Regardless of the breed you choose, you are aware that they require regular physical exercise regularly. Thus, you take it out for a walk often. Walking your dog seems like the simplest of jobs you perform as a pet parent. You just need to clip the leash, go outside, stroll around the park or the block, and return home. However, facts state that many dog owners are unaware of the mistakes they make while walking their dogs, and these mistakes can have an impact on their health, behavior, and overall mental state.
You probably realize that a daily walk isn’t just about physical exercise; it also affects mental stimulation, bonding, training, and above all, providing the dog a chance to become familiar with the outside world. When you do it appropriately, walks can be one of the most rewarding parts of your dog’s progress. But when you do it wrong, it can lead to bad habits, frustration, and even health issues. So, here is a breakdown of the most common mistakes dog owners make during walks and their effect on them.
Rushing the walk
According to the experts, if you rush the walk with your pet, the dog would take it as a daily chore. As you know, dogs love to sniff, investigate, and explore their surroundings; it is the best way for they to act when it is out for a walk. By rushing them, you deny them their instincts. For the unversed, sniffing helps reduce stress in dogs and keeps their brain sharp and active. So, whenever you are out for a walk with your dogs, leave them for a few moments to sniff around. They will enjoy the walk more than ever.
Using an inappropriate leash or collar
The leash or collars you put over it to gain control when you are out on the road can be an uncomfortable experience for the dogs. Particularly retractable leashes, which are meant to encourage pulling, reduce your control, and can even snap, leading to mishaps. Likewise, ill-fitted collars can choke or injure the dogs. The dog, therefore, would barely appreciate the idea of walking outside, as it does not want to experience all the above-mentioned trauma again.
For the best results, use a standard leash that is no longer than 4-6 feet while walking. Those dogs that are habituated to pulling should go for a no-pull harness, and that should help. Most importantly, ensure the collar fits in comfortably. Check if you can slip two fingers between the harness and the dog’s body.
Letting the dog lead all the time
Earlier, we mentioned leaving the dog alone so that it can enjoy its explorations. However, if you make it a habit of letting them lead during every walk, it will develop unwanted habits. They can become overexcited, reactive, and difficult to control.
It is necessary as a dog parent to train them about leash manners. Ideally, your dog should walk beside you or slightly ahead of you. Making use of treats and gentle reinforcements instigates good habits.
Not disposing of the dog poop
If you think there isn’t any relation to this with dog walks, then you are mistaken. Often, a dog tends to poop during walks. A majority of dog owners tend to ignore it, thinking it is a natural fertilizer for the soil. In reality, dog waste carries harmful bacteria and parasites that have the potential to contaminate soil and water. Moreover, it is a bad manner to let your dog “do its thing” and turn a blind eye to it.
Never forget carrying poop bags. It should be there during all the walking sessions. It also establishes your commitment to society in keeping the environment clean.
Neglecting weather conditions
Sometimes, dog owners ignore weather conditions and take them for walks. Picture this situation, walking on hot pavements when the sun is blazing down, can have a detrimental effect on its paws. Then again, during extreme cold conditions, the dog can become vulnerable to frostbite. During rainy days, too, regular walking can increase the chances of ear infections or skin irritation.
On either of these days, you can keep walks shorter and more frequent. Try some alternate practices, which can be in the form of brain games to engage them in getting their daily dose of physical exercise. Never over-exert your pet, which will make it ill.
Not training the dog during walks
Another misconception many dog owners have is that training happens only at home. However, they do not know that walking is one of the best opportunities for dogs to learn and develop good behavior. Thus, make sure to include mini training sessions during walks. Do not forget to reward them for their good performance. Soon, you will see that they are picking up your commands more conveniently.
Inappropriate timing of the walk
Since walking is essential to boost physical health, it does not mean you can take it out for a walk just about any time you wish. For instance, going out for a walk right after a meal can increase the risk of bloating in larger breeds. Likewise, walking during the afternoon when the weather conditions are hot isn’t a good idea either.
For the best results, always schedule walks before meals or at least four hours after eating. Always aim for early morning or late evening walks when the weather conditions are hot. Lastly, always stick to a routine for walking.
Mistakes related to socializing during walks
Some owners are known to let their dogs go to every person or pet they come across. While some pet owners avoid meeting their counterparts completely. In both cases, things can take an abrupt turn. For example, overly excited dogs can frighten strangers, while dogs that are not social can become fearful or aggressive. Start by teaching them polite greetings. Make sure to ask for permission before letting your dog meet someone else’s puppy. If you observe the dog is becoming nervous, maintain distance and work tirelessly to improve its habits.
Not using safety gear at night
Although walking during the evening should be the ideal choice, walking them without any gear can put both you and your dog at risk. The whooshing car, the hurried cyclist, and even other pedestrians may not see the dog properly in the dark. Using reflective collars, harnesses, or leashes can do the job for you. For additional security, you should carry a flashlight and preferably stroll in well-lit areas to reduce the chances of accidents.
Treating walks as a mere form of exercise
Undoubtedly, walking will keep the dog physically agile, but they are not here to just burn calories. All dog breeds crave mental stimulation, exploration, and bonding with humans. If the sole idea is to get it to walk, you will be missing out on the bigger picture.
Treat every walking session as an adventure for your dog. Vary the routes, introduce fun games, scent training, and let it find hidden items along the way. Over time, it will get its much-needed mental stimulation, and it will also increase the bond with you.
Reasons that make proper walking so significant
When you walk your dog well, it will turn out to be a happy, calm, and well-behaved dog. Proper walking helps reduce anxiety, destructive behavior at home and improves the overall quality of life. So, always remember, it is not about moving the dog from one point to another as a daily routine; it is about everything the dog experiences along the way.