Walking is one of the best ways to exercise your dog. But before you can enjoy a stroll around the block with your canine companion, you have to learn how to walk your dog the right way.
Step One: Buy the Necessary Equipment
You will need a leash to walk your dog. The leash can be clipped to a collar or harness. Some owners prefer using a harness because it gives them more control and reduces the strain on their dog’s neck and back.
However, if your dog behaves well on the leash it’s perfectly fine to use a collar. There are many different types of collars out there. Do your research to find the best one for your pooch.
There are also many different kinds of leashes, such as retractable, chain, adjustable, and more. Once again, research is required to determine which one is right for your pet.
Step Two: Choose the Right Time
Pets thrive off a routine, so try to walk your dog at the same time every day. Don’t pick the hottest time of the day. Aim for an early morning walk and an evening stroll.
Step Three: Get Your Dog Ready for The Walk
When it’s time to head out the door, call your dog over to you and slip on the collar or harness. Make sure the collar or harness isn’t too tight by placing one or two fingers underneath it. If your fingers don’t fit, loosen the collar or harness.
On the other hand, if you can slip more than two fingers under the collar or harness, it might be too loose. In that case, tighten it to prevent any escapes.
Step Four: Walk Your Dog Correctly
The way you hold the leash is important. If you have a non-retractable leash, try holding it with two hands. The thumb of the hand that holds the end of the leash should go through the loop. Fold up the rest of the leash and hold it in the other hand.
Keep in mind that every leash is different and might need to be held an alternate way. Find what works best for the specific leash you’ve chosen. No matter what type of leash you have, give your dog enough slack to walk comfortably without letting your dog get too far away from you. You need to maintain control for the entire walk.
Step Five: Let Your Dog Stop During the Walk
For your dog, taking a bathroom break is part of the walking experience. Allow your dog to stop and relieve himself whenever necessary. And don’t forget to bring a bag so that you can clean up after your dog. Your pup will also stop to smell the scents left behind by other animals. This informs your dog of who else is in the neighborhood and what they are up to.
Now that you’ve reached the end of this article, you should know the right way to walk your dog. Start putting these steps into practice so that you and your pooch can enjoy walking together!
