Walking Your Dog Tips

Here's some practical tips that will help you during your next walk around the block with your dog.

It is always a very good idea to use a leash or you could find your dog following the wonderful world of smell from one oh so interesting place to another. Likely by the time he raises his head to check his surroundings, he has no idea where he is at.

Use ID tags (with your current phone number) on your dog’s collar and/or one of those high-tech chip ID's that are implanted under your dog's skin. That is the quickest way to get your buddy back should he gets off his leash and make a run for it. The implanted chip can make a good back-up in case his collar slips off.

Try to remember that dogs are a lot like kids. When they get off their leash they will run for it and of course, you will chase them and they’ll think it’s a great game. So it is best not to give chase. They are likely to return on their own. If for whatever reason they don’t, you can act like you have their favorite treat or toy. At least try every trick you can think of to get him to return without  giving chase. Once he has returns be sure to praise him for returning. Then try something like this: Tie a 15 foot nylon line to your dog’s collar. Fasten the other end securely  to yourself or better yet something close by that will not give. Just before your dog or puppy reaches the end of the line, say “Whoa” or “Stop.” Just be sure to be consistent using one word or the other. Switching back and forth will just confuse him. When the line brings him to an abrupt stop tell him to sit and then praise him for being such a good dog.

You may find that using whistles, intonations and body language are a lot better than using specific words. If you want to train your dog to respond reliably everytime try to be consistent and firm in how you command him.

Be sure to carry “poop bags" and a pooper scooper. Cleaning up after your dog will ensure you won’t step in it on your next trip around the block (yuk!) and your neighbors will certainly appreciate the common courtesy.

Know that your dog is territorial and every tree, bush and post will need to be marked.

Barking at a others can be handled by only allowing a couple barks and then saying “Quiet.” By surprising him you can immediately interrupt his barking. You can shake a can of dry beans or use a squirt gun or bottle filled with water and squirt it at his mouth. While he’s quiet just say “good quiet” and pop a tasty treat into his mouth.

Now get out there and enjoy the many benefits of some good healthy exercise for both of you.