How Not To Ruin Your Dogs Walk -Five More Tips
Walking with your dog has numerous benefits, both for you and them. It provides your dog with an important sense of purpose and helps them maintain their physical and emotional health.
However, many dog owners only walk their dogs only because they have to, making the walk much less enjoyable and beneficial. New pet owners, on the other hand, may not know what it takes for a proper dog walk.
That’s why, in this article, we’ll go over some of the 5 most important tips for properly walking your dog. By following these essential practices, your walks will become much more rewarding and the bond between you and your pup will strengthen tremendously.
So, without further ado, let’s see what those tips are!
Get proper dog walking gear
First and foremost, to properly walk your dog, you’ll need the right equipment. And the right equipment depends on your dog’s behaviour.
You have two main options to choose from: a harness or a collar.
If your dog often pulls on the leash, it wouldn’t be wise to use a collar as you risk suffocating them or making their walk unenjoyable.
But a harness doesn’t automatically solve that problem. If you get a harness with a back clip, you will only further promote pulling. Instead, look for a harness with a front clip, where the leash attaches to the harness right below your dog’s neck. There are some excellent Julius K9 Harnessess available, have a look at this one here; Julius K9 Harness
Once you sort out this issue, you’ll need a good and comfortable lead. Look for something you can get a good grip on to always maintain control of your dog. Ideally, this would be a 6 feet long nylon leash with a few sets of knots to help you get a better grip if and when your dog pulls away. Check this one out in our shop; Best Biothane lead
Plan a route
When you step out with your dog, you need to know where you will be walking. You don’t need an exact route, but just a general direction and places to go.
The main thing you should aim to avoid is hot pavements in the summer when it gets really hot outside. If you can’t walk barefoot on the street, neither can your dog. In such cases, try to walk earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon when the pavements are not that hot.
Also, if you live in a big city, you probably know what areas have high-traffic, so try to avoid those too as they can present a big distraction to your dog. Go somewhere more private where your dog will have space and time to explore its surroundings and get a proper walk.
Try to switch things up once in a while too, instead of walking the same route every single time. Your dog will probably find something to sniff even on the same path, but it’s much more rewarding and exciting for them to go somewhere new and explore.
Learn how to deal with distractions
Many dogs have a high prey drive, which means that any quick movements, such as a running squirrel, will trigger their excitement. And chasing after every squirrel is not acceptable behaviour and could get you and your pup hurt.
Instead, you need to train your dog to ignore these distractions and look at you for directions. The best way to do that is to bring a handful of treats along the way and reward your dog for good behaviour.
So, the next time you notice a squirrel, tell your dog to stop and heel beside you and reward that behaviour with a treat. After a few times, your dog will automatically look at you for instructions before starting to chase squirrels.
Also, try and always be one step ahead of your dog, especially if you live in a busy area. That way, you can manage any potential issues before they arise.
Don’t rush them
Yes, we know that walking your dog a few times every day can be tiring, especially if you’re busy with work and other responsibilities. But, you must avoid rushing your walks and not letting your dog sniff around.
Sure, you don’t have to let them stop and sniff every single thing, but you need to maintain a balance and not deprive them of one of their favourite activities. Dogs love sniffing around as it’s their way of exploring their surroundings.
It also provides them with very important mental stimulation and keeps them much happier. In addition, you’d be surprised how much your dog will be exhausted after sniffing around compared to doing a quick walk without sniffing.
Build a routine
Dogs thrive on routine behaviour, so if possible, try to walk them at the same times every day. This will help them learn how they are expected to behave when walking and will make it much easier to introduce them to new parks.
It also helps them ‘plan’ out their day instead of waiting eagerly for the next walk. When they know exactly when they go on walks, they can use the time in-between to get a nice nap and rest.
Conclusion
To fully reap all the benefits of walking your dog, make sure to stick to the tips we mentioned in this article. With the proper equipment and the right training, your walks will quickly become one of your favourite activities and ensure that your dog is healthy and satisfied.
