The Three Trails I Actually Use

Places where dogs can be dogs is where they belong. Their walk is no different.

We all love dogs because they are joyous companions. They are just happy to be involved. But them being easy to please doesn't mean we give them the bare minimum. These walks are how we release energy — so the dog that comes home is a calm one.

I switch up locations deliberately. I enjoy it, and I notice how some dogs are extra sniffy when we return to a spot we haven't visited in a week. They remember. It matters to them.

• Salgados Lagoon

  Using the eastern Praia Grande parking lot as our base, the lagoon is a fantastic environment. The two trails leading to the bird observation post are excellent, especially for the 2-degree cooler breeze from the ocean. I love seeing the flamingos and various birds here, though I always stay mindful of uneven ruts, horse tours, and local shepherds with their flocks.

• Galé Beachside Paths

  These dirt tracks and boardwalks between Galé and Salgados offer beautiful elevated overlooks of the water. I time these for early morning or sunset to ensure a calm, peaceful environment. Because of the boardwalks, I carefully evaluate this route for dogs with reactivity to ensure the experience remains positive for everyone.

• Pêra Farm Tracks

  With over 1,000 walks on these tracks, I know them inside out — especially the "around the cork tree" route. I know which properties have a dog, cat, or donkey. While the sand and clay terrain is predictable, I am always prepared for rabbits or shepherd flocks to ensure the walk stays safe and structured.

Some areas we walk can have a large set of stairs if you make the wrong turn or go too far. As my dog has aged, I learned to focus my attention on what type of walk she does best on — boardwalks with fewer stairs, trails with fewer hills. Younger dogs basically handle whatever you throw at them, but we move as a pack and these considerations help keep the group moving their legs.