Doggie wants to Explore! Some tips and tricks that you might not have known when it comes to taking your friend out for a walk.
It’s 9 p.m. And our Labrador Honey hears the sound of the pantry opening and her bio-degradable poop bag being snapped open. She anticipates the sequence of sounds signaling that her leash it about to rattle and that means only one thing…time for a walk. More than a walk. It is time to gather the scents of pee-mails left atop shrubs, along grassy areas, and doggie business cards signaling other canine visitors have passed through on their nightly ritual too.

Why walk your dog?
The eager anticipation for this delicious time is in the dogs genes…it is their instinct to roam and migrate for miles each day hunting for food and checking out the territory. It is the world beyond the backyard “kennel”and outside the house. Walking helps to satisfy this instinct and it is beneficial exercise for both pet and master as well as bonding time. A dog is also in a relaxed state of mind after exercise and consequently destructive tendencies lessen after exercise, especially when dogs are left at home during the day. We know dogs like to go on walks but they do not like to be pulled along and neither do dog-owners.
 

Tips to keeping walking a positive experience:

•  Walk your dog on a leash. Some forget this simple safety requirement. The leash allows a safe connection to our dogs in case of surprises, emergencies, or situations where attention is hard to get or keep. Try a pinch collar if your dog is a puller for better control. A dog not on a leash can quickly resort to “tunnel vision” and run after other animals or distractions, even if trained not to do so and you have no control over a possible serious injury. Some walkers use a harness. Be careful with retractable leashes as the dog can bolt and entangle the walker and/or the dog. It has been in the news of accidents where the walker has lost a finger when it is caught in the retractable cord. If your dog is very strong, these leashes sometimes dismantle.
•  Make sure dogs are allowed where you are planning to walk.
• Pick up after your dog.
• Hydrate your dog if out during warm weather or a long walk. Disposable zip locks or collapsible cups, or just cupping your hand can work as a water bowl.
• Identification. Make sure your dog has a couple forms if identification. Name tags and collars can get lost but the micro-chip will back up the name tag. Some areas require a person to carry the dog’s rabies certificate.
• Is your dog ready? Make sure your dog is healthy enough and trained enough to walk the distance you wish to go and remain at your side. Start with short distances. Overdoing it right away can cause soreness, even for a dog.

What’s next?
You have your supplies and are prepared. For the novice, here are some pointers on how to begin. Keep in mind you want to walk your dog at your side; not have your dog pull you.

• Before you leave the house, call your dog to you. Do not go to the dog. Have him sit calmly and then slide on the collar. We are establishing who the leader will be.
• Take the dog to the front door and open it. Have your dog sit quietly/ not bolt out the door. Doggie must see you are the one leading.
• Once doggie sits quietly at the exit, it is time to leave. You exit first.
• Keep the collar far up on the neck for better control.
• Keep your dog to your left side on a short leash. If he pulls, stop and wait then praise when he looks at you and stops walking. If your dog gets too excited, have them sit next to you until calm and then start walking again, left foot first
• Give off calm and assertive energy. Walk at a good pace and display confidence as your dog will pickup on tension and uncertainty. Remember again that you lead, not your dog. It is advised that dogs sit at crosswalks and when the walker stops to talk.

What if  I am approaching a barking dog?
Keep moving forward and if you sense your dog is about to be distracted, tug on the lead to avert attention back to the walk and say “leave it”. Correct excited behavior right when you anticipate it coming. Timing is everything!  Caution: Dog parks do not relax a dog.  The dog will remain in an excited state while romping in a dog park. If you are planning on going to one, take a long walk first to tire them out.

How d I teach my dog not to pull while walking?

When the dog is about to apply any tension to the leash at all, immediately stop. When the dog turns to see what happened to you, praise for his attention. Encourage the dog back into a heel position next to you.

As long as the dog is in this spot next to your leg, continue praising and give rewards, make it wonderful. Always repeat whenever there is pulling. Be consistent and never move forward when the leash is tight.

What if I stop and my dog keeps pulling?
Then just wait, turn and abruptly walk away (dog still on leash of course) this will set your dog off balance and he will turn toward you. Then praise as he catches up next to your leg. Your goal is to not have tension on the leash but rather a loose leash walk in time.

Satisfy your dogs urge to migrate and you will bond along the way. Remember if you and your dog have been out for very vigorous activity or running, do not feed your dog right before or after but rather wait. Meals too close to a lot of activity can lead to a twisted tummy and bloat in certain breeds who are prone to this and this can be fatal if left unattended. Check with your vet.

Sources:
Walkfido.com
Diamondsintheruff.com
Loveyourdog.com
Dogbreedinfo.com
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