Your Dog Walking Guide

First Lesson of Dog Walking

1. Preparing for the Walk:

Before you start the walk, ensure you have the necessary equipment:

• Leash and Collar/Harness: Use a well-fitting collar or harness and a sturdy leash. A harness is often recommended for better control and to prevent strain on the dog’s neck.
• Treats and Waste Bags: Bring treats for positive reinforcement and waste bags for cleaning up after your dog.
• Water and Bowl: Especially on longer walks or warm days, carry water and a portable bowl to keep your dog hydrated.

2. Establishing Control:

Begin indoors or in a quiet outdoor area:

• Command Familiarization: Teach basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “heel.” These commands will help manage your dog during the walk.
• Leash Training: Let your dog get used to wearing the leash and harness. Practice walking around the house or yard to help your dog adjust.
• Beginning Indoors or Private Quiet Area: This is key to ensuring your Dog isn’t distracted by other sounds or movements around them, and they learn to focus on you. You are leading the walk after all. 

3. Starting the Walk:

Head out for the walk, keeping the following in mind:

• Calm Departure: Ensure your dog is calm before starting the walk. If they are overly excited, wait until they settle down. This is key every time, otherwise your Dog will become over stimulated and too enriched to obey commands, set this precedent early in your Dogs life and you’ll enjoy walks far greater in time to come.
• Leading Position: Position yourself as the leader. Your dog should walk beside or slightly behind you, not pulling ahead. Always remember, you are walking your Dog, not your Dog walking you. 
• Consistent Pace: Maintain a steady pace and avoid stopping frequently. This helps establish that you are in control.

4. Positive Reinforcement:

Encourage good behavior with treats and praise:

• Reward Good Behavior: Use treats and positive reinforcement when your dog walks nicely beside you or follows commands. Rule on this is there is a 2second rule to mark and reward, otherwise a Dog has already moved on.
• Correct Gently: If your dog pulls or behaves undesirably, stop walking and use a gentle correction (e.g., a firm “no” or “heel” command) before continuing. Don’t excessively tug as this can damage bone structure and cause muscle aches.

5. Safety and Awareness:

Be mindful of your surroundings to ensure a safe walk:

• Stay Alert: Watch for potential hazards like traffic, other animals, or uneven terrain. 
• Socialization: Allow your dog to socialize with other dogs and people, don’t be afraid of this and ensure you have complete control for any mishaps, they are perfectly natural and can happen anytime. Ensuring these interactions are positive and controlled.

6. Ending the Walk:

Finish the walk on a positive note:

• Calm Return: As you approach home, slow down the pace to help your dog wind down. When entering into your home an excellent tip is to ensure you enter first, you are in control and don’t let your Dog get the upper hand. (Paw)
• Post-Walk Routine: Give your dog water and a treat for completing the walk, reinforcing the positive experience.

By following these steps, you’ll establish a foundation for enjoyable and controlled walks, promoting good behavior and a strong bond between you and your dog.