Hints on Walking Your Dog
Scores of dog owners walk their pets daily, however very few have ever given any thought to the right methods that can make this activity as enjoyable as possible. Often regarded as a chore, dog walking for many owners is considered a necessary evil to be performed as quickly as possible in order to proceed to more pressing issues. Sadly this not only shortchanges the dog, but also the owner. By making some simple preparations and using several basic approaches, pet owners can make their dog walking experience considerably more satisfying. Let's look at a few ways that should work for every dog owner.
Build An Understanding of Pet Behavior
Before taking your pet for a walk, there are a variety of behavioral challenges with which you ought to be acquainted to guarantee a nice experience. Possibly the most crucial one is that of control, or answering the question of Who's the Leader? For an owner to be able to effectively manage a dog's behavior and allow their pet the best walking experience possible, they have to create a leadership position. The best way to accomplish this is to train a dog to walk at heel alongside or behind its' master by using positive reinforcement, like treats, to encourage the wanted conduct. Once this has been achieved, your dog will be much more comfortable and behave more acceptably.
Find a Good Dog Walking Route
Frequently dog owners just grab their dog, a leash and head out of the house on their walk without much thought, but doing just a bit of advanced planning will help. First, it's best to evaluate the purpose of the walk before launching down the road. Is it a quick toilet break, a fitness walk, or a training hike? Certainly you should plan your route accordingly. When exercising, it's best to settle on an area where your dog is less likely to interfere with bikers or others that might be easily disturbed. In addition, if you're planning on focusing on some dog training, it's best to select a location that is free of distraction. No matter, selecting an environment that matches the purpose is preferred.
Preparing for Your Walk
The way in which you get ready for your walk sets the tone for the entire experience, so it is crucial that you approach it in an orderly way. First, you should supply yourself with a 12 to 15 foot, non-retractable leash, along with treats if you intend to do any training. Before starting off, have your pet sit calmly by your side before attaching any leash. It needs to be located high up the neck to affect control with minimum effort. Some dogs (such as a Whippet or Italian Greyhound) may require a harness to prevent the collar falling right off its neck when tugged. Continuing to the door, have the dog sit calmly next to the door; once opened you ought to lead the dog outside.
During the Walk
Exiting the home, it will be important to monitor your dog's behavior to ensure that it continues to be acceptable. Walking by your side or slightly behind, your dog should feel at ease and the teather should be short and hang loosely. Occasionally your dog may get distracted or excited and start pulling or walking in front of you. Should this occur, attempt to correct it with a soft tug, however, if the behavior continues you should have the dog sit and wait until it is calm again. Lastly, walk confidently since your dog can sense emotional stress and will question your leadership. Though walking you dog needs some normal oversight, you'll find that both you and your dog will enjoy it more.
Sometimes regarded as an unpleasant chore, a walk can be much more enjoyable for both dog owners and their pets with some simple preparation. Having an understanding of dog behavior, finding the proper environment, preparing for the walk and then proper monitoring during the walk, both owners and pets will find their regular strolls much more enjoyable.
Build An Understanding of Pet Behavior
Before taking your pet for a walk, there are a variety of behavioral challenges with which you ought to be acquainted to guarantee a nice experience. Possibly the most crucial one is that of control, or answering the question of Who's the Leader? For an owner to be able to effectively manage a dog's behavior and allow their pet the best walking experience possible, they have to create a leadership position. The best way to accomplish this is to train a dog to walk at heel alongside or behind its' master by using positive reinforcement, like treats, to encourage the wanted conduct. Once this has been achieved, your dog will be much more comfortable and behave more acceptably.
Find a Good Dog Walking Route
Frequently dog owners just grab their dog, a leash and head out of the house on their walk without much thought, but doing just a bit of advanced planning will help. First, it's best to evaluate the purpose of the walk before launching down the road. Is it a quick toilet break, a fitness walk, or a training hike? Certainly you should plan your route accordingly. When exercising, it's best to settle on an area where your dog is less likely to interfere with bikers or others that might be easily disturbed. In addition, if you're planning on focusing on some dog training, it's best to select a location that is free of distraction. No matter, selecting an environment that matches the purpose is preferred.
Preparing for Your Walk
The way in which you get ready for your walk sets the tone for the entire experience, so it is crucial that you approach it in an orderly way. First, you should supply yourself with a 12 to 15 foot, non-retractable leash, along with treats if you intend to do any training. Before starting off, have your pet sit calmly by your side before attaching any leash. It needs to be located high up the neck to affect control with minimum effort. Some dogs (such as a Whippet or Italian Greyhound) may require a harness to prevent the collar falling right off its neck when tugged. Continuing to the door, have the dog sit calmly next to the door; once opened you ought to lead the dog outside.
During the Walk
Exiting the home, it will be important to monitor your dog's behavior to ensure that it continues to be acceptable. Walking by your side or slightly behind, your dog should feel at ease and the teather should be short and hang loosely. Occasionally your dog may get distracted or excited and start pulling or walking in front of you. Should this occur, attempt to correct it with a soft tug, however, if the behavior continues you should have the dog sit and wait until it is calm again. Lastly, walk confidently since your dog can sense emotional stress and will question your leadership. Though walking you dog needs some normal oversight, you'll find that both you and your dog will enjoy it more.
Sometimes regarded as an unpleasant chore, a walk can be much more enjoyable for both dog owners and their pets with some simple preparation. Having an understanding of dog behavior, finding the proper environment, preparing for the walk and then proper monitoring during the walk, both owners and pets will find their regular strolls much more enjoyable.
About the Author:
Regina T. Roby is a passionate pet owner that has lived through countless dog emergencies with her curious Lab Paco and hyper Yorkie Bob. As a result, she's found dog insurance indispensable in limiting big vet bills and is an avid supporter of pet insurance for every owner.
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