How To Master Walking Your Dog

Walking is one of the best exercises you can ever enjoy with your dog. However, you should keep in mind that walking with your dog is more than just an exercise; it is also your opportunity to let them know who is boss between the two of you.

As they say, walk the dog and do not let it walk you. If you will fail to do this, the chances that your dog will develop some bad behavioral habits will be increased. So, what should you do to avoid this? What can you do to master the art of walking your dog? Here are a few tips:

• Never let your dog walk in front of you

We know, your dog seems very eager to go to the place where you will be going and that looks cute. However, you should be aware of the fact that your dog is not doing this just to look cute. When he walks in front of you, he will think that he is the pack leader and he is the one leading you. Always walk in front of your dog and never let him get ahead of you. In this way, he will recognize you as the pack leader.

• Call the dog

When you are getting ready to go out for a walk, call him. Do not go to the dog then put the collar on him. Keep in mind that you are the leader and not the other way around so he should be the one to come to you. Call him by his name and when he comes to you, ask him to sit. That is when you should put the leash around him.

• The shorter the lease, the better

Many dog owners love to keep their leashes loose. This is because they like giving their dogs freedom to walk around. But if this is your first time to walk your dog and you are still just training him to be on a leash, it is recommended that you opt for a shorter lease as it gives you more control over your dog.

• Walk for 30 minutes to an hour

It is recommended that you invest some time in walking your dog. Do not just walk him for a few minutes or so. Walk for about 30 minutes to an hour so that he will be able to get the exercise he needs. In addition to that, walking him for an hour will help him understand what your role is as a pack leader.

• Provide proper identification to your dog

No matter how responsible you are, there is still a high chance that your dog will run away and might get lost. To make sure that you will have him back, do not forget to attach a collar (with your name, address, dog’s name and your contact number).

If you are one of those dog owners who are encountering some problems when walking with your dogs, these tips might be of big help for you. If you are a dog owner who has already mastered the art of walking your dog, maybe you have some more useful tips that you can share with us! Feel free to write in our comments section.