on April 2nd - a gentle disruption of the idea that going for a walk is always the answer. Because sometimes, the behaviour we’re trying to “fix” is actually a message. And sometimes, the most supportive thing we can do
is create space to listen.

This episode is an invitation to shift from doing to noticing, from controlling to collaborating, and from assumption to curiosity.

To connect with Niki:

https://puptalk.co.uk

Instagram https://instagram.com/puptalk101

Connect with me!

Website: https://mysticdogmama.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mysticdogmama

Come join my free Facebook group, First Light. It’s my sanctuary where soulful dog mamas like you find clarity, confidence, and connection https://facebook.com/groups/fetchfirstlight

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease, or replace medical guidance. Please speak with your veterinarian.