Training Your Dog To Walk With You

Find the perfect lead, collar and harness at BonlaysAll dogs need to be taken on daily walks as it’s an important ritual in keeping your dog mentally stable and as Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer says: "To your dog, your back yard is like a large fish bowl in which they are trapped inside. Fish swim, birds fly and dogs walk. Having a dog should not be about only fulfilling our human needs, we owe it to our dogs, to give them what THEY instinctually need."

However, it is imperative that you walk your dog and not the other way round. The best way to get this message across is to walk in front of him, which tells your dog that you’re the alpha. If a dog walks in front, they naturally start to behave differently, believing they are the leader of the pack and are responsible for you.

A tell-talesign that your dog hasn’t received the desired amount or type of exercise all lies in your dogs behaviour; if he or she is hyper or highly strung, running in circles round you, you can presume they require more exercise.

If you do take your dog for daily walks, but they are still hyperactive, now is the time to start asking yourself questions, questions like:

•    Did you lead the way out the door / gate?
•    Did you lead on the walk?
•    Was the dog following you?

If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, then congratulations. Everything that you have employed whilst training has paid off and your dog is just in an excitable mood. However, if the answer was ‘no’, some work needs to be done, but this can be resolved. With dogs it’s all about confidence, a dog will be able to sense your authority so make sure you make all the decisions and lead the way with your dog walking either beside or behind you.

Tricks of the trade

•    The collar should be far up on the neck, giving you more control over the dog
•    Before walking out of the door make your dog sit there quietly and then exit
•    There should be no tension in the lead and it should be short and hang loose
•    Praise your dog when he or she is doing what you want
•    Walk at a good pace, keeping your shoulders held high

Recommended Dog Leads, Collars and Harnesses

•    Black Timberwolf Quickhitch Slip-lead (also available in other colours)
•    Funky Combo Collar Medium (other sizes are available)
•    Timberwolf- Black Alpine Rope Step-In Harness
•    Hi-Craft Dog Car Harness Small (other sizes are available)
•    Up Country Black Labrador 4'(1.2m) Lead (Other designs are available)
•    Up Country Black Labrador Collar (Other designs are available)

Next time we will tell you all the secrets to good leash training.