Dogs: they’re everyone’s best friend while snoozing on the couch. But on walks? If you’re not careful, canines are notorious for taking the lead and running with it — sometimes quite literally.<\/p>
“Chaotic walks typically look like constant leash pulling, zig-zagging, reactivity and lunging at other people or dogs,” explains dog trainer and canine behavioral consultant Dion Studinski<\/a>, founder of Ancillary K9 Dog Training<\/a> in Denver, Colorado. “This can actually increase stress for dogs rather than provide meaningful exercise and structured mental stimulation.”<\/p> Not only that, chaotic walks can create even more stress for owners than they may realize. “Walking helps regulate energy, build confidence, reinforce communication between dog and owner and expose dogs to the world in a controlled way,” Studinski says. “A well-managed walk supports better behavior at home because the dog’s physical and mental needs are being met.”<\/p> Whether you want to boost the benefits of your dog walks or just boost business as a professional dog walker, here’s what to know and how to avoid the most common dog walking mistakes.<\/p> The best dog walkers put safety first by always<\/em> keeping a dog on leash and close by to ensure the handler remains in control. “Always use a secure leash, stay aware of surroundings, and avoid high-distraction areas until your dog has reliable walking skills<\/a>,” Studinski says. <\/p> Creating a predictable walk structure is the second most important secret for becoming a great dog walker. “Structure helps dogs understand what’s expected of them and begin to distinguish good walking behavior from bad habits,” Studinski says. “Success is about the dog staying regulated, relaxed and having a neutral response to stimuli like other dogs and people<\/a>.”<\/p> Find a dog walker<\/a>.<\/p> With a clear vision of what it means to be a great dog walker, here are the most common traps that foil a good walk — and tips for avoiding them, according to pro dog trainers:<\/p> Even when puppy shots<\/a> are complete and a dog is cleared to go on walks, usually at about three months, it doesn’t mean it’s the right time in terms of training, according to Ivan Petersel, a professional dog trainer and founder of Dog Virtuoso<\/a>. This is because puppies are easily overwhelmed by new sights and sounds, and a lack of preparation can increase stress on a walk.<\/p> “If your dog is not well trained, avoid extendable leashes because if something gets out of hand, say an encounter with another dog, both the owner and dog can get hurt badly.”<\/p>— Sally Grottini, professional dog trainer and behaviorist <\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure> What to do instead<\/strong>: With young dogs, start desensitization training indoors first. “For new puppies<\/a>, I get them used to the leash, the clipping sound and the leash coming on and off, not always for a walk,” Petersel says. “To desensitize them to excitement, I’ll clip it on and off many times throughout the day so they don’t associate it with going outside.”<\/p> And when you do head outside? Remember puppy walks are about training, not exercise. “Puppy walks should focus on a comfortable pace, calmly taking in new sights and sounds and practicing simple training cues like heel, come and stay,” Studinski says. <\/p> For professional dog trainer and behaviorist Sally Grottini<\/a> with JustAnswer, one of the biggest walking mistakes she’s seen over the course of her career is walkers using the wrong leash. Specifically, leashes that are too long, or worse, extendable, which create major safety risks.<\/p> “With an extendable leash, the dog is completely out of your control unless you are keeping it at a 2- to 4-foot length,” Grottini says. “This is the only length that keeps the dog at your side and does not allow the dog to run into the street or on another’s property.”<\/p> What to do instead<\/strong>: Invest in a standard 6-foot leash for walks. “It allows the dog to go off the main road or pathway to urinate, but you also still have control over the dog,” Grottini says. “If a dog is not well trained, avoid extendable leashes because if something gets out of hand, say an encounter with another dog, both the owner and dog can get hurt badly.”<\/p> Find dog walking jobs<\/a>.<\/p> Dogs have a huge range of personalities, and you can never predict how they will react to an unknown dog — and leashes have a way of mounting tensions. This is why dogs should never be allowed to greet unfamiliar people or dogs without permission. Period.<\/p> “From a safety standpoint, predictable behavior and walker control are the strongest tools for preventing incidents,” says Studinski, which can include dog fights<\/a>. Petersel also doesn’t allow strangers to come up and make kissing noises, as innocent as it may seem, as it will undermine your goals as a dog walker to create a calm, predictable experience.<\/p>Key takeaways<\/h3>
What makes a great dog walker?<\/h2>
The most common dog walking mistakes people make<\/h2>
1. Trying to teach leash walking skills too soon<\/h3>
2. Using the wrong leash <\/h3>
3. Allowing the dog to greet unfamiliar people or dogs <\/h3>