
It's easy to walk your dog and completely zone out during the entire walk.
Believe it or not, and maybe you already know this, but there's more to walking your dog than simply leashing them and heading out the door.
And making these mistakes can lead to an unruly dog, which can be a costly problem to fix. It could even lead to a dog bite!
So here's what to avoid when you go on your next dog walk:
1. Using Too Short or Too Long of a Leash
If you encounter many people and dogs on your walks, you may feel tempted to use a 3-foot leash. You may also want to use those longer retractable leashes, or a leash with a 10-foot or longer lead to give your dog more freedom to explore.
Big mistake!
Shorter leashes make it easier for your dog to pull. However, your dog needs more room than just three feet to roam.
Longer leashes give your dog more control. This teaches them undesirable habits too.
So, you're best off staying with a standard 6-foot leash. You can use a rope or nylon cord. Either is fine.
If your dog chews your leash, then use a rope. They simply won't be able to chew through it like they would a nylon leash.
2. Hurrying Your Dog Along the Walk
Dogs love their walks because they get to take in all sorts of sensory information. Of course, the most important of these to them is sniffing.
Their noses are as important to them as our eyes. It's absolutely essential to their happiness that they get the opportunity to sniff as much as possible.
And sniffing consumes energy too. So, that means if you let your dog sniff, they'll be more tired at the end of their walk.
Don't hurry your dog along their walk. Give them their time and let them take the world in.
3. Talking On Your Phone While Walking Your Dog
How is your dog going to learn good leash manners if you're unavailable and on your phone while you walk them?
Being engrossed in a conversation takes your attention off your walk with your dog. This also weakens your bond with them.
In addition, this only gives you one hand available to walk your dog. It's entirely possible you end up with your dog running away with your leash.
Even if you talk hands-free on your cell phone, you still have only part of your attention on your dog.
You'll get the best behavior and you'll have the most fun if you focus 100% of your attention on your dog.
4. Using the Wrong Equipment
Those retractable leashes you see other people using cause far more problems than they solve.
They encourage pulling and give you less control. They break. They can hit other people and cause leash burns.
They're no good.
You can use a no-pull harness that causes your dog no pain and keeps them under control.
5. Walking the Same Route
Dogs appreciate every walk they get. But it's even better to walk them on a slightly different route each time.
They enjoy the new sights and smells. And you'll notice the additional excitement in their behavior.
Don't worry. It won't be so much that you lose control of your dog.
But when you can, make sure you walk new routes with your dog.
6. Not Picking Up Your Dog's Poop
Dog poop doesn't seem like a big deal.
But, it is.
Someone might step in it. The viruses and bacteria in dog poop can cause diseases. Children might touch it. Your favorite walking spot may also institute a dog walking ban.
You also make others angry and risk uncomfortable confrontations...
So, make life easier for everyone, including yourself, and pick up your dog poop!
7. Force Heel Position
Believe it or not, you don't need to require your dog to walk in the heel position.
If you don't already know, "heel position" means your dog is walking at your left side, parallel to you with no more than six inches between the two of you.
As long as you have a little slack in the leash, consider your dog doing a good job walking.
Remember that a walk is your dog's time to sniff and connect with the world around them. So, give them every opportunity to do so.
8. Not Acknowledging Check-Ins
During your walk, your dog will look up at you briefly. You call this special moment a "check-in."
When it happens, tell your dog,"Good boy!" and give them a treat.
This will dramatically strengthen your bond with them. You'll get more checking in. And, you'll get better behavior out of your dog!
9. Ignoring Leash Pulling
Walking shouldn't be a constant struggle between you and your dog. You should both be able to enjoy a relaxed, casual walk every single time you go out.
...But how do you get the leash pulling to stop if it's already started?
It's not easy. It takes some work. But, it's not impossible to put an end to either.
Follow this simple guide to end pulling in a gentle and humane way.
10. Approaching Unfamiliar Dogs Without Asking
Many dog owners go as far as not meeting other dogs while on their walk.
It sounds extreme. But it is a way to guarantee safety.
However, how is your dog then going to learn to socialize with other dogs?
So, a reasonable solution lies in simply asking other dog owners if you can approach their dogs.
11. Letting Your Dog Run Free
You're basically inviting trouble by letting your dog run free. In fact, trouble is almost a guarantee in this case.
it could even be someone else's dog that's the problem. Your dog might be perfectly friendly. But there's many who want to prove to every other dog that they are the alpha.
Never ever let your dog run free, unless you're in a fenced in area.
12. Walking Your Dog Too Far
Dogs loooooooooove their walks so much that many will walk well beyond their limits, if allowed.
For starters, here's a complete guide for how much you should walk your dog, based on breed.
And to help you diagnose when you've walked your dog a little too far, here's some signs to watch for:
Torn paw pads with visible flaps of skin present
Struggling to get up after resting, following a walk
Refusing to walk up or down stairs
Refusing meals because it hurts to stretch down to their food dish
Limping or favoring one leg over the other while walking
Stopping the walk altogether by laying down
Excessive panting
Drooling
Reddened gums
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Uncoordinated movement
If you are unsure how much to exercise your dog, have a talk with your vet and develop a plan.
13. Treating Your Dog Walk Like a Chore
It's easy to fall into this mindset. You've had a long, stressful day. You really just want to put your feet up and rest.
...But your dog still needs their walk!
Time with your dog should be fun and special. You should look forward to it every day. You became a pet owner because you wanted more fun and joy in your life.
So, do everything you can to make your time with your dog fun.
And if you're having a particularly hard time doing so, you can always hire a professional dog walker to help you out!