Ah, lead walking… a topic that affects all pet parents in one way or another. For some individuals this involves nothing more than a pleasant dander down the road with their dog walking calmly by their side; for others it involves a daily prayer that their beloved pet doesn’t remove their arm from its socket every time they leave the house! It’s an aspect of owning a dog that many find challenging to master, but as a business that accommodates multiple dogs on a daily basis, we at Moss Croft believe it is a very worthwhile skill to invest your time in.
Like any behaviour, the easiest way to encourage loose lead walking is to instil it in your dog from the very beginning. A dog’s mind is most impressionable when they reach 8 weeks old, so useful cues like this should begin to be introduced as soon as possible. If you are unsure how to tackle loose lead training then don’t hesitate to consult with a reputable trainer who can answer any queries you may have.
A controversial question that many owners ask themselves, in relation to walking their dog, is whether or not they should harness their four-legged friend. Some people will tell you harnesses are an indispensable piece of equipment, whereas others will disagree and argue that they actually encourage pulling. While both sides of the argument hold valid points, evidence shows that harnesses can significantly reduce the pressure on your dog’s eyes and delicate areas in their throat if they are prone to pulling. It has been suggested that a harness to a dog is like trainers to a person; trainers do not make you run (which is rather unfortunate, if you ask me!) but they do make it more comfortable - and this is also the case for dogs wearing harnesses.
Who knew lead walking could be such a complex topic? There are so many different ideas and opinions on right and wrong; but in reality, it comes down to what you, the owner, believe is best for your dog. Loose lead walking is one of the most time-consuming cues you will teach your dog as it is a process that must be repeated consistently in order to result in success. In saying this, it is also an incredibly rewarding process, and if you continue to persevere, the results will be all the more satisfying. Remember, nothing good ever comes easy!
Until next time,
Beth
