Walking with your dog
Sep/090
Dogs are great walking companions, great personal trainers, and great nags. If you begin walking with your dog, you may soon find his tail is wagging your walking program. They are ready to walk when you are (unlike friends and family), will tow you down the trail, and let you know when it is time to lace up your sneakers.
Dog Training
Opt for formal classes, if they are available and affordable. Start while the dog is a puppy, and continue until the dog can be trusted off leash. Your dog can earn the AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate, which indicates a level of obedience and training attained. If attending classes is not possible, you may want to try training books, such as Carol Lea Benjamin’s Mother Knows Best, Surviving Your Dog’s Adolescence, or Dog Training in 10 Minutes. The end result of good training is a dog that is a pleasure to walk with — one that will sit, down and heel on command, as necessary. You really don’t want to be towed into the sunset at about 60 MPH!
Walking Your Dog on a Leash
If your dog is on a leash, it can’t get away and cause problems. Consider using a pinch collar while walking your dog, if he is a puller, to increase your control and comfort. Some walkers use a harness, and others find retractable leashes to be the best way to give the dog a little more slack, then reel them in as needed.
Are Dogs Allowed Where You Plan to Walk?
Check with the organizers of walking events you plan to attend. If walking in a park, call ahead to check to see if there are any restrictions. Note that dogs are sometimes allowed on trails, but not in shuttle buses or visitors’ centers.
Carry a Pooper Scooper
If you don’t have (or want to purchase) the actual tool, try a plastic bag. Many carry the plastic bags that newspapers sometimes come in. When the bag is placed over the hand, you can pick up what you have to, turn the bag inside out, and tie the end closed. Dispose of it properly. Zip-closure storage bags are another secure option.
Staying Hydrated
Carry water for both you and your pet. You can use your hand as a water dish for him. Some walkers suggest using collapsible cups, inflatable water dishes, and zip-closure bags, as well.
Taking Time for Rest
Find a shady spot and take ten. Play with the dog, talk to other walkers, and cool down a bit. Dogs can’t sweat. They keep cool by panting, finding shady spots, walking in water, and drinking lots of water. If you are walking near water in the summer, find a safe place (not public beaches) and let your dog go swimming. If you drove to your walking spot, be sure not to leave your dog in a vehicle unattended if it’s warm out and you’re making stops on your way home.
Identification
Every dog should have a couple of forms of identification. Name tags and collars get lost. Tattoos and embedded micro-chips will back up the name tag. You should carry a clear photo of the dog, which can aid in recovery, should such a situation arise. Also, some areas of the country require you to carry your dog’s rabies certificate with you.
Is Your Dog Ready?
Before taking a dog on a 10K Volksmarch, consider if the dog is healthy enough, has the desire, and is trained enough to walk the distance at your side. You should get an OK from your veterinarian if your pooch has any sort of medical problem, is overweight, etc. Work up to the longer distances with him by doing the shorter distances first.
Trails
Dog walkers I’ve spoken to generally prefer country walks and trails that have sidewalks, or paths that are well off the road.
Source – http://walking.about.com/od/dogwalking/a/dogwalking.htm
Who’s walking whom?
Jun/090
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/