The walk is a fundamental routine for dogs, since it depends on it whether they can relieve themselves. However, the walk offers many other benefits, such as the possibility of socializing, receiving stimulation from the environment or exercising. Generally due to ignorance, many owners make certain mistakes during the walk that directly affect the well-being of their dogs.
Do you want to learn how to avoid them? In this new article on our site we will explain 10 common mistakes when walking your dog that you should avoid, but we will also explain why and some alternatives to keep in mind bill. Read on to discover some important points about dog walking!
1. Don't let your dog smell the environment
It is normal that you feel a slight feeling of rejection when you see your dog sniffing pee and dirt on the floor, it is normal. Of course, you must understand that is part of the nature of dogs When they carry out this behavior two very important things happen:
- They relax: Stressed dogs or those who are very restless will benefit from pressure-free sniffing. It allows them to relax and channel their nervousness.
- They receive information from the environment: the urine informs your dog of who lives in the same area: if they are males, females or puppies. All of this helps him to find his way around and better understand where he lives and who is passing through his area
If your dog is properly vaccinated you don't have to worry, he won't get any infection. Of course, you can choose to walk through more wooded places to avoid the excessive dirt that an urban environment causes.
But… What happens when a dog doesn't smell anything? If your dog seems to show no interest in smelling other urine, flowers or corners, it could be a stress problem. Do you see him nervous? Altered? Teach him how to do it using seeding:
- Locate yourself in a wooded or minimally clean area.
- Find an uneven ground to do it.
- Scatter feed on the ground.
- Wait for the sniffing dog to find the food.
- If your dog can't find it, help and guide him.
two. Pulling on the leash when the dog is also pulling on it
Let's be honest with you: You're not going to get anywhere by jerking around On our site we're tired of looking at bad advice on the Internet. Believe it or not, pulling your dog on the leash causes stress and possible he alth complications such as intraocular pressure or throat problems Stop doing it immediately.
To prevent a dog from pulling the leash, you must teach him to walk alongside, but if that is not possible or if your dog is very large and you need to have him under control in certain situations, it is best buy an anti-pull harness like the one you see in the picture. It will also be indicated to modify walking habits as shown in our article on tips so that my dog does not pull on the leash.
3. Yelling at or hitting them when they get mad at another dog
Of course this attitude is totally reprehensible: you must never hit a dog If you notice that it barks or tries to attack other dogs you have You have to go to a professional, leave the site quickly or, at least, inform yourself about the guidelines that you must follow, always using positive reinforcement. By punishing a dog in the presence of others, you are making associate other dogs with negative things, so aggressiveness can increase.
Just as you would with a child, you should try to make him feel good and help him overcome his problems or fears in the right way. See an ethologist if necessary. Using aggressiveness will only make your dog have a bad time and his relationship with the other dogs cannot progress for the better.
The best way to educate a dog is to teach him how to behave. If during the walk you are nervous, tense and aggressive, the animal itself will transmit it and take an example. It's best to give him a calm, relaxed ride avoiding situations that might trigger a negative reaction.
4. Do not allow him to interact with other dogs or people
Except for dogs that behave aggressively towards others, it is very important that we let our dog interact with others. It is essential that animals can interact with each other as well as with us.
You can go to a pipi-can or simply find a dog from the same area to walk with. Sometimes conflicts will arise but that does not take away the desire to relate to him, it is very important to ensure that continues to be a social and affectionate dog.
5. Taking a walk that is too short or too long
You must understand that each dog is unique and has specific needs in terms of walking habits: more nervous dogs will need more time, the elderly quiet and those with labored breathing less exposure to intense heat (as may be the case of pugs or pugs).
You must analyze your dog's needs in a concrete way and exercise him if necessary with different physical activities, always adapted to him and at his pace.
A dog walk should generally last 20 to 30 minutes and should be repeated withintwo and three times a day . Make an effort to offer your dog a proper walk and you will see better behavior, attitude and happiness in his eyes.
6. Let him bite the leash
Although this behavior may indicate excitement and joy for the walk, it is also showing us that the dog is upset and somewhat stressed. In addition, the straps usually have metallic elements, something that can damage the teeth of our best friend. For that reason, if your dog chews on the leash, the best thing you can do is carry a teether or other type of toy to distract him.
7. Do not put an identification plate on them
This point is especially important in those dogs that are afraid of cars, people or general fear, since they could escape unintentionally in a stressful situation. Even so, it is also important in stable or well-trained dogs. The plate is a fundamental element, as well as the chip, since in case of loss it would be a quick way to recover it.
8. Do not vary the route of the ride
It is very important that, from time to time, we vary the route of walks, so that our dog feels stimulated by new environments, dogs and objects that our locality offers us. It is always desirable to go to wooded environments full of vegetation or to beach areas, but if it is not possible, it will be enough to change streets and bet on a new route or pipi-can.
9. Do not give them 5 minutes off the leash
Many ethologists and canine educators agree that leaving five minutes a day of freedom without a leash offers our dog extra stimulation and well-being, in which we allow him to explore an environment on his own, which is very positive for him. If our dog does not respond well to training, it is always advisable to go to a fenced area.
10. Not paying attention to the dog
To finish this list we want to remind you of the importance of being attentive to our partner throughout the walk. It is essential to prevent them from eating anything off the flooror simply to detect his body communication and better understand what he likes and what he dislikes.
Even so, remember that the walk is the dog's time, so dedicate all your efforts to keep him happy and upbeat during this time of day is your obligation. Make every walk a wonderful time for him!
