You need dedicated time and patience when you are training or learning how to walk a dog. There are many factors to consider while preparing for the dog walk, right from buying a leash, and collar and setting expectations, and rewarding your dog when the job is done properly. It will take time, but soon you will learn how to walk a dog with these tips.
Table of Contents
Put the Collar and Leash
A time will come when your dog anatomy will recognize when is the time to go for the walk by simply looking at the leash and collar. Introduce this to your dog at an early age by using a collar on a timely basis. After putting the collar around the neck, show the leash or put the leash along with the collar and say let’s go for the walk.
Tight Collar, But Not too Tight
Make sure the collar is tight enough, but not that tight that it chokes him and makes it difficult for him to breathe. Rule of thumb: make sure you are able to put two fingers between the collar and his neck. You don’t want the collar too loose so that they easily slip out of that.
You Lead and Don’t Let Your Dog Walk You
Walking in front of your dog makes him see you as the leader of the pack, if he walks in front of you, that means he is the leader of the pack. You should be the first one to be out of the house and in the house when returning and your dog should be behind you.
Tip: Make sure to keep the leash close to your body, doing this gives you full control.
Which Side do You Want Your Dog to Walk
It is important to select the side when you are training your dog to walk. Don’t confuse them by frequently changing sides. Your dog will become accustomed if he knows what you are expecting from him. In the beginning, it might be a bit difficult, but you will get comfortable over time once you practice for 2-3 weeks. Don’t break the chain.
Short Dog Leash and Close to Your Body
Having a short leash gives you full control over your dog and it makes it easy for you to guide and correct them and make them move in the right direction. Make sure to keep your dog’s safety in your mind while giving them directions. The wrong direction may lead you to trouble.
Check the Weather
Make sure to check the weather before you take them out for the walk. Early in the morning and late in the evening are the perfect time for you to take your dog out for a walk. Avoid taking them out in the high noon unless it is a very important business. The pavements are hot in the high noon, which burns their paws. The ideal way to check is by placing your hand on the pavement and if you are able to keep it for more than 5 seconds, it is ok to take them out, else avoid going out or make sure you make them wear their shoes.
Food and Water
It is important to carry enough water and food when you go on long walks, especially on hot summer days. Keeping them hydrated and full of energy will help them enjoy their walk. Make sure to carry the poop bags, as you might need this when they are done with their business. List of food you can carry when you go on a walk with your dog:
- Carrot
- Seedless Watermelon
- Apple Slices
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Chewable sticks
NP: These are some of the basic ones. You can carry food that your dog loves.
Enough Time For A Walk
Like humans, even dogs need enough time for exercise and fresh air and love going on walks in the morning. My suggestion is to set an:30 minutes to an hour time for the walk depending on the health, need, and breed of the dog. It is ideal to consult your vet before planning a walking time for your dog. Make sure to take a note of their habits, this will help you better plan their walk.
Rest Time
Look for a quiet, cool, and shady place. Check the place for ants or other insects before you take a rest. Don’t overdo anything, especially when this is your first time walking with a collar and leash. Especially when you are going out with the little one.
Reward Your Dog
After your dog has followed all your orders and acted as per your commands, give them a break time and let them be themselves and enjoy for a moment and give them a treat they love the most. Doing this will set a sense of responsibility and an example in their mind and they will follow your commands happily and enjoy the walk.
Also Read: Cavapoo Dog: Temperament, Training, Grooming Needs & More
Tips That Will Make Your Walk Enjoyable and Easy
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Make use of a harness for a dog with a smaller neck, using a collar can damage the dog’s trachea
- Make sure you walk your dog and your dog doesn’t walk you. When you take them for a walk or walk them home, you should lead them
- Talk to your dog. Give them positive feedback and make the learning and walk fun for them and you as well. Don’t keep correcting them all the time
- Avoid keeping the prong collar for a longer time, as this will desensitize the dog to the collar
- Make sure to control your dog and don’t allow them to sniff and pee on everything they see or smell
List of Walking Equipment You Will Need for Your Dog Walk
- Leash
- Harness
- Collar with Dog Tag and your contact details
- Ticks and fleas collar especially during summertime
- Bag
- Prong collar if required
- Pooper Scooper and Poop Bag
- Food bag and Ziplock
- Outdoor activities / Travel Water bottle
- Treats
- Toys
These are a few good tips that will help you master the walk. If you are busy and not able to take your dog out for a regular walk, you can either hire a dog sitter or ask your family members or friend, or neighbor if they love your dog as you do.
Hope these dog walking tips help you make your life easy after reading this post. Feel free to share your experience by commenting.
Arjun is a pet enthusiast whose mission is to make the life of you and your pets easier and more enjoyable. Pets make our lives better, offer us companionship, help us feel more connected with the world around us, and provide the unrivaled joy of a warm little body to snuggle with. With my blog “Pets Diaries“, my goal is to help pet parents provide the best possible life for their pet by offering advice on everything from health and lifestyle to activities for your pet, training tips, and food recommendations.
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