$$ The Top 10 Mistakes People Make While Walking Their Dogs
Are you about to take your dog for a W-A-L-K? We're sure your energetic pup perks up at the mere sound of your keys or your jacket zipping, just hoping that you're about to unveil the leash (and not whisk them away to the V-E-T). Well, if you are about to walk your dog, there are some dog-walking faux pas to avoid. For your dog to have the best day ever, make sure you avoid these common dog walking mistakes.
1. Rushing their Senses
Dogs are pretty intuitive, so if you're aching to get home (we get it, you've got to catch the new episode of The Real Housewives of New York City), Donut might notice. Walking your pooch is about more than just exercise, it's also about stimulation, and their senses need it. The smells, the sights, the sounds...and did we mention the smells?
Stimulating Scents
New scents are stimulating for your pup, who likely spends a lot of time in the house. It's important to be patient while your dog carefully sniffs their surroundings, as it helps them orient themselves, identify others, find food, and even detect danger. Not only does sniffing help dogs adjust to their environment, but it relaxes them! So if your pupper is sniffing garbage, don't yank on the leash; give them a moment to appreciate the aroma of trash.
2. Daydreaming and Ignoring Your Doggo
Your mind might wander at times ("hmm, should I order in Thai food tonight?"), or perhaps you suddenly had the urge to check your Twitter feed. Well, your dog likely noticed. Taking Champ out for regular walks can get wearisome, but to him it's exciting every time. Use this time together wisely; connecting with your pet, as well as praising them when appropriate, is important.
Stay Alert!
Staying alert is also vital because you're not just responsible for your own safety, but also that of your dog's. Look out for speeding cars and roaming animals that could provoke your dog (like cats and raccoons); and keep a tight grip on the leash, you never know when Champ is going to bolt.
3. Discouraging Social Engagements
For the most part, dogs love meeting other dogs, especially if they live in a one-dog household. It's like meeting a potential BFF! But owners often discourage their dogs from approaching canine peers, holding the leash taut, which limits them from stimulating interactions. It's okay to let your pup sniff another pup's butt, just make sure it's okay with the other owner.
Practice Socializing
And it's not just mentally stimulating for your dog to meet other four-legged friends, but other people as well! If strangers are willing, allow your dog to approach unfamiliar people, who will likely give them good pets. The more your dog socializes with others outside their home, the better they'll get at interacting with new people and dogs on a bigger scale.
4. Pushing Your Dog to Keep Going
After 45 minutes of hardcore aerobics, you're likely sweating, desperate for air, and drinking water like a madman. Well, what if someone forcibly had you do jumping jacks for another 15 minutes? Doesn't sound fun. Your dog may feel that way if you push a walk for too long. Be aware of your dog's behavior, frequently checking for signs of physical distress, like yawning, forgetting commands, decrease in pace, and lying down mid walk.
Environmental Factors
If the weather is particularly hot or cold, it may be a good day for a short, quick walk. On blazing hot days, make sure to bring water for your pooch and on chilly days you can dress your dog in a jacket (which gets bonus points for being adorable). And if you're unsure about how much physical exercise your pup can take, talking to your vet will clear things up!
5. Allowing Your Dog to Yank the Leash
You have to know who's boss around here, and spoiler alert: it's not your dog. If your four-legged good boy has a nasty habit of pulling on his leash, as if he's in charge of the route, it might be time to work on those behaviors, especially if he's a large boy. You don't want your enormous Irish wolfhound dislocating your shoulder.
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"Untraining"
Though “untraining” leash pulling behaviors isn't easy, as muscle memory tells dogs tension around their neck is positive, it is definitely possible. Reward your dog with treats for walking by your side without yanking the leash, and they'll eventually get the hint. If your dog continues walking ahead and pulling the leash, try halting the walk entirely; it'll let your pooch know that pulling will get them nowhere!
6. Questionable Equipment
You may be thinking "what equipment?" but there's more than meets the eye when it comes to leashes and collars, especially considering the options available. Just remember, comfort and safety are the two most important components of good walking equipment. A too-short leash doesn't allow your dog to get anywhere without tugging, and a too-long leash makes it difficult for you to maintain control. Retractable leashes aren't always the answer, either.
Leashes and Collars
Because retractable leashes have such thin, flimsy cords, they can snap easily, and can even cause rope burns or gashes. In addition, the locking apparatus on these leashes have been known to break. You're better off with a six-foot leash paired with a flat, buckled collar (choke collars are a no-no!). If your dog hates collars, a harness is a nice alternative!
7. Skipping Vet Visits
As Jenifer Chatfield D.V.M., a veterinarian at Emergency Vet 24/7, told Better Homes and Gardens, "Many pet owners fail to recognize that taking their pet for a walk without up-to-date vaccinations, dewormers, and heartworm prevention is like taking an infant to the local grocery store and letting anyone and everyone kiss, hug, and hold them." There are so many hazards.
Outdoor Health Hazards
Other animals, as well as grimy outdoor elements like puddles, carry diseases and parasites that can easily target your sweet hound. "All of these risks are readily mitigated by keeping your pet up-to-date on routine vaccinations and other preventive medications based on your pet's lifestyle and your veterinarian's recommendations," Jenifer Chatfield continued.
8. Leash-free Walks
Just because you love seeing your mangey mutt roam the Earth without a leash, that doesn't mean the rest of the world is comfortable with it. Even if your excited pooch is uber-friendly, they could easily frighten young kiddos and skittish people. Not only that, but in certain areas, this could earn you a hefty fine.
Risking Safety
More importantly, leash-free walks could cause your canine friend to get hurt. What if they walked onto a busy road, or approached an aggressive, unsocialized dog? Animals are unpredictable in general, so without a leash, there's always the risk of your dog simply running away and getting lost (look a squirrel!) Stick to dog parks.
9. "Forgetting" to Pick Up Droppings
Let's face it, you didn't really forget the dog poop bags. Dogs can't clean up after themselves, and you don't want to be someone who contributes to the idea that dogs shouldn't be allowed in public spaces! Plus, if someone steps in it, do you really want to pay to replace someone's Christian Louboutin pumps?
Gnarly Diseases
Aside from that, cleaning up dog waste during walks helps prevent pungent scents from polluting the air, and intestinal diseases, such as giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis, from spreading. It's your duty as a dog owner to pick up dookie.
10. Being Too Strict
Okay, okay, we promise we're not backpedaling — it's a delicate balance. You want your dog to know you're in charge, but you don't want to be a Nurse Ratched. Leash walks are supposed to be fun and thrilling for your mutt, not limiting and reprimanding. Let them explore and sniff without being scolded.
Just Chill
Your dog should be able to move around freely, discover new things about the neighborhood, and leave their mark where they find fit; it's a walk, not an obedience training course! Excessive scolding (especially when not necessary) stresses dogs out and can even reinforce bad behavior. Maybe you deserve the rebuke!
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