Longlivedog.com – With summer coming close and the colder months just around the corner, many of us are thinking about how we will keep our dogs entertained. And one of the easiest ways to do that is by walking them. But things can always go wrong even if you have a great routine down. That’s why it’s essential to have some control when you’re out and about with your furry friend. Here are a few tips on how to get more power when walking your dog.
Understand the Basics of Dog Walking
If you’re like most people, your dog loves a good walk. But sometimes dogs can be difficult to control while they’re on a walk. Here are the basics of dog walking that will help you get more control:
- Start slowly. Start by walking at a slow pace and gradually increase the speed as your dog becomes more comfortable. If your dog is already excited or restless before you even start walking, it will be harder to keep them under control.
- Use a leash. Most dogs enjoy being walked on a leash, giving you better control over them. If your dog is too strong for a leash, use an appropriate lead, such as an e-collar or head collar. Once you’ve identified anxiety symptoms, try limiting the amount of stimulation (by playing with your dog before walking) or using positive reinforcement (giving your dog treats while walking).
- Focus on their body language. If your dog is resisting your efforts to walk them, look for signs of stress, such as tail wagging slowly or flattened ears.
- Reward good behaviour. When your dog walks well by following all these steps and staying calm during walks, offer positive reinforcement such as petting or verbal praise. This will help encourage good behaviour in the future and make walks more enjoyable for both of you!
Choose the Right Gear for Walking Your Dog
There must be a correct answer to what kind of gear you should bring when walking your dog. However, here are some tips to help you choose the right equipment for your needs:
1. Choose the correct type of leash
When choosing a leash, it’s essential to consider your dog’s size, weight and temperament. A retractable leash is an excellent option for controlling your dog while running or playing. Still, a conventional collar and leash are typically more suitable if you only wish to have limited control over your dog while they’re walking.
2. Consider the size of your dog’s body
If you have a large or powerful dog, you may need to invest in a heavier leash to hold onto them safely. Conversely, if you have a small or docile dog, using a lightweight leash will give you more control over their movement.
3. Get fitted for a proper fit
Before starting your new walking routine, get fitted for the appropriate type of harness and collar for your dog. Harnesses and collars come in different sizes, so select one that fits snugly without hurting your pet’s skin.
4. Train Your Dog to Walk on a leash
When walking your dog on a leash, you can do a few things to help ensure that your dog stays under control. Start by training your dog early on to walk politely on a leash. This can be done by rewarding them when they behave quietly and stay close to you.
You can also use treats or verbal commands to get the dog’s attention and guide them towards you while holding onto the leash, making sure not to pull too hard. If your dog is behaving aggressively or pulling away from you, you should start by practising strolling with the leash before adding the collar and lead.
If your dog is well-trained and behaves calmly around other people and dogs, using a leash will help keep them safe while walking. Be aware of areas where dogs are allowed but not leashed, such as some parks and beaches, as these may have rules prohibiting leashes. Additionally, be mindful of traffic near busy streets and sidewalks when taking your pup for a walk – always keep them out of the way of cars!
4. Be Patient with Your Dog When He Walks Abruptly
When your dog starts walking abruptly, it may be due to several reasons. One possibility is that your dog is startled, so take things slowly. If the behaviour pops up consistently, there is a bigger problem. If your dog regularly walks away from you or veers off course, he may have developed separation anxiety or barking behaviour when left alone. If this is the case, consult your vet to see if medication or therapy may help.
Be patient with your dog when he walks abruptly – eventually, he’ll learn to walk more calmly.
How to Handle Different Situations When Walking Your Dog
Different situations call for different approaches when walking your dog. If you live in a densely populated area, use a dog harness and leash to keep your dog close. Use a loose lead in rural areas or neighbourhoods with less pedestrian traffic and let your dog explore. If you’re out for a walk on a trail or nature preserve, take things slowly and be prepared to stop and go if your dog starts getting too far ahead or gets into trouble.
If you have young children, teaching them how to behave around dogs is essential. Explain that dogs are usually friendly but can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Please make sure the children are not allowed to approach the dog independently; instead, have them wait by a parent or another adult while the dog is walking.
How to start walking your dog
When walking your dog, you want to ensure total control of the leash. One way to achieve this is by using a training collar. A training collar will help you control your dog’s head and neck while walking. Another way to help keep your dog under control is to use a harness. Harnesses distribute the pressure evenly across the dog’s body, which helps prevent them from pulling on the leash excessively.
Choosing the correct type of leash for your dog
Dogs can be supervised on a leash in several ways. A collar and leash are often used when walking the dog on a street or sidewalk. This arrangement keeps the dog close to the handler but allows him some freedom to explore. A hand-held leash is also effective for small dogs that stay close to their handler. It’s less restraining than a regular collar and leash, allowing the dog more space to move. When choosing a hand-held leash, ensure the handle is long enough to hold it comfortably with both hands.
A strap leash is perfect for larger dogs with plenty of energy and need running freedom. It’s less restraining than a hand-held leash but keeps the dog close by. When using a strap leash, make sure the loops are large enough to fit around your wrists comfortably. There’s no better way to supervise your dog while he plays than with a correctly done harness. Harnesses are especially helpful for older dogs or those with joint problems who cannot use hand-held or strap leashes effectively.
How to stop your dog from pulling on the leash
Harnesses give you more control over your dog and can be used with or without a leash. There are many ways to stop your dog from pulling on the leash. If your dog is a puller, make sure to start slowly and gradually build up the intensity of the walk. Another way to control your dog’s behaviour is to use a harness.
Conclusion
If you’re like most pet owners, your biggest concern when you walk your dog is ensuring they stay close by while you go about your day. However, controlling their movement can be difficult, especially if they seem to have a mind. Here are a few tips on how to get more control when walking your dog:
- Start with a long leash. This way, you’ll have plenty of slack to tighten as needed and won’t have to worry about them running away or getting too far ahead.
- Use a collar and leash pulley system if possible. This will give you even more control over where your dog walks, making it easier to keep them close without constantly pulling on the leash.
- Use treats and positive reinforcement whenever possible – this will help motivate them while teaching them that go along with your requests is always beneficial in the long run.
