Search The Site:

Dog Walking Secrets

'What is there to know' I hear some people say. We go out, it pulls, it pees, it poops, it marks its territory everywhere it wants to and we come home. Job done!

Let it off the lead? No way!

Is this fair on the dog? No way! A lot of dog problems stem from the fact that the dog is bored or frustrated or does not get enough exercise, and most important of all the owner does not play with their dog, so the dog wanders off in search of something more interesting than an owner ambling around the field at a snail's pace chatting to other owners, having virtually no communication with the dog!

Why you should make every effort to get to know the dogs and owners in your neighbourhood.

We are called a nation of dog lovers. Actually, we are mostly a nation of dog owners, a large number of people own a dog but have really no idea how to control their dog in all situations and don't know the best way to exercise, train or feed their dogs. It makes me very sad and I feel sorry for the dogs.

Every time I take my dog for a walk I see other owners taking avoiding action because they don't know how to control their dog.

A lot of owners are afraid to let their dogs off the lead because their dog will not return to their call, will run off, or get in a fight with other dogs.

They are also scared their dog will jump up at children or frighten them by wanting to play.

People out walking who don't have dogs are naturally fearful of a loose dog.

The problem is that by keeping a dog on a lead, not allowing it to run free and getting tense about approaching other animals, the owner's tension will be picked up by the dog and will exacerbate the problem leading to barking, lunging, teeth-baring and snapping. Also the dog WILL NOT be getting enough exercise.

A dog's normal speed is a dog trot, which to us is a fast jog or a slow bike speed depending on the size of the dog. Our normal walk speed must seem like slow motion to a dog! No wonder they pull on the leash.

I make it a point when I am dog walking to assess other people's dogs and introduce myself and the dog in a controlled way to strangers and their dogs.

On my local park I see owners with two dogs having to walk each one separately because they can't control them. I know owners who go out at dead of night to avoid meeting other dogs. Yet dogs are social animals. They need the interaction with other dogs to make their lives more fun and complete. It breaks my heart to see these poor dogs being yanked around by their owners when I could fix their problem in a couple of sessions.

I think it is essential for every owner to recognise the signals given out by other dogs.

I spend more time teaching owners how to control their dog than dog training.

Dogs are quick learners.

If you have problems such as pulling, lunging, barking, teeth baring, snarling, spinning or jumping up contact the dog whisperer for a one-to-one session.

Pip, my Border Collie, chases a frisbee or a tennis ball at least twice a day come rain, snow or sun. He has also been trained to run beside my bike on a short bungee lead and during the summer will easily run 10 miles through the countryside. It is my responsibility to Pip to exercise him well, to groom him several times a week, to check his teeth and claws, and to feed him raw meat and bone as he would find in the wild. In return, he gives me unconditional respect and friendship and he makes me smile every day. Buster, my new Airedale is fitting in well, with clients dogs he has been an absolute star.

{ top of page }

Landline: 01455 828 748 | Mobile: 07971 894 631 | Email Me: Click here