Countless dog owners walk their pets daily, yet few have ever considered the proper techniques which could make this exercise as fulfilling as possible. Frequently thought to be a chore, dog walking for many owners is thought of as a necessary evil to be accomplished as quickly as possible in an effort to proceed to more pressing issues. Unfortunately this not only shortchanges the dog, but also the owner. By making some simple preparations and using several simple techniques, dog owners can make their dog walking experience much 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 Environment
Frequently dog owners just grab their dog, a tether and head out of the door on their walk without much thought, but doing just a bit of planning will help. First, it's best to consider the reason for the walk before launching down the street. Is it a brief restroom break, an exercise walk, or a training hike? Certainly you need to plan your route appropriately. When exercising, it's ideal to select a space where your dog is less likely to interfere with bikers or others that could be easily disrupted. Furthermore, if you plan on focusing on some dog training, it's wise to select a location that may be without diversion. Regardless, selecting a place that fits the purpose is preferred.
Getting Ready 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.
While Walking
Exiting the home, it'll be essential to keep track of your dog's behavior to ensure that it continues to be acceptable. Walking on your side or slightly behind, your dog should feel relaxed and the lead should be short and hang loosely. Occasionally your dog may get distracted or excited and begin pulling or walking in front of you. Should this occur, attempt to correct it with a gentle tug, but if the behavior continues you should have the dog sit and wait until it is relaxed again. Lastly, walk confidently because your dog can sense tension and will question your leadership. Although walking you dog needs some normal oversight, you'll discover 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 Environment
Frequently dog owners just grab their dog, a tether and head out of the door on their walk without much thought, but doing just a bit of planning will help. First, it's best to consider the reason for the walk before launching down the street. Is it a brief restroom break, an exercise walk, or a training hike? Certainly you need to plan your route appropriately. When exercising, it's ideal to select a space where your dog is less likely to interfere with bikers or others that could be easily disrupted. Furthermore, if you plan on focusing on some dog training, it's wise to select a location that may be without diversion. Regardless, selecting a place that fits the purpose is preferred.
Getting Ready 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.
While Walking
Exiting the home, it'll be essential to keep track of your dog's behavior to ensure that it continues to be acceptable. Walking on your side or slightly behind, your dog should feel relaxed and the lead should be short and hang loosely. Occasionally your dog may get distracted or excited and begin pulling or walking in front of you. Should this occur, attempt to correct it with a gentle tug, but if the behavior continues you should have the dog sit and wait until it is relaxed again. Lastly, walk confidently because your dog can sense tension and will question your leadership. Although walking you dog needs some normal oversight, you'll discover 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment