Puppy Walking

Walking your puppy on a leash is one of the easiest ways for your puppy to get the exercise it needs, while also having a fun time. Unfortunately, getting to this step takes a little while, because walking with a leash and collar are very uncomfortable for your puppy at first. Preparing a puppy for the joys of being walked first requires that the puppy has adjusted to wearing a collar. This can be done simply by putting a light comfortable collar on your puppy while they are inside the house. In a few days time, a collar will no longer be alien to your puppy and you can move on to putting on a leash. This step again requires a period of adjustment for your puppy, and it is easiest to put the leash on and let the dog drag it around the house. Once your puppy is comfortable with both the leash and the collar, you can now practice walking your puppy around the house.

Your puppy should enjoy walking around the house next to your side, but there will be times when the puppy either attempts to sit behind you or run eagerly ahead. These are both very bad walking habits that you want to eliminate as soon as possible. A common practice is to pull or yank on the leash to change your puppy's movement, but this is the wrong choice. Instead, simply stop, call for your puppy to come beside you and reward it with a treat when it comes.

All dogs, no matter what breed or size, should be taken on walks daily. It is an important habit to have because daily walks for your dog can keep your dog mentally stable. It allows your dog to release its mental and physical energy. As you walk your dog, it is essential to keep your dog focused from getting from point A to point B. One issue with walking outdoors is that there will distractions, such as other puppy dogs walking around. It is important for you and your puppy to focus on getting to your destination rather than stopping and socializing with other owners and dogs. This will teach your puppy to be focused so that you will not have to drag your puppy everytime it stops to greet a friend.