Going for a walk is the best part of your dog’s day (and it might be the best part of yours, too). If you just got a pet, you may think that walking your dog is pretty easy. But the truth is, making a walk enjoyable for both you and your pup requires some forethought and K9 training Houston. These are the 10 best tips for walking your dog.
Tip 1: Take short walks if you have a puppy
Many people don’t realize that you can’t walk puppies much, regardless of their breed. Twenty minutes is the maximum that should be left at first. As your puppy grows and matures, he can gradually increase walks.
Tip 2: Use a front clip harness
One of the main problems new owners face is how to walk a dog that pulls on the leash. Although training and practice are essential, the type of leash is also very important. Many dogs react badly to being pulled back, and their instinct is to pull even more. That’s where a front clip harness comes in: pull your dog from the front so he doesn’t fight it.
Tip 3: Use walks to train him
Walks are a good time to start training your dog in good basic behaviors. He will meet new people, interact with other dogs and get used to the outside world.
Ask your dog to respond to basic commands along the way to keep him focused on you. Try sitting, crouching, standing up, staying still, looking at yourself, and tricks like spinning around or high-fiving. Be sure to mix and match commands so your dog can’t predict what you’re going to ask him to do next.
Tip 4: Follow a routine
While your dog gets used to walking with you, it is important that he follow a routine. This means always walking him at the same time and in the same places. This way he will learn how to behave and will behave better when you go to new walking areas. It also helps dogs stay calm when they know where they are going.
Tip 5: Find out how much exercise your dog needs
The type of dog you have will determine how long you should walk him and what type of exercise he needs, so be sure to do your research. Some breeds and mixes will be perfectly happy with a couple of short walks every day, while others will need to go somewhere where they can run for a long time to really let out their energy.
Tip 6: Let your dog sniff and explore
During a walk, giving your dog a little freedom to roam can make him feel more in charge and at ease. It allows him to use his natural senses, including sniffing his surroundings, so it’s a good idea for your dog to stop and sniff during the walk. In addition, it is good for his health and helps him discharge excess energy.
Tip 7: Bring prizes or sweets
Teaching your dog to behave in public is not always the easiest thing to do, but it can be done. Knowing how and when to reward your puppy is essential. A dog will listen to you when you have treats in your hand, so make sure you only give them when he has done something right, and not to calm him down. If you give him a treat every time he asks for it, it will only reinforce his bad behavior.
Tip 8: Don’t forget to take bags, water and a toy
There are three things (besides the strap) that you should never be without. The first is, of course, the poop bags. Always clean up after your dog. Also carry a bottle of water. Even if it’s not hot, your dog can quickly become dehydrated. Lastly, a toy you can throw at him means he can run around for a bit and have fun.
Tip 9: Check the weather before you leave
One of the often overlooked tips when walking a dog is to be aware of your surroundings and potential weather hazards. Both heat and cold can greatly affect your dog, and some breeds are more susceptible to changes in weather than others. Bringing a jacket for your dog in case of cold weather and keeping an eye on its paws on hot asphalt in the sun is essential. Consider getting insurance for your pet, in case something ever happens to it while out for a walk.
Tip 10: Microchip him
One of the most important tips for walking your dog is to put a microchip on it. This way you can find him if he ever wanders away or gets lost. Wearing a necklace with his name and your number is also a good idea.