Apparently, picking up the leash is the dog equivalent of announcing that you’ve won the lottery. Suddenly, they’re ready to go, and preferably five minutes ago. With National Walk Your Dog Week here, it’s a good excuse to give in to the excitement and make those fall walks part of your regular routine.

Dogs need that time outside to sniff, explore, and investigate every leaf, mailbox, squirrel, and suspicious-looking patch of grass along the way. A walk gives them a chance to use their brains as well as their legs, which can make a surprising difference once you’re back home. A dog who gets plenty of opportunities to explore and burn off some energy is often a little more relaxed and a lot less interested in redecorating your living room with their toys.

Fall is also a great time to switch up your usual route. Try a quiet neighborhood street, a nearby trail, or let your dog enjoy a slower, sniff-filled walk instead of rushing to hit a certain distance. They do not need every walk to be a fitness challenge. Sometimes stopping to smell approximately 47 leaves is the whole point.

Also while you are out, walks can be a great time to work on better behavior, too. Bring a few treats if your dog is practicing leash manners, reward them for checking in with you, and give them plenty of space around distractions when you can. Not every walk will be perfect, and that’s okay. Dogs have their moments and so do we.

This National Walk Your Dog Week, grab the leash, enjoy the cooler weather, and let your dog take the scenic route once in a while. You might come home with a tired, happier dog and maybe enjoy the walk yourself more than you expected.