You’re out walking your dog at the shopping center. They’re supposed to stay on a leash, but they keep wanting to explore everything and smell all the new smells. It’s hard to keep them focused on just one thing!
That’s because dogs are natural explorers. They want to know everything about their surroundings. The only thing that’s really unnatural to them is walking on a leash.
Why Walk?
It’s important to take your dog on walks for several reasons – it’s beneficial for their physical and mental health, and it’s a great bonding experience for the both of you.
A leash is a necessary tool to have when taking your dog on a walk, as it allows you to control them and keep them safe.
Walking also gives them the chance to explore their surroundings, which is crucial to their wellbeing.
“Taking a dog on a walk helps them explore their current environment, which is essential to their health,” says James Barr, DVM, with Texas A&M’s Veterinary School. A walk should not only be an opportunity for your pet to relieve themselves. A good walk is like a spa for them.
A daily walk can do wonders for your dog’s digestion and help them sleep better at night.
On the other hand, inactive paws can lead to unhealthy habits. Chewing, digging, and lots of barking usually mean one thing – boredom. Walking helps dogs burn off energy. It also gives you two a chance to bond – and build trust.
A disciplined approach yields promising results So how do you get to a nice, smooth walk with a dog who doesn’t run much or pull against the leash?
Steven Marrujo, administrator of PawFection pup day care in Pasadena, CA, says tolerance and consistency are vital when it comes to taking care of your pet.
Indeed, even easily overlooked details matter, such as utilizing a similar chain and strolling on a similar roadside without fail.
He additionally proposes wearing your canine out a piece before a walk. “Play a speedy round of bring or grapple with them.”
This can help youthful little guys center during a walk so that they’re not as easily distracted by their surroundings.
If you’re in a hurry to help your friend out, why not make the experience more pleasant for both of you by giving them a delicious treat?
Sharon Wirant, head of the Anti-Cruelty Behavior group for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), says this is a great way to connect the walk with a happy memory.
