Walking Boisterous Dogs.
So many people go onto autopilot when they walk their dogs - they are dragged from one smelly lamppost to the next, it really isn’t fun for the owner and it is really not appropriate behaviour for the dog. In reality unless we as owners take back the reins the dog will never know any better.
The relationship you have with your dog is vital, and no less so when you are out walking!
When you walk your dog it should be a continuation of the master dog relationship. If you have put the effort in to teach your dog that you are his master at home, than this shouldn’t differ when out walking infact it is a fantastic opportunity to reinforce your training and your relationship.
The key is to teach your dog to defer to you whilst out walking, you want your dog look to you for instruction at every situation you may encounter along the way. This is valuable when walking animals especially ones that have in the past being over reactive or difficult.
Initially you train your dog easy commands such as sit, stay and come at home. It is also vitally important to be confident, calm and clear when handling your dog.
When you are out and about ask your dog to sit and look at you every few metres. Reward the dog either with praise or a treat. As you start off on your walk again ask him to heel. If the dog starts to pull, either stop still and ask the dog to sit, or quickly change direction. After awhile the dog will learn that if he pulls it gets him nowhere. More importantly, through your calm confident manner and aided by rewarding good behaviour your dog will quickly learn that you are his master and he will defer to you whilst walking.
- Walk every day
- Interact with your dog whilst walking
- Maintain the master dog relationship
- Stop or change direction regularly to keep your dogs attention on you.
- Always be calm, confident and communicate clearly.
- Try using a “Halti”
- Find a safe place to practice off lead
- Play games and Have fun.