Walk This Way!

WALK THIS WAY!

By Maggi Forootan – Lead and Love K9

www.leadandlovek9.com

Helping my clients achieve a nice, calm, loose-leash walk with their dogs is one of the most important things that I focus on in my training programs. But why is having your dog walk next to you on a loose leash in heel position such a big deal?

Here’s the low down…

First, let’s start with the most obvious thing. Having a dog that walks calmly by your side is way more comfortable and fun than having a dog that is dragging you down the street, crossing from side to side getting under foot, or barking and lunging at every little thing…people, other dogs, skateboards, etc. Part of the joy of having a dog is taking him places and sharing time with him…right? In my book, it’s a sad day when a dog owner has given up walking their dog because it’s become an uncomfortable, embarrassing, even painful experience. The good news: It doesn’t have to be this way!

Structure is everything! I usually start most of my training programs by teaching my clients the Structured Walk. The Structured Walk means that about 90% of the time on the walk your dog is required to walk calmly next to you on a loose leash, and 10% of the time he is allowed to go out to the end of the leash to sniff, go potty, explore, and just be a dog (a polite, calm dog that is! ). You, as your dog’s leader, are making all of the decisions…when to move forward, when to turn, when to speed up or slow down, when to stop, and when it’s time for a few minutes of freedom. You are the choreographer of your dog’s walk!

Let’s take a look at a few of the most important reasons that the walk is so crucial to having a great life with your dog.

• Relationship: The relationship that you are striving to have with your dog is one of leader/follower. You are leading your dog through life, and he is following you. Requiring your dog to follow your lead on the walk is a great way to strengthen this relationship dynamic. I also believe that walking together is a bond forming activity. Think about why couples like to take long walks together on the beach :  ).
• Physical position also indicates mental position. When your dog is physically next to you, he’s also a lot more tuned into you mentally.
• State of Mind: This is a big one! Most issues and behavior problems that dogs and their owners struggle with arise from a dog that is practicing an unhealthy state of mind. Anxiousness, stress, over-excitement, and fearfulness are all canine states of mind that are usually at the bottom of most issues. Helping your dog find calmness on the walk through leadership and structure is super vital for helping him learn focus and impulse control.
• A respectful, polite, tuned-in state of mind isn’t the state of mind that reacts badly to things encountered on the walk.
• Dogs that learn how to walk calmly next to you are way less stressed, and build greater trust in you as their leader. Their connection with you is profound, and they learn that they don’t have to carry the burden of assessing every new sight, sound, and circumstance.
• When dogs are calm on the walk, they tend to carry this state of mind with them into other environments…like inside the house, or when joining their owner at a café. Think of it as a ripple out effect when it comes to state of mind.

I think it’s also important to mention a few reasons why walking your dog daily is so important. I recently had a client say to me recently that: “the walk is just for going potty…right.” I was really surprised that this was their perception of why they needed to walk their dog, and it was a great opportunity for me to educate, and help this person see why walking their dog is a super important part of providing for his wellbeing.

-Dogs are migratory animals. Wild dogs rise in the morning and start moving…usually in search of food. Our companion dogs have a genetic need to travel as well. The daily walk helps satisfy this need, and works wonders for giving them an opportunity to release pent up physical and mental energy.

-Dogs need exposure to different environments to stay mentally stimulated, socialized, and happy. Even if you have a big house and a large yard, chances are that over time your dog has covered every inch of it, and sniffed every blade of grass…multiple times. It becomes a sort of fish bowl type of existence for him which leads to boredom, frustration, restlessness, and apathy. All states of mind that are the root of so many behavior problems.

-Walking your dog daily is a great way to maximize the use of time when it comes to training your dog. Use your daily walk to practice your basic obedience…sitting at corners before crossing the street, or practicing a down/stay while other dogs or people pass by, and calling your dog to you from a distance by using a long line. There are so many great opportunities to have fun and train your dog while out on the walk!

So, dust off the Nikes, leash up, and get walking! Most importantly…don’t give up! If you are struggling reach out for help. Most issues on the walk can be easily resolved with a bit of help and guidance from your dog trainer.