5 rules for a stress-free dog walk.

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Help your pet deal with anxiety.

With the arrival of a dog in the family come long walks, exploring new places in the city, wonderful time in nature, and many joyful hours. At least, that’s how it should be, but sometimes a walk with your pet turns into a challenge. The dog may pull on the leash, not listen, get easily distracted, and make the owner constantly nervous. To improve the situation, follow these simple rules.

Communicate with your pet.

A tight leash leads to the dog’s nervous system being strained. It becomes disobedient and restless. You can use force and pull the dog in the direction you want, but it only triggers a negative reaction from the dog. You can also give in to the dog’s desires, but that will reinforce the behavior. Show your pet what you expect from them: encourage them when they behave calmly, when the leash is loose, and the dog walks beside you.

Reduce your dog’s anxiety.

Certain actions become associated with a quick walk for the dog, which overwhelms their nervous system, and once outside, the dog tries to release the pent-up energy. Observe your dog: at what moment does it start getting overly excited? If it’s when you’re getting dressed or picking up the leash, you need to calm the dog down. Sit the dog down, praise it for being calm, pet it, and only then continue preparing for the walk.

Regulate the activity level.

Pay attention to your dog’s preferences. Some dogs enjoy long and peaceful walks, exploring new places and smells. Others are thrilled by short but intense sessions on the playground, running, and playing with a ball. Once you understand what kind of exercise your dog needs, you can provide it. Sometimes, just 15 minutes of active play can replace a calm three-hour walk. It can be especially effective to alternate between the two.

Praise your dog.

Take treats with you and periodically reward your dog when it behaves well. Take a few minutes to practice a few commands and reward your dog for each one. Make the walk desirable and interesting for your pet, where the focus is on the owner rather than external factors.

Don’t rush your dog.

Remember that during a walk, your dog is not only meeting its natural needs but also exploring the world and receiving mental stimulation. It’s important to allow your dog to sniff the surroundings. Don’t rush your dog; let it gather new information at its own pace. Let it spend as much time as it needs investigating that intriguing bush.