With 'National Walk Your Dog Month' at an end, it is important to make sure you and your pooch get the most out of your walkies.

Caroline Spencer, natural canine behaviourist at dog food company Bella & Duke, has shared her top 10 tips on how to improve daily walks for owners and pets in Kent.

Walking your furry friends on a regular basis is said to be beneficial for both dogs and their owners.

It not only helps maintain your pup's physical health, but it is a great opportunity to spend time with your dog, clear your mind and get in some steps too.

Caroline explained: "Walking your pet should be fun for both you and your dog. It’s how we often start and finish our days and can have a positive impact on the direction of our day.

"It has long been proven that walking has a number of benefits for wellbeing and it needn’t be monotonous, take time to enjoy yourself and your dog will thank you for it!"

Here are a few tips on how to making your walks one of the most beneficial parts of the day:

Remove distractions

Make this special moment as an opportunity to connect to your pet.

Putting your phone away is one of the best ways to avoid getting distracted while out walking your dog.

You get the best fun when you are fully present.

Try different locations

Bringing variety to your walks can make them less draining and uninviting.

Go with the flow and let your dog decide whether to go left or right - or maybe go somewhere new and exciting.

Stay warm

Make sure to keep yourself and your dog warm and active when out and about.

Wrap up your pooch up and ensure they stay on the move, as staying inside can be quite tempting in a cold frosty day.

If your dog has less hair, like whippets and greyhounds, try popping a coat on them or make their walk slighty shorter if they don't like clothing.

Opportunities for sniffing and enrichment

Sniffing around is a good way to engage your dog's brain.

Playing with toys on your walk is also recommended as you can have fun and connect with your pet.

Resting is also good

There is no problem in not feeling up to a long walk every once in a while.

If your pet is feeling tired and doesn't want to step out into the cold, have a rest day with short trips out to do the necessaries.

Influencing your dog

Your pup can be influenced by your body language - if you often find yourself worrying about crossing paths with other dogs that could aggravate your own pet.

Therefore try different routes where you are sure to have more control over.

Post-walkies dog care

Make sure to regularly check your dog's paws after a walk.

Paws can often get clogged up with snow and grit during the winter months, and will become sore if not taken care of.

Your dog will also get colder quicker.

Take in your surroundings

Take in your surroundings when enjoying the quieter hours of the day.

A great way to do so is to start foraging for wild foods such as raspberries to share with your dog. Make sure to always check what is safe for both of you to eat, of course.

Get them back to nature and help them do what comes naturally to them.

Keeping stimulated

Just like us humans, dogs can get bored or even depressed if they don't get enough mental and physical stimulation.

That's why it is vital to engage with your pet and explore new places for them to smell.

Picking walking times

If possible, leave your walks until a little later when the sun is up or at least the temperature has gone up a little bit.

To keep spirits high for both you and your pup, try take the opportunity when there is a break in the weather.