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4 Dog Walking Secrets That No One Will Tell You
Aug
Most dog owners love to walk their dogs, but not everyone takes the time to learn the best dog walking secrets—and that’s a shame because knowing these tips can help you make the most of your walks with your furry friends.
Walking your dog is one of the most rewarding parts of pet ownership, but it can be time-consuming and frustrating. If you’re unsure how to handle your pet, arm yourself with these four secrets no one will tell you.
They will help keep you safe, help you avoid negative interactions, and make everyone else’s experience more enjoyable! Let’s get started:
1. You have to lead your dog
If you’ve ever tried to walk a dog, it’s not always the easiest task. Dogs have a lot of energy, and sometimes they just want to run around without a care in the world.
But to be the pack leader, you must walk in front of the dog. This shows them that you’re in charge and that they need to follow your lead. And when you do this right, dogs tend to behave better and listen more.
If you want to keep your dog happy, you should give him as many walks as possible. Sometimes it can be challenging to remember to walk the dog every other day. So, if you want your dog to get his daily exercise and attention from humans, try walking him first thing in the morning before work starts.
Not only will this show him that you love him, but he’ll also feel like part of the family, which means he won’t whine so much while waiting outside while everyone goes inside.
One of the best things about being out on walks is letting go of your leash. Many people make their dogs wear leashes at all times because they don’t trust them or think their dog might get lost.
The thing is, if you take off your leash when you go for walks with your pup, he’ll start thinking about how much fun he has when he gets to explore without his leash on. But only after the dog accepts you as the head of the pack.
2. You must use the right tools
If you’re going to walk a dog, you need the proper tools. That means a good leash, a strong collar, a waste bag, and others. You also need to know how to use it. A leash should never be dragged on the ground but held tautly in your hand at chest level. A collar is unacceptable!
What if you have an excitable pup who doesn’t always listen? A muzzle might just be your best bet. Just remember always to let them sniff around first so they can get used to the new environment.
Then, you’ll start making progress with patience and plenty of treats. Even if things don’t work out the first time, try again soon.
Walking dogs isn’t easy; we know from experience. Don’t forget to do your research beforehand because knowing what you’re getting into before starting will make all the difference.
3. Allow them to sniff around
Dogs are always curious whenever you take them on a walk and want to sniff around every chance. Did you know that your dog’s sniffing is more than just curious? According to experts, allowing your dog to sniff around can benefit their health.
Here are some reasons why you should let your friend have freedom:
- It improves their memory
- It strengthens the bond between them and you
- They’ll learn about new smells that could be important in the future (e.g., an unfamiliar animal or food)
- New smells may remind them of pleasant memories (i.e., playing with friends) and act as an ice breaker when meeting other dogs who share those scents.
- Scents could also alert them to possible dangers and help avoid injury
- Exploring is also healthy for mental stimulation, which means less risk of behavioural problems like anxiety and destructive behaviour
Your best bet is to allow them enough space to feel comfortable exploring independently. That way, both of you can enjoy the walk.
A lovely walk and allowing your dog to sniff around the environment drains more energy. The dog stays calm, better behaved and focused after you get home.
4. Stay calm
When you first start walking dogs, it’s easy to get frazzled and give negative energy while speaking. Dogs can sense when you’re stressed, making walking more difficult for both of you. So, take a deep breath and relax. The calmer and more confident you are, the better the walk will be. It’s all about having inner peace, which makes you feel good.
Another tip is that during your walk, try not to use your hands too much because this is how we show tension in our body language. Just focus on keeping eye contact with your dog, staying relaxed and being sure to let him know he’s doing an excellent job by saying, good boy or good girl.
If you do all these things, your walks will become enjoyable for both of you. Your dog will learn to enjoy his time outside and develop healthy habits while you stay stress-free.
Check with your vet for what type of activity best suits your dog’s needs. Walking is just one option among many – other activities like running, playing fetch or just playing around in general. All you need is to stay calm and improve your interaction because dogs can easily detect negative energy from your behaviours.
Conclusion
Walking your dog is essential, and you must learn the secrets. High-energy dogs that lack regular walks experience anxiety from their pent-up energy. These dogs become restless.
As a dog owner, you should introduce regular walks from when they are young. It keeps your furry friend always healthy and happy. Good luck!
