How to walk your dog correctly?

The walk is undoubtedly one of the most important moments of the day for our dog.It not only allows you to make your needs, it also helps you to continue socializing, lower stress levels or exercise if possible.However, many owners overlook essential details for that your dog has an enriching and complete walk , turning this routine into a little motivating habit for his companions.

In this article of Animals and Pets Online we will give you some basic handling tips so that Know how to walk your dog correctly , as well as some tips that you can apply to offer an extra stimulation to the day to day of your dog.

1.The right equipment, according to the dog

The tools you use to walk with your dog will determine the quality of the walk , so it is essential to choose correctly.Then we review the most popular fasteners:

• Collar : indicated for dogs that know how to walk correctly and without pulling.
• Anti-escape collar : recommended for fearful dogs that they walk without pulling the belt.The choking system prevents them from being released from the restraint before a stimulus that causes them fear, being able to suffer an accident, for example.
• Hanging collar : It is totally discouraged, especially in dogs that pull the leash, as it can drown the dog and cause serious injuries, apart from stress, fear and anxiety.
• Collar of spikes , semi-hanging or punishment: like the previous one, it is totally discouraged, especially in dogs that pull the leash, as it can cause damage severe neck and generates stress, fear and anxiety.
• Harness : recommended for dogs that pull a bit on the leash, sports dogs or those who seek more comfort in the dog restraint.It is also useful for those who have a fearful dog trying to get rid of the restraints.
• Anti-pull harness : especially suitable for dogs that pull a lot of the leash, since it avoids the health problems that a necklace can cause.

We always recommend using a long strap, also called training belt , which we can adjust according to the occasion.It will serve us both in an urban environment and for our excursions to the countryside (if we do not leave our dog untied).Likewise, avoid using the extendable leashes, since we lose control over the dog.

Remember that, whatever complement you choose, it must be wild or for your dog, taking him tight but not tight.Ah, and don't forget the bags to collect the excrement!

2.Handling

Many people have problems with handling , especially if the dog pulls on the leash, does not want to walk or has not learned to walk.That's when they apply techniques indiscriminately, creating confusion in his companion and turning the walk into a tense moment for the animal.

Try to walk in a relaxed way , guiding him gently and stopping whenever the animal stops urinating.Avoid running, shouting or trying to keep the dog on you, as well as pulling on leashes to get to a place or stop him from pulling you.Acting calmly teaches your dog to walk also in a relaxed way.

Avoid wearing the leash too long or excessively tense, since in the first case we will not have any control over the dog and in the second case we will be stressing.Whenever possible, try to take the leash a little baggy , to allow you some freedom of movement.

At this point it is important to highlight some false myths such as, " do not let the dog go in front of you, because that means that it is dominating you " or " if your dog gives you jerks, you must also pull the leash ".These statements are not based on scientific studies and do not give good results, on the contrary, they cause stress on the dog, which only He wants to enjoy his walk.We also remember that the dog does not want to dominate us (dominance exists, but it is intraspecific, that is, among members of the same species).

If your dog does not walk properly, It may be due to suffering from a behavioral problem, a lack of learning or suffering from high levels of stress (stress can also be positive, for example when the dog is very excited to go outside).In these cases it will be basic to review the five freedoms of animal welfare.

3.Ride time

This point is very important and varies greatly according to the race, age or needs of each individual.In general, we could indicate that a dog needs to walk between 40 minutes and two hours, divided between two and three walks a day.Then we explain how they should be:

• Manana : The first walk of the day should be the longest, Complete and stimulating, lasting between 15 and 40 minutes.
• Noon : This walk will help us calm our dog and is mainly focused on making your needs.It can last between 10 and 20 minutes.
• Night : Although it is usually the walk we spend the most time with, the truth is that the chaos and nervousness of this moment of the day do not help the dog to relax.Ideally, spend a maximum of 15 to 30 minutes on this walk.

Recall that molosoid dog breeds, such as boxer, carlino or dogue de burgundy should not exhibit Join long walks or intense physical exercise, since the structure of your snout does not allow them to breathe as well as other breeds.Likewise, we will not extend the walk to dogs with health problems or elderly dogs.Finally remember that it will be basic avoid high temperatures , as they can lead our dog to a heat stroke.

4.The welfare of the dog

Once in the street, our goal will be to ensure the welfare of the dog, trying to enjoy the maximum of the walk.Enrich this moment of the day will be very useful to improve the link with us, help eliminate stress and it will also help us avoid the appearance of behavioral problems.

Some tips to promote well-being during the walk are:

• Let you sniff plants, urine and any trace, since it is a great way to relax and also helps you to know the environment in which you live.
• Take you to new places or modify your route of walk so that the diversity of stimuli entertain you and make the walk more enriching.
• Allow you to lick some urine.Although it is annoying or unpleasant, it is part of the natural behavior the dogs.Also, if it is properly vaccinated, you do not have to suffer, since it will not be spread.Although this behavior is more common in males than females, carrying it out allows them to better identify the dogs in the area.
• Reward the behaviors that you like , either with treats or kind words.
• Bring water for both of you if you are going to take a long walk, dehydration can also lead to heat stroke, don't forget it.
• Learn to enjoy the walk with your dog, without nervousness, punishment, shouting or discomfort.Don't pay attention to the clock or walk in a hurry, that translates into a bad walk.

Apart from all the above, it will be important to learn about the language of dogs and the signs of calm, in this way we will know which situations seem positive and which are disturbing and we should avoid.

5.Socialize, whenever possible

If your dog has been correctly socialized in its puppy stage, it will probably not have any problem in relations with other dogs, however, if we prevent our adult dog from continuing to interact, fears or conflicts.It is important to allow dogs to interact with each other, regardless of the size, age or impression that can cause us.

Of course, we should allow our dog to approach other dogs if you wish, we will never force an interaction , since that can cause discomfort in the dog and, therefore, a bad reaction.

6.Strapless moment and games

Allowing our dog to enjoy at least 5 or 10 minutes without the leash is very positive to improve the quality of the walk.In fact, many ethologists recommend this practice in each of the dog's walks.If you are afraid to release him in an open place, you can always look for a pee-can or fenced area.That allows them to also show their natural behavior, fundamental to achieve the welfare of the dog.

At this time we can take the opportunity to practice sniffing exercises , as is the sowing, since they relax and mentally tire them.Yes, avoid forcing him to run if he doesn't want to, that causes them stress.

7.Training in the street

If you are practicing basic obedience (sit, come, stand still, etc.) or canine skills with your dog, it will be very advisable to practice inside and outside the home , in this way, your dog will get used to responding correctly in the different situations in which it is found, without being influenced by smells and new environments.

However, remember that we must practice obedience once the dog finishes do your needs .Otherwise, your dog will be easily distracted and will be more nervous, trying to please you and make the needs at the same time.

Don't forget that a training session should last between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the dog, so as not to overwhelm him and ensure that he is not distracted.Reward him with a treat or kind word whenever he does it well, so that he relates the walk and obedience positively.

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