How to Walk a Dog

Dogs were once bred to perform specific jobs. Because they aren't required to do these jobs now, they need an outlet for their energy, relief from boredom and time to display particular characteristics of their breed. That's why a walk is as essential to a dog's life as food and shelter.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Walking Shoes
• Dog Collars
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Training Leashes/collars

1. Make sure your dog is trained for basic obedience commands, such as 'Heel,' so that you can keep him under control at all times.

2. Resist the urge to let your dog run wild and free on public property'keep him safe by putting him on a leash. If you're concerned about restricting him too much and your dog is well-trained, consider purchasing a retractable leash.

3. Take your dog on a 1-hour walk or two 30-minute walks each day, even if you're home for part of the day and spend lots of time with him.

4. Adjust the walking distance and pace to the age and health of your dog.

5. Allow your dog time to stop and smell the ground. Dogs gather information this way'they can determine what animals have passed and what changes have occurred since the last walk.

6. Let your dog greet people and other dogs appropriately while on the walk. This will help develop him social skills.

7. Carry a pooper-scooper or small plastic bags to clean up after your dog as you go.

Tips & Warnings

• A walk is a show of positive reinforcement from you and gives your dog mental stimulation and exercise. Walking your dog regularly also helps alleviate inappropriate behaviors such as barking, chewing or digging.
• Avoid turning the walk into an obedience training session. It's essential for your dog to have fun.
• If your dog starts to fight with another dog, both owners should drop their leashes immediately and try to verbally command their dogs to stop. Dog fights often result in minor injuries if the dogs are left alone.
• Vary your walks to allow your dog to explore new terrain.
• Reduce the time and distance of the walk in extremely hot or cold weather, especially if your dog is old or in poor health.

[rocketsforjohny]

on 6/24/2009 pricelss

[jbrus]

on 6/9/2009 We used a gentle leader in the beginning to train our pup and after a couple of months it wasn't necessary anymore. As someone above said- it's a great training tool, very humane, and doesn't really restrict them at all. It just controls them by the head so they can't really do anything you don't want them to.

[djjsag58]

on 1/24/2009 I see most dogs always walking on the owners left side. Is this important, and why?

[diggitydogg]

on 11/14/2007 Keep your dog from poking her head under parked cars...that's usually where cats hang out. Also, try to keep her from sticking her head in bushes...there could be cats or other small animals and possibly burrs or poison ivy. Always be sure to check the coat for burrs if your dog gets into bushes.

on 8/8/2006 I have a German shepherd mix who is over 80 pounds and been using a gentle leader since she was a puppy. Although trained, she does pull when she sees a cat or other crawling creature. This is the best device to use and very humane. She can still breathe, drink water and kiss you. It is often mistaken for a muzzle, but it's not.