Mistakes You May Be Making When Walking Your Dog

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on email

Despite common assumptions, dog walking is more than taking your canine companion out for a routine stroll around the neighborhood. You may think this activity is not that deep—nor is it a difficult feat to endeavor on—but walking your dog provides a basic foundation for their physical and mental well-being. Considering how to approach and handle the task correctly is truly of the essence.

In lieu of mere potty breaks, regularly walking your dog supplies critical time to decompress, reinvigorate, or sustain training techniques. These everyday occurrences are prime opportunities to bond together, enrich each other’s lives, and strengthen good behavior. Read for a list of mistakes you may be making when walking your dog—these common blunders can remarkably affect their welfare.

Sniff, Sniff: Not Allowing Mental Stimulation

Humans visibly see the world through their eyes, but our canine friends conversely see the world through their noses. Your dog needs to sniff and smell their environment when out for a walk. This instinctual behavior is part of their very nature and shouldn’t be discouraged. Oftentimes, busy pet parents rush and nudge their dogs for a quick stroll before heading out of the house themselves.

Hasty hurrying is one of the mistakes you may be making when walking your dog. Allow your dog to sniff around and receive information from their surroundings. Stressed, anxious, and restless canines will greatly benefit from sniffing without pressure. This scenting activity channels their nervousness and provides a comfortable space for relaxation and healthy mental stimulation.

Side by Side: Walking Behind or in Front

It’s in every dog owner’s best interest to walk side by side with their canine companion. Pay close attention during your daily strolls to observe if you are leading your dog or if your dog is the one walking you. Your dog should walk steadily beside you or slightly next to you—not be the head honcho or key mover and shaker. Canines have a pack mentality, meaning you must establish yourself as the leader of the pack through this tactic. That being said, do not walk too slow or too fast. Keeping your dog actively engaged with yourself and the surroundings is key.

Injury Prevention: Keeping a Tight Leash Instead of a Short One

Improper leash training or usage can lead to injuries or harm to your dog. Pulling on the leash is a poor technique—sudden jerking doesn’t achieve any kind of behavior training. Ergo, be sure to select the perfect collar and leash for your dog that keeps them close by without your directly pulling them around.

Tightly holding your dog’s leash is not a handy control approach to take either. Instead, keep a shorter leash and remain consistent in your responses to different stimulations and changes in the environment. Canines can sense your unease and fears. Try to find a beneficial balance allowing for both freedom and safety. A walk is your dog’s shining moment, so do your part to make each stroll better and better.

Related Posts

The Camden Chronicle is an award-winning weekly newspaper in Camden, Tennessee.
Contact us: 731-584-7200

© Copyright 2024 

thecamdenchronicle.com