Walking your dog frequently is an important aspect of a dog’s life. It helps keep your pooch fit and healthy whilst also leaving them feeling calm and collected.
Discipline, obedience, and co-operation is reinforced.
Loose leash walking is something that needs to be mastered with patience and time. It is not something that can be suddenly incorporated without practice. Your dog needs to be gradually introduced to their loose leash walks, first in areas that they are aware of and comfortable in, before venturing into more difficult terrain and traffic.
Start when your dog is young so he can easily grasp it, and it becomes an easy feat while walking on main roads, going to new social settings, and just being in public.
Teaching your dog to obey your commands and heel when asked to do so creates a better relationship for you and your dog. This is why it is necessary to train them early.
You do not want to be in a situation where your dog disobeys you and runs wherever he pleases. This can also be very dangerous if your dog is out of control and not taught how to walk by your side in peak traffic. Such behavioural issues are much harder to address as time goes on.
By teaching your dog loose leash walking you are protecting both your dog, yourself, and even others from potentially hazardous situations.
A nervous or anxious dog who feels stressed often will feel extremely timid socially if not trained to walk on a loose leash. You can feel the tension on your leash, and knowing that your dog is tense is important before any conflict occurs.
A calm dog is a happy dog.
Even when the owner himself is stressed the dog can feel this through the grip of the leash, and in turn get agitation and tense themselves.
A calm body language and composure from the owner and regular practice of walking your dog on a loose leash will enable comfort and flexibility for both you and your pet. You will soon be able to take them to any social setting that you may require, and all this can be made possible if you have mastered leash skills.
If you are used to walking your dog on one side on walks, the continual pulling of the leash can cause extra stress on the joints. It is important to balance this out.
Understand your dog and their body language and create a rhythm and pace between you and your dog on walks, tight pulling of the leash, can cause the collar to pull hard at the neck and even cause injury to the trachea, larynx and cervical vertebrae, if walks are not conducted properly.
It is important to purchase the right collar and leash when walking your dog. Getting a martingale collar for your walks works amazingly well, and so does a slip lead. They are created in such a way keeping your dogs frame and body in mind, and are designed so that you can get the most out of your loose leash walks and training.
Speak to a professional trainer or your trusted veterinarian about the type of collar and lead that is accurate for your dog’s breed, height, weight, and build.
Top Reasons to Practice Loose Leash Walking (The Correct Way)
- Establishes a steady bond between you and your dog.
- Enjoyable and stress free walks for both pet parent and pooch.
- Avoids accidents or unwanted interactions.
- Creates a balanced and obedient dog.
- Prevents injuries if done right.
- Makes you and your pet responsible.
- A sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
