When it comes to owning a pet, it takes a lot of dedication and responsibility. But if you’re ready for the challenge, you’ll quickly learn it’s one of the most rewarding experiences.
Just like with any relationship, communication is vital. You need to be able to set expectations and give clear commands. Whether it is trying to understand their body language or training them to sit or stand. Even trying to walk your dog easily can be a nightmare if not done right.
What you might have imagined as a smooth stroll in the park might be something chaotic and depressing for both of you. But if you’re patient, you and your pet will soon be taking long walks together and enjoying every moment.
So hang on, and let us show you some simple steps to walk your dog with ease.
Why Is Walking Your Dog Not Easy?
Dogs are curious creatures, they love to sniff and explore new scents. Bringing them out of their homes into the neighborhood can be confusing and exciting. It’s easy for them to be trained and be able to follow commands inside their fortress, but out there, with all the people and various sounds, things get a bit complicated.
However, the idea is to be able to walk with your dog peacefully, allowing them to enjoy themselves yet walk beside you until you reach your destination.
How to walk your dog comfortably
A planned training session in the form of steps can be devised to train it that you want them to walk next to you.
Step 1
Initially, when starting with the training, try to release as much energy out of them as possible. A short session of some physical activity will help them relieve the extra enthusiasm and frustration. A little tiredness will slow them down and prevent chasing and running.
Step 2
The type of leash you use will matter. A proper collar and leash are crucial to keeping your dog safe while training them to walk. Ensure the collar is snug but loose enough that you can still fit two fingers underneath it easily.
This way, the dog will be comfortable but won’t be able to slip the collar off easily. A flat buckle collar is a popular choice for this because it is strong and can be adjusted. This type of collar will also keep your dog from getting loose quickly, providing an extra layer of safety while you’re training them to walk beside you.
Step 3
Keep treats at hand. When you are out there making your dog do new stuff, rewarding them is a must. It helps them realize that their parents appreciate what they are doing and is the right way to get treats.
Even while putting on the leash, you can practice by giving them a good pet or rub. Some treats, too, will work so that they look forward to walks on a leash next time.
Step 4
Go slow. It is essential to help your pet realize gradually that they will be exploring new places. You can start by walking around the front of the house or on the lawn.
It is to familiarize them with some honking and birds chirping and get them ready to take on some more. It will also let you counter any undesired behavior of your pet.
When you see some excitement or annoyance, you can command them to lie or sit and treat them accordingly. This will help you both relax and start over.
Step 5
The training session also involves learning new commands and behavior. Once your dog starts walking ahead, stop and change direction. This is a way of correcting your pet’s need to stay beside.
Anytime they decide to pace forth, stop, turn and start walking in the opposite direction. Gradually they will learn to halt with you and walk beside you only.
Though once in a while, you can let loose the leash a bit more to let them explore and sniff around. This may also be helpful if you plan on walking down the same lane daily or regularly. The more your dog is intimate with the route, the lesser the chances of them struggling.
Step 6
Ask other pet parents for help. Your dog’s playmates, whom they are comfortable around, can become their walk partners initially. Let other pet owners take walks initially with your pet so that there is a little distraction in front of the new and unfamiliar surroundings.
Once your dog is comfortable with taking walks, go on to explore new places with them. Take short walks around the neighborhood, gradually increasing the duration. Later, take new directions and paths so that the training is complete and flawless.
If your dog is still not interested in taking walks, lure them. A favorite toy or a treat can convincingly signal your dog what you want them to do.
You can also ask the Buckaroos training team to help you out in this matter. They can exercise in short walk sessions while emotionally rehabilitating.
They can also guide you with what’s best for your mate and when and how to practice it. Overall they can help with training your dog to walk with ease.
FAQs
Q1. How to walk a dog that is stronger than you?
The basic idea is the same that goes for training a dog to walk with ease. If your dog is big and strong, then make sure you let them know who the boss is.
Never give in when they start leading the walk. Stop or turn and ensure they are either beside you or behind you. It would be best if you are seen as the leader. So be the first one to walk out the door and be the first to step back in.
Q2. How do I stop my dog from pulling?
- allow your two fingers to pass through. This way, the coupling won’t be loose enough to be removed quickly or tight enough to be choking. A well-fitting collar gives you more control and gives your dog better timing information.
- Keep the leash nice and loose. The dog shouldn’t always feel the tension while you hold the leash tight. It may be interpreted as something that is okay and will result in pulling.
- Do not allow your dog to pull at things it wants to get to whenever they are about to pull them away in the opposite direction.
- Be consistent with your strategy. Pulling them away from distractions sometimes and letting them get away from others will not train them well.
To Sum Up
We hope you can relate to these training methods to teach your dog how to walk on a leash. If you’re having trouble training your dog to walk on a leash, give these methods a try, and we hope they help you out!
If you’re still having trouble, don’t forget to contact a professional dog trainer in your area like Buckaroos 360.
