Take your dog for a walk – even if you don’t have to
Many dog owners choose electronic pet fences or other fences as a means of safely keeping their dog in the yard and allowing them to use the bathroom. It also gives the dog owner a reprieve from the requirement for regular dog walks. A great advantage is that you can simply open the door and let your pet run, play and relieve themselves without having to wait for someone else. Of course, he can probably run faster without being tied to one of us slow people, and he’ll probably get out and enjoy the fresh air a lot more often without having to wait for one of us. busy people, to stop what we are doing, to change our shoes, take our coat and take it for a walk. All of these things are part of the benefits of knowing your dog is protected by a quality fence.
But the above benefits can also facilitate a terrible disservice to the relationship you have with your dog. After reading several books on responsible dog ownership (1,2,3,4), it became clear that there are other benefits to walking a dog on a leash that have nothing to do with their immediate safety. Dog experts agree that proper walking is good for your dog, you and your relationship with your dog.
I know that many dog owners continue to walk their dog regularly and some even use their dog as a jogging partner – but I also know that there are many owners like me who have to admit that their dog only sees a leash when it’s time to go to the vet, hairdresser or kennel.
So for those of you like me, I would like to encourage you to consider a regular walking routine with your dog. The benefits are potentially huge – if done right. Some of the books I’ve read dictate two 30 minute walks a day! Well, no doubt that might be ideal, but it might not be possible with your given schedule. But who can’t make time for two ten-minute walks a day? If you’re currently doing nothing like me, it’s all an improvement.
The benefits of proper dog walking are as follows:
1. Your dog needs exercise – just like we all do. You may have given your dog 1 or 2 acres of yard, but watch what he does when he is alone outside. Does he ever run or run? Or is he just doing his job and waiting by the back door to come back?
2. Your dog needs interesting experiences. Your dog’s domestic life is much less challenging than the life he would have in the wild. Even though our dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, there are still primal instincts that need to be satisfied. While we don’t want him killing wild deer, I’m sure he’ll appreciate the opportunity to explore new sights and smells with his faithful guide by his side.
3. Your dog should participate in pack activities. There is no single activity that more clearly reminds your dog of his relationship with the pack and his position in that pack (follower) than a properly conducted leash walk.
Unused energy, boredom, and a lack of understanding of his role in the pack are the causes of most dog behavior problems. All of these can be addressed with a walking routine when done correctly.
Doug Rountree, a professional dog trainer and owner of the local Bark Busters Home Dog Training franchise, offers the following tips on the proper way to walk your dog:
Since dogs are pack animals and seek leadership in their family pack, they should naturally want to follow our lead on walks. This means that the dog should be in a comfortable heel position without any tension on the lead throughout the walk. Yet many pet owners choose to compromise their handler status by using retractable leads (which allow the dog to do as it pleases) or simply choose not to walk their dog at all. As a result, not only does the owner fail to provide an appropriate outlet for some of the dog’s energy, but more importantly, the owner fails to demonstrate appropriate leadership by showing the dog that he is in charge and therefore the dog must follow. It is not unusual to find such dogs with several behavioral problems, as neither their physical needs (ie. release of energy) nor their safety needs (ie. leadership) are being met. This is why responsible dog ownership should include some sort of routine walk, as the owner not only has the opportunity to show their dog leadership skills, but also has the chance to develop a deep, mutual bond by spending one-on-one time with their dog. outdoor.
So, enjoy the freedom and safety you have given your dog by keeping him safe in his own yard. But if you’re like me, it might be time to expand your dog’s horizons a bit by establishing a routine of regular walks. It also fits in with many standing New Year’s resolutions – to exercise more.
1. Cesar’s Way, Cesar Milan, 2006
2. Be the leader of the pack, Cesar Milan, 2007
3. Family Member, Cesar Milan, 2008
4. Dog Training the Australian Way, Danny and Sylvia Wilson, 2007.
#dog #walk #dont
