You’d be forgiven for thinking that walking the dog was a
piece of cake. With some dogs it is, but with many it’s an ordeal that
owners endure for the sake of their pets. Whether your dog is over-excited,
pulls or is aggressive, there’s help at hand with my One To One Dog Training. Meanwhile, here are my top free tips for
happy dog walking:
- You are NOT walking the dog. Sound crazy? Here’s
how it works: YOU are going for a nice walk. Out of the goodness of your heart,
you’re taking Rover (or Roverette!) along with you. You are not doing this for
them and it’s not their walk, it’s YOURS. (Actually it IS for them but Shhh..
Don’t tell the dog!). You decide where to go, at what speed, and when you want
to stop. The dog doesn’t get to dictate it to you by pulling or dragging etc.
You control the walk. OK?
 -
Don’t stop at each lamp post/bush/wall. Males especially often
stop to mark territory. Did you just decide to stop or did he? If it was the dog, then see above! He can wait until you find a suitable place, it's OK.
If he thinks he can stop at will, then who is controlling the walk? If he's
controlling you, can you blame him for pulling you around? The same
applies to sniffing the ground etc. (The dog, that is not you...)
-
A walk in the park should not look like a walk
in the park! Instead, you should walk with a purpose: Walk at your own speed,
but with head up and as though you know exactly where you are going. (Even if
you don’t!). Would you follow someone who looks aimless? Dogs rarely do! If you want them to follow your lead, rather than try to
pull you around, first you must LOOK
like a leader. You’ll be amazed at the effect it has. Be the pack leader!
-
You don't have to let your dog say hello to every
dog. You don’t stop and talk to every person, do you? Why would your dog get to
say hello to every other dog they see? Some, like people, just don’t want to be
sociable today, thank you. If you decide to walk past, then walk
past. That's OK. If you want to stop, stop. It’s your call. You’re in charge!
-
Don’t spend a fortune on a special dog training
collar or dog lead. I’ve known people to get through over £100 worth of dog collars
and dog leads to no avail before they called me. I normally use very simple equipment
in my dog training. It’s HOW you use it that counts. If you do needs something different, I can advise what's best for you and your dog.
On the subject of dog supplies, I think that if you have a
retractable dog lead, it’s almost certainly doing you more harm than good right now. They
can be used properly but hardly anyone ever does. Call me and I’ll tell you the
secret to using them (So long as you promise not to tell!)
If you’re having problems with your dog walking and it’s not
a pleasure anymore, don’t call in the osteopath just yet*, call a professional dog
trainer instead. In no time at all you could be enjoying your dog walk so much
more. Like most things in life, walking a dog is much easier when you know how. (Just ask
anyone who comes to my dog training classes or puppy classes in Earls Barton Youth
Club on Tuesday evenings.)
*If it’s too late, and if you live in or near Northamptonshire,
I hear the Nightingale Clinic in Earls Barton are very good. Let them sort out your poorly arm and shoulder
and I’ll sort out your dog, so that it doesn’t happen again. Contact me now to
see how I can help you.
And Finally... Here's a SIXTH way NOT to walk a dog. Don't try this at home, folks! (This is my Rottweiler Gordon, schutzhund training - Mouse over the image for the caption!) Photo: Courtesy of Lorraine Foster from Birmingham Schutzhund Club
Graeme Hall MGoDT, 'The Dogfather' is one of the UK's leading dog trainers. Based in
Northamptonshire, covering all of the UK. I'm a Master Dog Trainer with the Guild Of Dog Trainers. I've
trained over 1000 dogs. I'm recommended by vets. I'm one of the few dog
trainers chosen by the Hollywood film industry and you'll frequently
hear me on BBC Radio.
If you're looking for a dog behaviourist I
can come to you wherever you are – and
wherever there is a dog behaviour problem to fix or dog expert advice
needed. Contact me today!
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