You lace up your sneakers, clip the leash on your dog, and head on out the door all glum. As your dog pulls you along, you may be thinking, “Why is this so ruff?” If you’ve ever felt like you’re walking your dog the wrong way, or that your dog is walking you, never fear. You just need a new leash on life. These common dog-walking mistakes may not be quick fixes, but they are worth the time and dedication for more enjoyable walks.
Allowing Human and Pooch Interactions
Unless you live in a relatively isolated area, you are bound to come across other people or furry friends as well. Do you know how to best react to these situations? Dogs get excited, nervous, and protective, so all interactions need to be approached with caution to create a safe situation for all participants. You may know that your dog is friendly, but you don’t know how others are going to react to your dog.
As an owner, you’re in control of whether you allow such interactions to happen during a walk. If you see another dog-walker approaching from the opposite direction, be quick in your decision. Cross the street to avoid potential issues. If another human is walking towards you, be knowledgeable about shortening the leash or pulling in your dog’s harness. Be mindful during each walk of what interactions you invite to happen. Dogs are naturally curious and need socialization but in the right conditions.
Not Catering for All Their Needs
It’s important to cater to all of your dog’s needs during the entity of a walk. This means letting them relieve themselves as many times as needed and letting them sniff everything around them instead of instantly pulling on the leash. Sniffing is a dog’s way of learning more about nearby surroundings by identification and orientation. This action can be relaxing when in a new environment.
Walking your dog may be beneficial for you, but this activity is meant for them as a time to get out of the house and say hello to the big wide world that’s out there. Be mindful to not go about a walk carelessly or disregard your dog’s behavior. One of the most common dog-walking mistakes is to ignore possible dangers for your furry friend. Keep an eye out for potential hazards and if they look sick or injured, or if they have an overload of energy and require more exercise.
Choosing the Wrong Leash
Pulling on the leash is a typical training challenge that dog owners tend to face. Dogs can be very stubborn, but pulling back on the leash does not provide a balanced solution to this problem. Choose the right leash for your dog to alleviate this difficulty. Leashes help owners control and protect their dogs, but it’s vital not to forget the mere importance of leash training your dog. Instead of an everyday necessity, dog walking can be a fun bonding activity with the right awareness and training.
