Is Your Dog Walking You?

Walking a dog is supposed to be a simple, enjoyable activity for you and your dog. an opportunity to get outside and, for a few minutes to a few hours, enjoy some time together and some exercise. However, so often I see the supposed activity ruined by dogs that pull like they Balto hauling the diphtheria medicine to Nome! This mutual activity becomes about your dog hauling you around the neighborhood, completely ignoring you to snuffel and sniff and do whatever HE wants.

It is simple; If the dog is in FRONT of your hip, the dog is walking YOU! If your dog is walking you, then he is in charge and you are the follower. This is "bad" for you and your dog on a number of different levels, and will hold your dog back from becoming the dog both you and he wants to be. It sets the expectation that the dog is in charge, and that he decides where to go and what to see. This behavior can and will translate into every other area of your interaction with this dog. It is not uncommon for owners to report that the dog "suddenly" developed some aggressive behavior that he never did before. Untrue, it was there all along, the owners just don;t or refuse to see.

Tip #1 - Correct dog walking begins with selecting the right equipment. 
No, a harness designed for PULLING is not the correct equipment (Hello, clue phone time!) If you decide you like the idea of a harness (as Bekki did with Jethro) find one that does not allow the dog to pull, like the Premier Easy Walk Harness. Otherwise, any pinch style collar will work, as will a Martingale or old fashioned "choke chain" style collar (an unfortunate name, as it does not in fact choke the dog when used properly.)

Tip 1A - Educate  yourself on how to properly use the tool you have decided upon. 
This is not really it's OWN tip, but is a portion of #1 that MOST people blow off, and it a very critical step. Read the instructions in the package, look your tool up online and see if there are any videos showing proper usage. Know your tools and how to Properly adjust and use them!

Tip #2 - ALWAYS lead the dog through any door or obstacle.
Proper dog handling technique begins now. This is one of the most important techniques to use with (not ON) your dog, and it is one of the simplest ones. You are the Alpha, they always follow you. This simple technique sets the tone for everything down line and should be followed religiously.

Tip #3 - Walk Your Dog!
No, this is not just a matter of getting out the door and walking. You have to have a process, and you have to follow it every time. With our dogs my process is as follows:

1. I make them come to the front door area and SIT and wait until I am ready to get them ready.
2. Then I leash them both and make them continue to SIT and wait until I (or we) are ready to go. 
3. I go out the door first, and lead them to the sidewilk where I make them SIT. Why all the sitting? I believe it helps me establish this is a structured walk, not a free for all like when we go to the beach, etc. It helps me to stop and center myself. Your energy will translate to your dog. If you are calm and ready, they will be also.
4. When I am ready, we will begin our walk with me giving the Heel command. The dog may try to go in front of me, but I use the tools I have to let them know NO, you follow by giving a quick corrective tug/jerk on the lead and then letting it go while giving the Heel command again
5. If the dog will NOT heel, I stop and sit them and wait until they calm down a little, then try again.

Tip #4 - Same Way, Every Day, Every Time
If you are just starting this process with your 'old' dog or a new one (puppy or 'old' dog) you will experience some level or resistance. Do not stop. Work the process every day. The distance you and your dog cover is not as important as the lessons you are teaching. Depending upon your dog, they may 'get it' right off like Jethro did. They may also fight you for control for a while, like Hondo did. Just keep working the process, stay calm, and eventually you will suddenly notice in the middle of a walk one day that you have not corrected your dog ONCE! This is a cool feeling. I hope you all have the opportunity to be able to feel what it is like being in sync and harmony with your dog.

The above 'process' is what has worked for us. It is based upon many articles we have read, advice from trainers we have spoken to, and plain old trial and error. Your dog may have 'special needs' and as always, consult with a dog trainer if you have any questions of how to correctly work with your dog, but please remember; work with your dog. BOTH of you will be much happier!