Woof Walking Dog walking resource

Who’s walking whom?

Anybody wanting his dog to stop pulling on the leash knows how frustrating dog walking training can be. You may have tried everything, but still can’t bring your dog to heel or persuade them to ignore other dogs. Sound familiar? There is no real substitute for enrolling in a proper class, but there are a few simple techniques to save your sanity in the meantime.

It is relatively easy to train a dog to come to heel, in a calm environment with no distractions. Practice walking with your dog in your garden or a quiet park, and randomly reward him for walking quietly beside you. Remember to keep your commands firm and consistent (i.e., “heel” should not be followed by “heel, boy”, or “come to heel”. Just use one form of the command). Do not reward the dog for nothing.
Dog Walking Training

Walking your dog — it’s a skill owners should know as they spend more time outdoors with their four-legged friends. Dog behaviorist Tamar Geller offers training tips to pet owners.

We’ve all seen dogs dragging their owners down the street at the end of a leash, desperate to get to their favorite bush, fire hydrant or park bench so they can read the p-mails left by other dogs — and, of course, leave one of their own! And if you’re the owner of a dog that has a mind of his own when walking, you’re no doubt frazzled and frustrated, and you possibly dread this daily event.

Walking your dog is not just a way to meet your dog’s bathroom needs. In addition to being a great form of exercise for both of you, it’s also a fabulous way to establish and enhance your relationship. By following these simple steps, you and your dog can enjoy a safe, well-mannered and, most of all, fun walk each and every time.

When considering types of dog leash, bear in mind that a walk is an opportunity for bonding and improving your relationship with your dog. Any device that hurts the dog or provokes fear, damages your relationship. Flat nylon collars are fine – no need for choke chains.

On the other hand, you can give the dog too much freedom! He must learn that there is a limit to how far away from you he can roam, so steer clear of retractable leads until he is ready for them.
Hold your ground when your dog pulls on the leash. When your dog begins to pull on her leash, stop, plant your feet, lower your center of gravity and hold your ground like a sumo wrestler. She must learn that the walk (what she wants) will only continue (her reward) if she is not pulling on her leash and on you. If your dog is a serious puller, start walking by a railing or fence that you can grab onto as you stop.

Resume walking only after your dog stops pulling on the leash. As soon as she backs up — even a little bit — creating some slack on the leash, resume the walk with the phrase “let’s walk.” The minute she starts to pull on the leash again, you must hold your ground as before, continuing only once she backs up and creates slack on the leash.

Constantly talk to and praise your dog along the way. This is a great way to keep him in tune with you and your pace. Just like a child, if you don’t pay attention to your dog, the message you give him is that he’s on his own and can do whatever he pleases. And when you ignore your dog as he’s walking correctly, and only give him attention when he’s walking incorrectly, he’ll be more prone to continue the unwanted behavior just so you’ll notice him! So stay focused on your dog during the walk and make calls on your cell phone at another time.

Most dogs respond very quickly to this method, and you will find that if you and everyone that walks your dog (don’t forget about the other family members and the dog walker) are consistent, you’ll soon look forward to the fun you’ll have on your walks together.

Source – http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13737795/