October 1 2014
The
benefits of walking your dog are numerous and include providing your dog with
exercise, which can help decrease your dog's chances of becoming overweight,
reduce boredom and destructive behavior, diminish stress and anxiety and help
you bond with your pet. Unfortunately many people avoid walking their dog
because it becomes a chore rather than time they can enjoy together. According
to Sylvia and Danny Wilson, who founded Bark Busters in Australia in 1989, "Many dog owners
tell us that walking their dogs becomes a battle of wills, and they lose
control of their dogs either with pulling, barking, or simply lacking focus."The Wilson's
also added, "Some dog owners
would like to get out and about more but say they've had negative experiences, including
interaction with unfriendly dogs which frightened them".
Bark Busters, the World's
Largest Dog Training Company provides these tips to consider when walking your
dog:
Walking in a group or with a friend and their dog can
provide more fun and safety for you and your pet rather than walking alone.If you encounter an unsupervised, intimidating dog, keep
walking, don't stop. You might be crossing through his territory.Always walk your dog on a comfortable, fixed length
leash that is soft on the hands - a cotton leash works best.Always walk your dog in comfortable, safe shoes which
will be safer for walking.Aim for quality of walk and not necessarilyquantity. Short walks in a safe environment often are a
good way to start out and will provide an opportunity to educate your dog and
get him accustomed to walking correctly.Always be prepared to "pick up" after your
dog, and carry fresh water to keep your dog hydrated.If your dog is unfriendly around people or other dogs,
keep a safe distance and seek professional help.If your dog should get into a fight during a walk, never
jump in to 'rescue'your pet. Stay at the end of the leash and out of the
fight to avoid being bitten. Use the leash to pull your dog away.Water can also be effective to diffuse a fight.Not all dogs are friendly - even a wagging tail can be
misleading. Be respectful and always check with the owners of other dogs before
allowing your dog to approach.Be aware of hot pavement. Your dog has sensitive foot
pads which aren't protected by shoes like yours! Put your hand to the
ground...if it feels hot to you it will be painful for your dog.Whether
during National Walk Your Dog Week or any day of the year, take advantage of
the many benefits that walking your dog provides. At the very least, your dog
will appreciate you more for getting him out of the house and spending time
with his 'best friend'.