Comments on: How to Walk a Dog

on 9/25/2009 I like the simple tips, walking frequently is important. Wish I had followed that rule, I have a "puller". So, I have come to love my mix bulldog's head collar. It goes easily over the nose and around the back of the ears and buckles. It's a very gentle way to deter pulling. When they pull the head whips right around. It's like a harness you see on horses.

on 9/20/2009 "I see most dogs always walking on the owners left side. Is this important, and why?" -djjsag58

To answer your question, this stems from when dogs were originally used for hunting. As most people are right handed, they would carry their hunting tools in their right hand. This would leave their left hand free to work the dog as needed.

on 9/20/2009 "I see most dogs always walking on the owners left side. Is this important, and why?" -djjsag58

To answer your question, this stems from when dogs were originally used for hunting. As most people are right handed, they would carry their hunting tools in their right hand. This would leave their left hand free to work the dog as needed.

on 6/24/2009 pricelss

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.

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

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.

on 11/22/2005 You have to believe it, some breeds of dogs are bred to pull. Especially huskies and malamutes. Yes, some dogs just pull a lot. And that means you have to spend a lot of time doing yoga and visiting your chiropractor to realign your back and help you deal with your aching arms and messed up shoulder joints. You can avoid some physical problems by paying close attention to your own posture and the way you hold the leash.
1. Stand up straight.
2. Keep your head back, your chin down and your shoulders down.
3. Hold your elbow at a ninety degree angle and at your side (this allows your body to absorb some of the jerks of the leash through the movement of your shoulder and elbow - just move your arm back to the correct position after receiving any jerks.)
4. Switch arms frequently.
5. Be aware of your own body.
6. Practice yoga and avoid over development of one side of your body.

on 11/22/2005 My tip is to always carry a reward for the dog, and if it does something good - reward it.

on 11/22/2005 I've had many large dogs that are difficult to control. Head halters allow you to stop fighting the strong neck muscles and guide them by the head, much as a halter leads a horse. My vet says it's healthier for the dog as well. It make take the dog a while to get used to it, and be prepared for people to think it's a muzzle, even though your dog's mouth may be wide open!

on 11/22/2005 The proper way to walk a dog, is to have the dog walk either to the side of you or to the back of you. By doing this you are the dominant one. You can't have the dog walk you. You must walk the dog. By walking the dog correctly you will see a change in the dog's behavior. During the walk, if the dog stops, you tell him or her to get back up. When you stop, the dog stops. When the dog stops, you don't stop.

on 11/22/2005 When my puppy pulls and gets excited while on the leash, we calm him down by making him sit quietly for about 10 seconds. Then we reward him with a biscuit, or for longer lasting relief, a chewie!

on 11/22/2005 The tennis court at my apartment complex is rarely used. I take my dog in, close the gate, throw some weatherproof toys around, and do my laps. We both get the exercise we need and she is able to free run.

on 11/22/2005 Run faster to help your dog become happier (if it is not too old).