Dog walking!!! Isn’t it time for you to take your dog for a walk? Does your canine companion become overwhelmed with excitement at the mere site of you holding her leash? Does she perk up her ears and tilt her head when you ask her the question “who wants to go for a walk?” Most dogs enjoy a good walk, and need them for exercise and mental stimulation. Keep in mind, the majority of dog breeds were originally developed with a specific purpose in mind, including herding, sporting and working; they are predisposed to an active lifestyle. And, chances are, your pet still carries the genetic traits that drive her to seek activity.
Dogs enjoy walks because they offer the opportunity to sniff and engage with the outside world, exercise, and possibly interact with other humans and animals. While your home and yard are overly familiar to her, outdoor surroundings offer endless possibilities and excitement.
So, walking a dog… how hard can it be? It’s not hard at all, but the fact is, there are many pet parents who:
- Don’t walk Princess at all, believing putting her outside alone will suffice. The fact is, it’s rare that a dog will exercise on her own; she requires interaction and stimulation that your familiar backyard won’t consistently provide.
- Don’t make the most of the activity, allowing only enough time for Princess to do her potty business.
- Dread walks because Princess misbehaves on the leash.
The best time to develop a positive walk habit is when your fur baby is a pup, but that isn’t always possible. Whether Princess is a pup or a newly adopted adult, your first step is to fit her with a secure-fitting harness or collar. Some dogs take to wearing a collar or harness immediately, while others squirm and protest. If you have a squirmer on your hands, provide distraction with play time, a good belly rub, or treats until she gets used to wearing it. After a few days, she likely won’t even remember she has it on.
Once wearing her harness or collar is second nature, attach a short, light-weight leash and let her drag it around the house. Be sure to keep a mindful eye to avoid any possible hang-ups. Lightly step on the leash periodically to get her used to not only wearing the leash, but also the tug she gets from it.
Initial walks should be kept short, with the main goal being allowing her to get accustom to being attached to you by a leash. While walking, keep the leash slack, as your walking buddy’s natural reaction to a tight line will be to pull against it. If she does pull, maintain the tension on the leash and turn your back to her. After time, she will hopefully realize pulling offers no acknowledgement and no reward.
Your precious pooch depends on you for her quality of life. Stimulate her mentally and physically with daily, or at least weekly, walks. Help her thrive as the balanced, healthy and happy pooch she deserves to be! There is nothing more fun than walking your dog!!
