A dog walk can be a terrific way for you and your pet to get exercise; it is a way for you both to bond as well. However, it can also be a time of immense frustration, particularly if your dog does not walk calmly beside you. There are some things you can do to make a dog walk much more enjoyable for you and your fur baby. Below are some of the dos and don’ts when it comes to dog walking:
Do use the right equipment, say the good folk at Voyager Harness. This means using a suitable collar for dogs that can hold an identification tag, a harness, and a leash. It is important to ensure that your dog’s identification tag is up to date with the correct contact details. This means that should your dog somehow get free from his lead and get away he will be reunited with you quickly.
Do keep your dog on a short leash when you are training him, and teach him to walk beside you or even behind you. Dogs are pack animals, and he should see you as the leader of the pack. This means his place is never in front of you.
Do allow your dog to sniff about. Dogs experience the world through their sense of smell and will usually walk with their nose to the ground. Sniffing also provides your dog with mental stimulation, and it also helps to tire them out during the walk.
Do interact with your dog during the walk. Make sure that you are paying attention to your dog and praise him when he walks nicely. Keeping your eye on the dog will also ensure that he does not pick up anything that could be dangerous.
Do carry water with you, particularly when it is warm outside. Your dog will get thirsty, especially if you take some time to throw a ball or frisbee during the walk. Bring a dog-friendly water bottle with you so that he always has access to clean fresh water. Otherwise, you might find him drinking from a puddle of stagnant water.
Do take your dog for at least one walk per day. Exercise is important for your furry friend. Note that this is his absolute favorite part of the day. Even a short walk will keep him mentally stimulated and relieve his boredom.
Do not allow your dog to pull you around. Yes, a walk is exciting, and your dog will be eager to get to wherever you are going, but he must learn to walk beside or behind you. The minute you allow him to pull you, the more he will do it.
Do not use a harness with a back clip. Instead opt for one with a clip at the front as this will discourage pulling.
Do not use any equipment that will either hurt or cause discomfort for your dog. Some people choose choke chains or shock collars to try to train their dog not to pull, but there are better ways to do this. Be patient and consistent with your walking and offer treats when your pet is walking as expected.
Do not allow your dog off the leash unless it is safe to do so. You must consider the safety of your pet as well as others when considering whether to allow your dog off leash. Some dogs are fearful of other dogs and their owners would not appreciate it if your pet were to be bound up to theirs, even if it were just to say hello.
