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 Articles About Pets
Who Is Leading The
Walk, You Or Your Dog?
Written by Sarah-Anne Reed, Owner of Tails A Waggin' Pet Care
Whether you play fetch in the
yard or take them for a walk, exercising your dog is one of the many
joys of having them in your life. Living in Central Oregon we are
blessed with so many beautiful places to hike and enjoy nature with
our furry friends. However, the pleasure of the walk is diminished
if you are being dragged along by your dog. Below are some
easy-to-use techniques that are kind, loving and respectful. They
will help your dog to know what is expected during the walk. The most
effective technique above all is to be very happy and calm. Dogs are
very perceptive to our body language and will pick-up on any stress
or frustration. We all have more desire to learn when in a relaxed,
friendly environment and dogs are no exception.
- Leaving the House: Always
put the leash on before you ever step outside. Ask your dog to sit
and wait while you open the front door. You must step through the
door first to signal to your dog that you are taking the lead. If
your dog darts for the door, close it and begin again. Do not scold
your dog, just take them gently and quietly back inside and ask them
again to sit and wait while you open the door. They must wait for
your command to go through the door, never let them go through
first. In the beginning it may take your dog a while to understand
the new rules, but so long as you are patient, friendly and
persistent they will learn.
- On the Walk: If your dog
pulls on the leash when you begin the walk, turn around and go back
to the door. Please don't scold your dog, just be patient and repeat
the process until they do not pull. When you can make it 20 feet
away from the house without them pulling the walk can begin. When
they pull on the leash during the walk immediately turn and walk in
the opposite direction. Walk 5-10 feet before turning back around to
continue the walk. They will soon realize that you decide where to
walk and they must follow your lead if they want to go anywhere. If
they see another person or animal and pull toward them, just stand
your ground and hold the leash until your dog is calm again. Never
pull back on the leash. Wait for your dog to release the tension on
their own and then call them back to your side. Be happy, patient
and consistent and their desire to pull will decrease more and more
every day.
- Heel Work: Tap the leg
closest to your dog as you ask them to “Heel”. In the beginning
give them a treat for walking beside you to show them that they are
on the right track. A treat after a few steps, then after a few
feet, a few minutes, every 10 minutes, etc... It can be very helpful
to use high value treats, such as cooked meat, as a reward for their
cooperation. This also gives them a very positive association with
your request for them to heel. As they are heeling, keep them
focused on you by frequently changing direction, walking in circles
and figure 8's. Eventually they will give up pulling because they
don’t know which direction you will lead them next!
- Remember: Keep your voice
upbeat and positive. If you have relaxed, fun energy your dog will
have an enjoyable experience and learn much faster. Remember that
your four-legged friend is trying to understand you, but has to
overcome a huge language barrier. Consider making a request, instead
of a command, of your dear friend who is so eager to please you.
Each dog has a different personality and will learn at their own
pace. It doesn’t matter if it takes a week or a month for them to
understand what you are trying to teach them. Once they realize what
“Heel” means they are happy to please, as usual, and walking
will be a true joy for both of you.
Articles written by Sarah-Anne:
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