Leash walking Help

One of the biggest complaints that we hear is “I can’t walk my dog on a leash”

I believe that getting your dog out of the house to see a change of scenery is vital to the health and well being of the dog. There are many benefits to exercise, it keeps them fit & trim, provides a wonderful opportunity to really bond with your new pet, but you may not have realized how important it is for your dog to have a change in scenery…..I love my house and it is decorated just how I like it…but if I were trapped in it all day, every day, I would go crazy! it is no different for your dog, he needs to get out and enjoy new experiences in a positive and controlled setting. So here are a few tips to help you have a more pleasurable walks.

Put your dog into the heel position (on your left side). Put all of the leash in your left hand, leaving one hand free to make corrections (taps, bumps, and distractions) Stand up straight, relax your arms, the buckle or clip of the leash should hang slightly downward, giving you a loose collar. Note if the collar is tight all the time while the dog is front of you, beside you, or behind you ..there is no reason for him to change his behavior, because he is being choked from every point. There has to be a clear understanding of your desires & expectations of him (I’m happy…loose collar, I’m Not happy …make a collar correction *snap and release to the collar* )

Put your dog into the Heel position. Using the phrase “Lets Go” take your first step using your left leg (if you left handed your dog will be on the opposite side, so step off with your right leg).
Stop walking & say stop, immediately, if your dog is pulling on the leash.
I tend to draw an invisible line (my thigh even with the dogs chest) if the dog crosses the “invisible” line then it is an infraction, that warrants a penalty. My choice of penalty is to immediately turn, 180 degrees, into the opposite direction. This is great because it redirects the attention back to you, the dog learns that he does not gain any ground toward his destination. Continue to change directions without notice and keep the dog guessing until he looks at you.. then say “yes” and proceed.
Your dog should not be leading you, so if he/she is…add in some practice surprise turns. Remember to move quickly (timing is very important).

Prepare yourself ..You may not make it to your intended destination. Keep in mind that 15 minutes of walking …. Is 15 minutes of walking! It is more important that you have a successful session back in forth in front of your curb over being dragged all the way around your block.

Let go of old rules like the dog must be on your left side. This only applies if you are planning to compete in an obedience competition, if you simply desire to have a great walking experience with your dog then keep him in the “heel position” to remove his bouncer body guard tendencies but you will get better results if you switch sides from time to time placing yourself between any object that your dog could find interesting (another dog, friendly people, a bush or tree, etc). this puts you in a better position to effectively block your dog from the object and if you keep moving your knee or foot may lightly bump your dogs cheek preventing him from continuing to try to pull you over to meet the other dog. putting yourself between the oncoming object and your dog will also relax your dog because he is not open and vulnerable to outside interference. So in the beginning, lots of switching once your dog realizes that you will protect both of you and you know where your going…he will relax and enjoy the walk J
Happy walking from Wiggles and Wags pet Resort, Tempe, AZ
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