7 Tips To Help You Master Your Dog Walks

When I’m out walking dogs, I often walk four dogs at a time such as pictured above with (from left to right) clients Lemmy, Iggy, Arty, and my coon hound, Daisy, and people are amazed by this but it is simple to do because the dogs see me as their pack leader.

If you follow these seven tips you will soon be walking your dog(s) with ease as I do:

Daisy and I love our walks on the beach.

1. Walk in front of or beside your dog.

If you allow your dog to walk in front of you he’s the pack leader and is controlling the walk.

Tartan looks forward to our walks when her owners were out of town.

2. Your dog also needs to learn to stay on one side of you (the left side is traditional) at all times.

If he or she constantly weaves back and forth or runs around you in circles, your walk won’t be much fun and you could trip and injure yourself or your dog.

My client, Kira, loved having me right beside her during our walks.

3. Use a short leash

This allows you to have more control. Attaching the leash to the very top of the neck can help you more easily communicate, guide, and correct your dog.

Daisy's favorite walks are on beautiful wooded trails because there's so much to sniff.

4. Give yourself enough time for the dog walk. 

I know from experience that a tired dog truly is a well-behaved dog so my recommendation is to walk your dog for at least thirty minutes three times a day.

Oliver and Daisy are such good friends that sniffing each other is a necessity.

5. How to reward your dog during the walk.

After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind reward him by allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over which should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk.

Chalupa the Chihuahua and Joust the Basenji wait patiently while I put their leashes away.

6. Keep leading even after the walk.

When you get home, don't stop leading. Have your dog wait patiently while you put away his leash or take off your shoes.

 Daisy always has a good appetite after her walks.

7. Reward your dog after the walk.

By providing a meal after the walk, you have allowed your dog to "work" for food and water.

I hope these simple tips encourage you to get out there and enjoy your walks with your companions!