Some people have trouble when they are trying to train their dog to walk nicely on a leash. Dogs generally love to go outside so they can explore and wander. However, they may get too excited about all of their surroundings which can bring about problems for you. If you feel you are using too much energy when you are taking your dog for a walk and not enjoying it, then you should brush up on several techniques to make you and your dog's life a lot more pleasant and stress-free during walk time.
When To Walk Your Dog
There are better times during the day when you can opt to take your dog for a walk. Try to avoid times when the wildlife is known to be most active. These times are generally in the early morning and the early evening. So taking your dog for a walk during those times will most likely lead to a lot of distractions. Instead, take your dog out in the middle of the day or even before the sun rises, if you are an early bird. That way, you can make the most of your walk for both you and your dog.
How To Walk Your Dog
1) It is important to praise your dog during his/her walk when a behavior is done as you requested. Keep in mind that you should not give your dog too many treats during the walk, but just enough so you will be able to reinforce any positive actions that occur. If your dog listens to your command to “sit” and “stay” when another person is coming near, you can give him/her a treat if your dog follows through with those commands. That means your dog is learning and should be rewarded for her good behavior.
2) Make sure that you remain the pack leader. In everyday life with your dog, you should develop this role in any case. You have to be the one that is in control, not your dog. This does not change when you take your dog for a walk. To show your dog that you are pack leader on your walk, it is important to remain next to or a bit in front of your dog. When you are lagging behind your dog, this shows him/her that you are not in control.
Accessories To Make Walking Easier
1) When you take your dog for a walk, you should be equipped with a collapsible bowl and water for your dog, depending on the length of the walk and the topography of the land. If there are lots of hills and difficult climbing areas, you should stop every so often so you and your dog can stay hydrated. This is even more important when the weather is rather hot and humid.
2) The right leash is an important factor that will make your walk easy or not. You shouldn't have a leash that is way too long. This allows your dog to have too much independence, which will lead to negative behaviors. The best leashes to get are made of leather or sturdy fabric. These are generally easier to hold on to than other types of leashes.
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