Raising a chocobo for Smart/Receptive stats, AKA Digger choco

[Vyuru]

I have a question on raising a smart chocobo for digging.

I plan on following Sabaron's guide, but I was wondering just what does taking my chocobo out for a short/medium/long walk do besides raise affection?

I am a tad bit concerned that taking her out for walks myself may be the same effect as having the chocobo lady taking her out for walks around the town, raising strength and lowering mental abilities.

[Taskmage]

I haven't seen any evidence that the personal care options do anything to affect stats other than affection, but even assuming that they do the effect is so minor that it'll be easily overridden by your care plans. Remember also that when you go on walks your chocobo has a chance to find and dig up items for you, which relates to discernment, and meet and develop relationships with other chocobos, which fits with receptivity.