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http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-walking-101.html
Dog Walking 101
Hey you, new pooch parent—yeah, you with the cute puppy who
can’t stop pulling! Want some tricks to keep Trixie on task? Or
perhaps you’re already an old pro but want to make your outdoor
excursions more fun for both you and your dog. Follow our
insider tips and your pooch will be eager to get going as soon
as you pick up the leash!
It’s the Leash You Can Do
What’s the best type of leash? “Use whatever you feel most
comfortable holding,” recommends the ASPCA Animal Behavior
Center’s Kristen Collins, CPDT.
Flexi-leads are best reserved for walks in the park, when it’s safe for
a dog to explore a bit further away from her pet parent. They are NOT
a good idea if you’re walking in an area with high foot traffic or off-
leash dogs, as the long line may get wrapped around your dog, a
person’s leg or another dog.
Many people think chain leashes look nice, but they are much heavier
than nylon or leather, and they can be very hard on the hands. Even
so, they sometimes work well for dogs who like to tug or bite the
leash. “Metal doesn’t feel nearly as nice in a dog’s mouth,” explains
Collins.
Leather leashes are a good option because they are easiest on the hands.
Nylon leashes can cut into hands or give a pet parent “leash burn” if a
dog pulls a lot or unexpectedly lunges forward. But they come in many
stylish colors and designs, and they hold up well after repeated exposure
to rain and snow.
Pull Over, Rover!
Constant pulling on the leash makes walks stressful for both of you.
“It’s a common problem that can happen for a number of reasons,” says
Collins.
If your dog darts after local wildlife, it may help to walk him when critters
are less likely to be out and about; avoid dawn and dusk. You can also
check out our article Dogs Who Are Reactive on Leash.
If the problem is simply pulling on leash due to natural canine enthusiasm
for all the exciting signs and sounds you encounter on walks, you’ll find
help in our article Teaching Your Dog Not to Pull on Leash.
http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/30/Teaching-Dog-Not-to-Pull-on-Leash.aspx
Try using a head halter to walk a dog who’s excitable on leash. “They
provide power steering for dog parents!” says Collins. “The Gentle
Leader® by Premier® Pet Products is my personal favorite.” Details
and more can be found in our article Walking Equipment for Your Dog.
http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/22/Walking-Equipment-for-Your-Dog.aspx
Stay Off the Grass (and Out of the Flower Beds!)
Our experts at the ASPCA Poison Control Center want you to keep your
walks toxin-free:
During the warmer months, it’s important to keep your pet safe from
toxic lawn and garden products. Insecticides and certain types of mulch
can cause problems for our furry friends—during neighborhood strolls,
please be sure to keep your pooch off the lawns of others.
Even though popular spring bulb plants like tulips and daffodils add much
to our landscape, they can cause significant stomach problems for our
furry friends. If your pooch likes to stop and smell—or nibble—the
flowers, please keep him on a short leash during your walks.
So Nice to Meet You!
It’s great that your friendly pooch loves meeting people during walks—
but not so great that she jumps up on them. “The basic idea is to teach
your dog how to sit on cue and then require her to sit to interact with
people,” says Collins. “No sitting, no greeting. But if she sits, she gets
to enjoy the reward of greeting her friends.” It doesn’t hurt to reward the
dog with a treat—or ask the person whom she’s greeting to offer a treat.
See our article on Teaching Your Dog Not to Jump Up on People for more
guidelines.
http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/10/Teaching-Your-Dog-Not-to-Jump-Up-on-People.aspx
Three Things To Bring
If you’re planning an extended walk, be sure to bring water for your dog—
especially if it’s warm outside.
Don’t forget the goodies! Walks are great training opportunities. Bring
Fido’s fave treats along, and practice tricks and obedience while you’re
out in the world. “This will solidify your dog’s skills and convince him
that going on walks is fantastic fun!” says Collins.
Don’t get caught without extra poop bags, particularly if you’re going
on a long walk. (P.S. This is a great way to recycle all those plastic
grocery bags!)
Watch for Creepy Crawlies
Depending on the time of the year and the area of the country you live
in, sneaky critters like snakes, spiders, scorpions and bees can be a
serious concern for pet and parent alike. If you’re walking in a densely
wooded area, take extra care to keep an eye out for hidden dangers.
To Be Free or Not to Be Free—That Is the Question
Taking a walk to a dog park or other fenced-in area that’s safe for
canines to romp freely? Make sure your dog is prepared for off-leash
play. “Your dog must know how to come when called,” says Collins, “so
the most important thing to do is teach a really reliable recall.”
Find out how to accomplish this in our article Teaching Your Dog to
Come When Called.
http://www.aspcabehavior.org/articles/84/Teaching-Your-Dog-to-Come-When-Called-.aspx
Take It Up a Notch
Here are some suggestions for making walks more fun for your dog:
Mix it up! Try taking your dog to new places. He’ll love experiencing the
new sights, smells and sounds at a novel location.
Choose fabulous destinations. If possible, walk to fun places, like friends’
houses or the dog park.
Walk with buddies. If your dog likes other dogs, consider group walks.
You can either borrow a friend’s dog to accompany you, or invite family
and friends who have dogs to meet you somewhere.
What’s Bugging You?
Walking in humid, mosquito-friendly areas? Spray yourself, not your
pooch! Even though it’s tempting to share insect repellent with your
pooch, it can be a grave mistake. Insect repellent should never be
applied to dogs, who can suffer neurological problems from the toxic
ingredient, DEET. Instead, ask your veterinarian for a suitable, pet-
specific alternative.
Posted on SHARE Yahoo group - Mar. 28, 2009