Does your dog run away during walks? If you are taking your dog for a walk and you don’t have it on a leash, and you don’t have good recall training, your dog can run away as soon as something attracts it more than you.
If a squirrel passes by, a car drives past, or someone whistles and takes your dog’s attention, and you don’t know how to call your dog back, then please keep your dog on a leash and learn how to walk your dog properly. There are many behaviorists in the USA, UK, and Germany who are ready to teach you this. So before teaching your dog, focus on learning how to raise your dog. This is called dog parenting.
How to Stop a Dog from Leash-Pulling
If your dog is leash-pulling and you need help, first understand that when he pulls, you walk with him. If you continue walking while he is pulling, then the issue will not be resolved. We always have to understand that leash-pulling means the dog is leading you. And when will he lead you? When you are not in a leadership position. To resolve leash-pulling, the best way is to understand a framework.
First of all, the mindset. What is your mindset when you are walking? Are you listening to music while walking? Do you want to finish your walk quickly? If you are not in a leadership position while walking with your dog, then your dog will not respect you at all.
Second, the skill set. Do you know the tool you are using? What is a tool? Some people have a martingale collar, some people have a normal collar, some people have a choke chain, some people have a slip leash, and some people have a harness. These are all tools. Knowing how to use tools is called a skill set. If you don’t know that skill set, then it is possible that you are causing leash-pulling while walking. You may be frustrated with your dog pulling the leash. You may be tense in your body and mind, and all of that is being picked up by the dog through the leash.
Third, the toolkit. What tool are you using? Sometimes we use the wrong tool with the dog. It is possible that we have a good mindset, it is possible that we know the skill set, but we are using the wrong tool. When we understand the framework of these three things, and our energy is balanced—balanced energy means calm, confident, assertive, joyful, and proud, filled with a lot of love—then your walk will be a very beautiful time.
5 Things to Avoid While Walking Your Dog
1. Your Fearful or Confused Energy: Dogs sense your emotions. Stay calm and confident to help keep them relaxed.
2. Ignoring Your Dog’s Body Language: Pay attention to signs of stress or discomfort to ensure a safe and enjoyable walk.
3. Being on the Phone During the Walk: Stay present and attentive to your dog’s needs and surroundings.
4. Not Wearing Proper Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes to keep up with your dog and avoid injuries.
5. Allowing Your Dog to Sniff the Entire Walk: Encourage a balance between exploring and focused walking for a more structured experience.