5 Tips for a Calmer Walk with your Dog
1. Practice Sit and Look Using Yummy Treats
It sounds as simple as it is! Ask and reward for sit and eye contact 30-50 times on your walk. Dogs learn in multiple repetitions in a short amount of time. The more your dog is paying attention to you, the less they’ll focus on outside stimuli and the calmer they will be.
2. Utilize Turns to Keep your Dog in
Tune with You
Leadership from the handler while in partnership with your dog will create a calm space they can feel safe in. When you turn or about face, encourage your dog to follow you and reward!
3. Use the Right Equipment for your Dog
There are so many options out there.. from collars to harnesses to head halters. Don’t use a back clip harness on your husky and then wonder why he’s pulling you! Talk with a trainer to find the best option for you, your dog and your goals.
4. Create Engagement
I hear people say all the time after a long day being home alone, this is the time their dog has to explore and be free. Thus, they allow the dog to be out in front crisscrossing and pulling them to every scent they want to smell. Don’t do this! Use the walk as a time to bond with your dog and engage them! Bring treats, toys and practice obedience and tricks on your walks!
5. Hold Attention at Doorways
The walk starts when you get the leash out and exit the door. If your dog is bouncing off the walls before you put the leash on and then drags you out the door, this will be setting the stage for a crazy walk with a dog on high alert. The higher the arousal level, the more chances undesirable behavior will occur. Teach your dog to sit or yield to you when you take the leash out and at doorways. Create calm from the get-go.
It sounds as simple as it is! Ask and reward for sit and eye contact 30-50 times on your walk. Dogs learn in multiple repetitions in a short amount of time. The more your dog is paying attention to you, the less they’ll focus on outside stimuli and the calmer they will be.
2. Utilize Turns to Keep your Dog in
Tune with You
Leadership from the handler while in partnership with your dog will create a calm space they can feel safe in. When you turn or about face, encourage your dog to follow you and reward!
3. Use the Right Equipment for your Dog
There are so many options out there.. from collars to harnesses to head halters. Don’t use a back clip harness on your husky and then wonder why he’s pulling you! Talk with a trainer to find the best option for you, your dog and your goals.
4. Create Engagement
I hear people say all the time after a long day being home alone, this is the time their dog has to explore and be free. Thus, they allow the dog to be out in front crisscrossing and pulling them to every scent they want to smell. Don’t do this! Use the walk as a time to bond with your dog and engage them! Bring treats, toys and practice obedience and tricks on your walks!
5. Hold Attention at Doorways
The walk starts when you get the leash out and exit the door. If your dog is bouncing off the walls before you put the leash on and then drags you out the door, this will be setting the stage for a crazy walk with a dog on high alert. The higher the arousal level, the more chances undesirable behavior will occur. Teach your dog to sit or yield to you when you take the leash out and at doorways. Create calm from the get-go.
⭐️ Remember, dogs will continue to do what works for them. If you want to change their behavior you must capture, reinforce and reward the calm.⭐️
Written by Jamie Ianello, IAABC-SBA
