By: Frank Verni of Best Paw Forward Dog Education & Master Certified Dog Trainer
Why is it so important that my dog receives a walk daily....I have a fenced-in yard?
Many dog owners feel that a yard or an outside place for their dogs to play is enough. It's not. To your dog, your yard is nothing more than a large kennel. They must be able to travel at a continuous pace every day to get proper exercise. Exercise (walking) is the most important part of a dog's mental health.
In the wild, dogs roam for miles every day and that natural instinct to roam is still present in all dogs - even yours. All dogs have different levels of energy, and even dogs with a low amount of energy need at least an hour of exercise a day.
The phrase, 'a tired dog is a good dog' could not be more true. Through regular daily walking, many behavior issues can begin to be resolved. After a long walk, your dog is in a calm state of mind and is more receptive to training and behavior corrections.
I have a hard time walking my dog because she pulls...why does she do that?
When a dogs mind is racing, it is harder to get them to focus on one thing at a time. Just as when we have too much on our minds, it is hard to keep your thoughts from wandering and concentrate on the task at hand.
It really is about who's making the decisions. Was your dog in a calm state of mind when you snapped on their lead? Did you obey when your dog demanded you to take him for a walk?
If the humans allow the dog to decide, because after all she walks 'pretty good', then the dog is making the calls and that is allowing your dog to be your leader. Since instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, your decision to allow your dog to walk in front will be communicating to your dog that you are allowing him to be your leader.
What else do you suggest to help with walking my dog?
Walk your dog, do not let your dog walk you. If you allow your dog to walk in front of you while on a lead you are reinforcing in the dog's mind that the dog is alpha over you. Leader goes first. This can lead to many behavioral issues that some regard as a 'Breed Trait' or 'Personality' when actually it is just your dog in charge of it's humans. A dog walking in front does not drain their mental energy. They are not relaxed and following, as they have a big responsibility to be leading the pack.
Be the 'Figure of Authority'. Stand tall with shoulders back and eyes forward, now walk with confidence. Play follow the leader (with you as the leader), when the dog goes in one direction, turn and go in the opposite direction. Eventually, the dog will start to focus on you.
Frank Verni may be contacted at Best Paw Forward Dog Education or (919) 557-2853.
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