Episode 4 - Whose Walk is it Anyway

 In this episode, Lauren talks about walks and the benefits they can bring for your pup. She also talks about using the proper equipment and some basic commands you can teach your pup to make walks more enjoyable for both you and your pup.

Show Notes

Great way for both you and your pup to get exercise

  • Great way to give your dog some mental stimulation and enrichment

  • Dog training stemmed from military training and show competitions

    • That is where the idea your dog must walk next to you comes from, I believe since the walk is for them, let them walk where the best smells are

  • Allow your pup to sniff along the walk within reason

    • A ‘let’s go’ command can be a great tool to keep your pup moving along the walk

  • Marking, this is how dogs leave their scent or leave a message for other dogs

Pulling

  • Most commonly due to excitement, they are not trying to be the leader or alpha

  • Make sure you are using the correct equipment for your dog

    • Try a harness for pullers instead of using a choke or chain collar

    • Stress on the neck can create a negative association with whatever your dog is pulling to see

    • A Freedom Harness or Gentle Leader can be great for pullers

      • Freedom Harness attaches to a leash on the chest of the dog and is fitted to allow your dog free range of motion

      • A Gentle Leader is attached under the chin and slides over your dog’s snout, it is not a muzzle but can also be a great tool for pullers

Leashes

  • Flexi or retractable leashes can be great but I do not recommend them for walks

  • I recommend a solid leather or woven leash, 6 feet

Dogs greeting other dogs

  • I do not allow my dog to greet other dogs while leashed. In our pet sitting business we do not let the dogs in our care to greet other dogs

  • Take control if someone wants their dog to say hi and you or your dog does not want to

  • If you want your dog to greet other dogs, always ask permission first. You want to make sure you have a slacked leash. Limit the greeting time, the longer the hello is the more opportunity there is, the more opportunity for the greeting to end poorly.

Here are some links to the products that were mentioned in this episode. These are affiliate links that help support our efforts. Thank you.

2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness with Leash, Adjustable Gentle Comfortable Control for Easy Dog Walking, for Small Medium and Large Dogs, Made in USA.
https://amzn.to/3kUyUIe

PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar with Training DVD, MEDIUM 25-60 LBS., BLACK.
https://amzn.to/2URjNoo

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