Posts Tagged ‘Dog Walking’
Essential Dog Walking Information and Advice
Dogs need exercise, and the activity they love more than any other is walking. However, many dog owners shirk the responsibility. Perhaps they simply don’t have time, or maybe they don’t realize how important it is to walk their dogs.
Others give it a go, but give up after being hauled around the neighborhood one time too often by an unruly dog. If any of the aforementioned scenarios describes you, pay attention, because I’d like to share a piece of information that every dog owner should know.
“Dogs must be walked!”
Any dog trainer will tell you that daily exercise is a must for all dogs. For some, 30 minutes to an hour may be enough, for others 2 hours will just be getting started. But the point is they all need exercise, and walking should be the core component of that.
But dog walking involves more than a just leashing your dog and setting off. Some simple guidelines will make it a lot easier for you, and more enjoyable for the dog.
Here are some best practices you can follow;
* Don’t walk your dog during the hottest time of the day as they overheat quite easily. If you need to walk when it’s hot be sure to have some water along for the dog to drink.
* Don’t allow your dog to walk in front of you or he may get the idea that he is the pack leader and this will encourage him to pull. Always walk with the dog by your side.
* Don’t pull back on the lead because this will just encourage your dog to pull back. Try to always keep a relaxed grip, and if your dog does pull, stop and wait for him to calm down before continuing.
* Maintain control of the walk. Don’t allow you dog to dictate direction and particularly when to stop. Sniffing around and marking should only happen when you allow it.
* Where possible, avoid other dogs. You have no idea of another dog’s temperament and matters can quickly get out of hand. If your dog is small, pick him up if a big dog approaches aggressively, if you have a big dog just walk in a different direction and avoid a confrontation.
You also don’t know the health status of dogs you come across. An infected dog can pass on a serious disease to your dog.
* The right leash or collar. Pick a leash / collar combination that is strong enough to keep the dog in check, but still comfortable for him to wear. Also ensure that your dog wears his id tags. You never know when he might slip his leash.
If your dog does escape, the id tag will hopefully result in him being returned safely. For an extra level of security you may also want to have your dog micro-chipped.
* Finally, have fun! Walking your dog can be a really fun activity if you approach it in the right way. It’s one of the best ways of bonding with your dog, it’s an excellent work out for both of you, and your dog will be calmer and more obedient. All of that for just an hour of your time a day.
To find out more about dog training tips, dog breeds a-z, dog health and other useful dog info visit www.dogsanddogtraining.com
Dog Training: Correct Heel Methods (5)
Dog Training 101
When you feel that you have sufficient control of your dog while walking during your dog training session, usually within four days of his initial orientation to the leash, you are now ready to go to a higher level of control.
Give your dog the dog training command to heel and begin walking, remembering to start out on your left foot, in a straight line. Make a few right-about turns as necessary to make sure that you have his full attention. Then, as you prepare to come to a stop, shorten your hold on the leash just a bit. As you stop, not after and not before, pull up the leash with your right hand and press gently on the dog’s rear as you say the command “Sit”!
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As soon as he sits, praise him and give him a pat on the head. Remember, dogs learn by associating their actions with a pleasing or displeasing result.
Next, give the command “Heel” and begin to walk briskly in a straight line. As you prepare to stop, shorten your hold on the leash. When you stop, pull up on the leash, pressing gently on the rear with your free left hand, at the same time giving the command “Sit”.
Always follow a correct behavioral response by your dog with praise, even if you caused the behavioral response. Even though you are placing your dog in the sitting position, this should still be followed by warm praise.
This will be the pattern throughout the course. You will show your dog what he needs to do and follow it with praise. After the learning process has taken place within the mind of the dog, then will you correct for disobedience.
Your dog training program at this stage should still be limited to fifteen minutes per day and consist only of the commands “Heel” and “Sit”. Give the command to heel, walk about ten feet, do a right turn, then come to a stop, placing the dog in the sitting position while giving the command to sit. Follow each sit-placing with warm praise.
Dogs with above average intelligence will absorb what you are trying to convey in less than four days and will begin to sit by themselves before you have a chance to place them.
However, you must be firm with your decision that, regardless of how fast your dog appears to be catching on, you will continue to place him in the sitting position each time you stop for a period of one week during your dog training.
Dog Training: Correct Heel Methods (5)
When you feel that you have sufficient control of your dog while walking, usually within four days of his initial orientation to the leash, you are now ready to go to a higher level of control during your dog training session.
Give your dog the command to heel and begin walking, remembering to start out on your left foot, in a straight line. Make a few right-about turns as necessary to make sure that you have his full attention. Then, as you prepare to come to a stop, shorten your hold on the leash just a bit. As you stop, not after and not before, pull up the leash with your right hand and press gently on the dog’s rear as you say the command “Sit”!
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Dog Training Tips To Get Your Dog To Obey!
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As soon as he sits, praise him and give him a pat on the head. Remember, dogs learn by associating their actions with a pleasing or displeasing result.
Next, give the command “Heel” and begin to walk briskly in a straight line. As you prepare to stop, shorten your hold on the leash. When you stop, pull up on the leash, pressing gently on the rear with your free left hand, at the same time giving the command “Sit”.
Always follow a correct behavioral response by your dog with praise, even if you caused the behavioral response. Even though you are placing your dog in the sitting position, this should still be followed by warm praise.
This will be the pattern throughout the course. You will show your dog what he needs to do and follow it with praise. After the learning process has taken place within the mind of the dog, then will you correct for disobedience during dog training.
Your dog training program at this stage should still be limited to fifteen minutes per day and consist only of the commands “Heel” and “Sit”. Give the command to heel, walk about ten feet, do a right turn, then come to a stop, placing the dog in the sitting position while giving the command to sit. Follow each sit-placing with warm praise.
Dogs with above average intelligence will absorb what you are trying to convey in less than four days and will begin to sit by themselves before you have a chance to place them.
However, you must be firm with your decision that, regardless of how fast your dog appears to be catching on, you will continue to place him in the sitting position each time you stop your dog training for a period of one week.
Fun With Leash Training
Leash training should be fun, while puppy training. If the puppy is timid, walk him up and down indoors, pulling gently and coaxing to keep him in motion and in line with you. Then try it in the yard or up and down a quiet street. Never jerk violently, or choke him if he refuses to move. Let him wander off at will; if he sits down, pat and laugh at him a bit, and wait a moment before beginning to get him going. He will soon realize that the leash is a tie between him and you.
Puppies learn more quickly from other dogs than from us. If you have a friend with an older, leash trained dog, walking together will soon put the idea over to your puppy. When he finds leash training means “We are going out!” it becomes a friend, not a foe.
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Like the collar, it is a signal he soon learns, and will bring to your attention when he wants action!
You are teaching him this when you pick it up and say “Here is your leash, we are going for a walk!” At first, start him on a long leash.
Go as far away from him as the leash permits, then call “Come (dog’s name)!” As you do this, give the leash a little jerk toward you.
If he resists, pull gently, and the moment he is within reaching distance, pet and praise him, this reinforces good behavior throughout leash training.