Can You Have More Control Over Your Dog When Taking Walks?

For your furry little friend, the best time of the day is when they get to take a walk with you. Whether it’s a 10-minute quick walk around the block or a 30-minute long play session at the park, it sure is the highlight of your dog’s day.

Regularly walking your dog provides them with the necessary physical exercise, mental stimulation, and a chance to bond with you and explore the neighborhood. Since these walks are the perfect mix of fun and training, you need to be in control of your dog while giving them enough freedom to explore.

Below, we’ve discussed some practical ways to exercise more control over your pooch during walks.

WALK IN FRONT OF YOUR DOG

The equal rights activist in you may tell you that it is mean not to let a dog walk beside or in front of you. But you should not compare canines to humans and understand that both have different mindsets.

When you walk in front of your pooch, it makes them see you as the leader of the pack. On the other hand, when your doggo walks in front of you, it becomes the pack leader. Walking like the pack’s leader leads to many behavioral issues in canines. So, make sure you walk in front of your dog, leaving and entering the house before them.

USE A SHORT DOG LEASH

You can find different types of leashes for dogs on the market. While a long dog leash offers more freedom to your dog, it reduces your control during walks. Using a short dog leash, on the other hand, allows you to have more control over your pooch’s movements. If you attach the leash to the top of your puppy’s neck, you can communicate with and guide them better. Just make sure the leash isn’t too short, or you’ll make your dog uncomfortable.

NO RUSHING BATHROOM BREAKS

For dogs, choosing a place to go to the bathroom is much more than relieving themselves. They use their bathroom breaks to communicate with the world at large. Besides, it is a common practice for canines to use their urine to signal their presence.

While every dog’s specific needs vary, you should spare 30 minutes to one hour daily for dog walks. When you give them sufficient time to urinate and explore, they won’t tug at the leash to stay out a little more, letting you maintain control.

REWARD YOUR DOG DURING THE WALK

While it may seem like the opposite of exercising control, rewarding your doggo with leash-free time can positively impact their minds. Once your pup has maintained a stable state of mind, you can reward them by letting the leash loose.

They will relieve themselves in peace and then sniff around to get a sense of their surroundings. You’ll have to decide when reward time is over and then call your pooch back. Make sure the reward time is less than the walk time.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Going on regular walks with your pooch can serve as quality bonding time. But you must ensure they understand who’s in charge to behave accordingly. To do that, you have to exercise a few tactics to let your furry friends know that they can have fun in a controlled manner.