Pets are members of the family and they deserve the same care and treatment you give every other member of your family. This includes feeding them right, getting appropriate vet care, and exercising them often, and spending quality time with them. For many dog owners, this time comes in the form of daily walks. This can be a fun time of bonding, or it can be a stressful and dreaded event. If you want to enjoy walking with your dog and have been looking for ways to make it easier, try the following tips that are suggested by techs and veterinarians when caring for your canine companion:
1. Walk ahead of your dog. You should walk ahead of your dog if they are not trained to heel and walk at your side. Taking the lead is important, as it will set you up as the leader of the pack and the one in charge. When the dog pulls ahead and drags you along, they are establishing control over you and when you comply you are communicating with them that they do not have to submit to you or listen to you. You should always have your dog walking along behind you or beside you, never ahead of you.
2. Use shorter leads on the leash. If you use a shorter lead to the leash when walking, it keeps your dog closer to you and helps you to have more control. Just as you keep toddlers and young children close and in arms reach, you want to do the same for your dog when taking it on a walk. Always keep your dog’s safety in mind too when choosing your leash and collar, and make sure you have selected one that that is safe and comfortable for your dog.
3. Give ample time for the walk. Morning walks are typically the favorite for dogs. They are naturally curious creatures, so they enjoy stopping and sniffing and exploring. They also love to play with you and interact with you. Take this time to spend quality time with them. Make sure you are not rushing the walk. If you spend the entire time running along, dragging the dog along, it is not going to be an enjoyable time for either of you and chances are with each passing week your dog will grow less and less interested and excited about the walks.
All Creatures Hospital can provide a number of services and tips from qualified veterinarians you can trust. Contact them today to learn more. You can also connect with them on Facebook for more updates.
