Tag Archives: dominance

Walk before you can run

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I decided that instead of taking Artemis on her normal Morning/Night walk, I would take her with me on my run. She has so much energy, and loves to run so why not?! It actually turned out amazingly successful. She was so pleased with herself for keeping up, and she slept through the night without a single peep! I’d say it’s a success.
When I took her out for her evening walk, I realized then, that there are some definite dominance/obedience traits and that we need to work on. Walking being one of them.

While she heels…most of the time. I know the importance of keeping a dog at heel, it not only shows them you are in charge, it’s actually said to takewalk the stress off the dog and let them relax and enjoy the walk making it more beneficial for them. When the dog leads, it makes them assume they are the pack leader, putting more mental responsibility on them, and not allowing them to burn energy. Apparently you’re not supposed to let them just pee whenever they want, or pull and sniff, or go nuts at other dogs…Oops. As you can see in the picture over there… heeling, was NOT happening. I just let her roam and sniff and see what the outdoors was about. Seeing as her old owners never apparently walked her, I felt bad not letting her sniff around *sigh* I know… I know..

So, to help myself and rest of you dealing with your fur baby’s walks…I found some tips!

1. The Dog Comes to YOU
When it’s time to walk your dog, call the dog to you, do not go to the dog to put the lead on. Make them sit calmly before putting on their lead or collar. (oops!)

2. Lead the Way
Make the dog sit quietly and wait for you to say when it’s time to go. Do not allow the dog to bolt out the door. You also need to be the first one out the door. (whoopsies. I tend to let her go first so she doesn’t run inside or get tangled when I try to close the door!)

3. Praise and Glory
Do not praise your dog for walking calmly. This only creates excitement and you are more likely to pull your dog out of his calm, submissive state. (I FAIL at this completely. My walks are FULL of “Good Girls” and whatever other words I can coo at her)

4. On your Mark
The dog should not sniff the ground and relieve himself where he pleases; his job while walking is to concentrate on following you. The person walking the dog decides when the dog is allowed to sniff or pee, not the dog. (Uh, what?…definitely not how walks go…)

5. Mind your P’s and Q’s
If you pass a barking dog or other distraction, keep moving forward. If your dog averts its attention to the distraction, give a tug on the lead to avert attention back to the walk. Keep Moving you set the pace. (YES!! That’s two that we do right!)

6. Confidence is Key
Walk at a good pace, keeping your shoulders back and your head held high. Walk proud, like you are a strong leader. A dog will sense this and respond to it. (Wooo Hoo!! That’s three!)

7. After party
Reward AFTER the walk. The best time to give your dog their evening meal, is after their evening walk. This makes the dog think you have allowed them to “work” for their food. (Yes! Four!!)

 

Okay, so 4 out of 9 is still failing…we’ll get it down. When Artemis is walking heel, she almost looks up and smiles at me, she is very content. I just have to get her to do it all the time. That and stop marking everything. Oh, and no more cooing…

 

Some of the Sources I used, along with talking to some of the pros! :
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