Thursday, September 1, 2011

Leash Walking

WALKING A DOG ON A LEASH

With the advent of the electric fence and the busy life style of most people, dogs are restricted to the area of their home.  This is great for extra time outside but does not give dogs what they need for exercise and mental stimulation.  We need to tap into their instincts to help them to be a more well-balanced dog.

The following is a list highlighting the points as to why we should walk our dogs AT LEAST once a day;

  1. It gives you the opportunity to share some positive attention with your dog which is something that they desire, need and love.
  2. When dogs are given the opportunity to go where they please, you will notice how much they love to keep moving, smell and explore.  Walking them on the leash gives them a safe chance to utilize their instincts.
  3. Walking on a leash allows your dog to exercise both its body and mind.  Since we look for loose leash walking, your dog is engaged in following your directions, focusing, and being engaged with you.  It teaches your dog to stay focused on you which will also carry into the other areas of training.
  4. Lastly, is the socialization aspect.  What better way to see different sights; people; animals; noise; etc., etc.  This will give your dog more confidence and encouragement when faced with new situations.

We should always have our dog walking as close to us as possible until we allow them to sniff and take potty breaks.  This should be on our terms not theirs.  If the dog pulls, acts excited, lunges, etc. you can go in the other direction several steps and try turning around again; you can be a tree and not move until they are listening; or you can ask your dog to sit until the dog is calm again and can continue the walk.

**  WALKING A DOG ON A LEASH IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR SHELTER DOGS.  THINK OF THEIR LIFE THAT IS ALL ABOUT THE KENNEL AND THE SIDE YARD.

IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS VOLUNTEERS TO GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THE OUTSIDE WORLD.  IN ADDITION, OUR GOAL IS TO HAVE THEM ADOPTED.  MAKING THEM MORE WELL-BALANCED, WILL MAKE THEM MORE ADOPTABLE.

WE WANT TO BUILD THEIR CONFIDENCE THROUGH EXPOSING THEM TO AS MANY THINGS AS POSSIBLE.

WE WILL STIMULATE THEM IN THE WALK BY TEACHING THEM HOW TO BEHAVE ON A LEASH AS WELL AS THE BEYOND THE WALLS OF THE KENNEL THAT WE HOPE WILL ULTIMATELY BE WHERE THEY WILL LIVE.