Taking your dog
for a walk may seem like a simple task, but for your dog it opens up all kinds
of opportunities to explore the world around them. Think about it from your
dog’s point of view. They spend all day either in the house with a few
excursions into the yard. Not much excitement or stimulation. Imagine if that
was the total of your existence. Dogs have a natural instinct to explore and without
an opportunity to get out into the world they can get bored pretty quickly. A
bored dog sometimes acts out by chewing, jumping, and getting overly excited
with visitors. Your dog gets a lot from a walk. All five sense are stimulated
and that alone can lead to a calmer, happier dog.
- 1.
Exercise. Like people, dogs need exercise to
stay healthy. Exercise aides in weight control, digestion, and better mental
attitude.
- De-stressing. The stimulation of a walk can
reduce destructive behavior as it lets them release pent up energy which
creates calmer dog.
- 3.
Engages all 5 senses. During the walk your dog
is seeing, smelling, hearing, touching, and even tasting new places. The sense
of smell is strong in dogs. They take in a lot of information through their
nose due to something called the Vomeronasal organ. This sensitive organ
collects chemical messages that give the dog information of who or what went
there before. This stimulation expands their world and helps them remain calm
when faced with new situations.
- 4.
Socialization. Getting your dog out for a walk
opens the door to excellent training opportunities. When they meet other people
or pets along the way have them sit and offer a paw. It teaches them to accept
new experiences without getting overly excited.
- 5.
Bond with your dog. Walking together will help
you develop a strong bond with your dog. Aside from the stimulation they get, walking
helps to build trust between you and your dog. Understanding what is expected
of them lets them know you are there for them and in turn they will want to
please you by behaving properly.
Make your walk a
ritual. Have the dog sit as you put on the leash. Praise how good your dog
behaves at all times. Don’t let the dog rush out the door. If he lunges for the
door stop and make him sit again. Open the door and give the command, “come.”
This will set the mood for the walk and lets the dog know that you’re in
charge.
While walking, don’t let the dog pull on the lead. If he starts to pull just stop and say, “walk.” When he stops and makes eye contact with you, start
again. Calmly repeat this until your dog understands what is expected.
On your walk it’s
important to be aware of your surroundings and respectful of those you meet on
the way. As hard as it is to understand,
not everyone wants to meet your dog. If you pass someone on the street they
might be afraid of dogs. If your dog gets too close they could suddenly pull
away or do something that your dog might not understand. Be polite. Move to the
other side of the street or, if that’s not possible, put your dog on your
opposite side so you will be between them and the person.
Watch for kids
playing on your walk. Children move fast and some might not know how to treat a
dog. Rushing up with outstretched hands might upset the dog. Even the best dogs
might respond with fear or aggression if they see the child as a threat. First make sure your dog is good with kids. If the dog is nervous then take it out of the situation. Don't take chances.
If your dogs is good with kids and the
parents are not around, it’s best to just walk on by. If the parents give permission
for the child to greet your dog keep the leash short and have your dog sit. Ask
the child to be gentle and show them the proper way to greet a dog. Hand out
but not over the dog’s head. Let the dog sniff and, if no signs of fear are
shown, let the child pet the dog. Keep it brief and move on. Remember even if
your dog is good with your own children, doesn’t mean he’ll be the same with an
unpredictable stranger.
Be alert for
other animals on your walk. From birds to squirrels or even another dog, these
distractions can cause your dog to act out or even try to bolt. Watch your dog
for signs that he’s spotted something. Did he suddenly stop? Body stiffen? Ears
flatten back? All these can be signs he sees something and is sending a
warning. Assure your dog verbally, “Be good.” “It’s okay.” Even a low warning,
“No,” will let your dog know what you expect of him. If the dog starts to act
out turn around and lead your dog in the opposite direction. This takes the dog
out of the situation and redirects his attention.
Don’t forget to
mix it up every once in a while, take a new route to keep your dog’s interest
peeked. Remember this walk is a stimulation for the senses. Like you, your dog
will appreciate a change of scenery.
Bonus! Walking is
one of the best exercises for people, too. It helps with weight control,
controlling blood pressure, and strengthens the heart. So, grab that leash and
take your dog out into the neighborhood. Your body & best friend will thank
you for it.
I had a chihuahua who came into my house as a foster. Somewhere along the line she picked up the name Corona, like the beer. This sweet little girl who came in from a hoarding situation and scared to death of everyone and everything was named after a beer.
