How To Walk Your Dog The Right Way
Walking should be one of the easiest parts of having a dog. It’s also one of the most important parts of having a dog, yet 41% of people with dogs don’t regularly walk them. It turns out that walking is one of the things people with dogs struggle with the most. I’ve worked with dogs professionally for over a decade and believe walking is one of the most important aspects of having a dog. Even if you’re not having problems on walks, this guide might help make walking your dog a little better.
The walk starts with how you leave.
Walking your dog the right way starts with how you leave the house. It could be putting on a specific pair of shoes, saying the word “walk,” or grabbing the leash, but something you do lets your dog know a walk is about to happen. This only matters if you have a dog that gets overly excited before walks, and if you do, there is a simple process that helps:
Find out what’s giving your dog the signal that a walk is about to happen.
Desensitize your dog to the signal by doing it repeatedly without taking your dog for a walk.
Remain calm, and don’t walk your dog after the signal until it doesn’t make your dog overly excited.
This is a process, so it takes time and patience. It might not be something you can do in one day if you don’t have time or patience or want things to move faster. Another option is to completely take the emotion out of going for a walk and not letting your dog get overly excited.
How to start a walk without exciting your dog.
Here’s an example, get leash, treats, and poop bags without looking or talking to your dog. Walk to the door, then call your dog (one time) and ask them to sit (one time). Clip the leash to the collar, and before opening the door, tell your dog to wait (if you have a wait cue). Open the door slowly and take one step out. After a quick scan, say o.k. to release your dog and start your walk. No baby talk, no excited voice or tone. If your dog starts to get excited at any point, stop what you’re doing until they’re calm.
The right way to hold a leash.
The leash loop handle is around my thumb, not my wrist, with the leash folded in my hand with a closed fist. My arm is hanging at my side with no tension. The leash is short but loose. I tell my dog to heel (or whatever word you want to use.)
When my dog is in the heel position, I don’t care about…
If my dog walks on my left or right.
If my dog switches sides, as long as they don’t cut me off or pass me.
If my dog sniffs, as long as they keep my walking pace.
Master your walk
Walking is one of the most important aspects of having a dog and something every person with a dog should master.
What I expect while my dog is in heel.
To walk at my pace without pulling or tension on the leash.
Not to pass me.
To automatically stop & sit whenever I stop walking.
Not to bark, pull, or lunge at anything or person.
To look up at me whenever I say my dog’s name.
Stop reactivity before it starts.
While walking, I’m paying attention to my surroundings and my dog. The goal is to see anything my dog might react to before they do, so I have the jump on redirecting or stopping the reaction. The most effective way to deal with dog reactivity is to stop it before it starts. I’m also not baby-talking or doing anything else that would cause my dog to get excited.
Talking to your dog on the walk.
Unless giving a cue, I’m not talking to my dog, and the only cues I need to give my dog while on a walk are:
Wait- hold your position.
Aaah-sharp sound I use as a warning.
Good- my dog did/ doing something I want/ like.
Heel- walk next to me at my pace.
O.k.- release
Sit
Down
No- My dog did something wrong & correction is coming.
Adding structure to the walk
The walk is for and about your dog. Adding structure doesn’t mean the walk won’t be fun or fulfilling, but it adds more benefits and purpose. To add structure, break the walk into blocks of your dog walking in the heel position and walking freely. So whether on or off-leash, I start the walk with my dog in the heel position. 5-10 minutes into the walk, I release them by saying o.k. meaning they can walk in front of me. When this is done with my dog while the leash is attached, I still expect them not to pull or have tension on the leash. When I release my dog while off-leash, I want them to turn around to check in with me without going too far. And or to wait when I say “wait.” After another 5-10 minutes, I call my dog back to me into a heel position, and I repeat this process until the walk is over.
Benefits of a structured walk
This process is like giving your dog a walk on steroids. The physical stimulation with blocks in the heel position makes your dog think and concentrate more. This means your dog will be more tired and fulfilled. Walking your dog two blocks with structure is the equivalent of walking four blocks normally. This is useful when the weather is cold, pressed for time, or to tire your dog out.
Need help with your dog?
Lifeline Dog Training, led by owner and trainer Kris Webber, makes it easy to get help with your dog in Cleveland, Ohio. Lifeline provides convenient drop-off, in-home, and board & training programs. Get in touch with me today for a free phone consultation.
