Training Tip/ Walking the Dog.

In my experience about 80% of family dog behavior issues are due to lack of leadership and lack of exercise.  I think most trainers will agree. 

Getting on a daily walking schedule with your dog can begin to establish your leadership role and exercise both of you at the same time.

What is a walk?  A walk isn’t a potty break.  It isn’t once around the block.  It is a good forty five minutes or more of walking on leash with your dog.  That could in an urban, suburban or rural environment.  If you are in situation where you can walk your dog off leash and the dog will reliably stay with you, even better.  Most people do not fall into this catagory.

The number one reaon why people don’t like to walk their dog is because of pulling.  Guess what?  That’s not an excuse any more.  The Gentle Leader is one of the most useful and life changing dog accessories to come along,…. ever.  It won’t teach your dog to walk on a loose leash without it but most people don’t have the time or inclination that it takes to do this anyway.  So if you have a dog that loves to really drag you around…get a Gentle Leader.

How does it work?  Some people tell me, “I don’t want to use that because it looks like a muzzle and people will think me dog bites.”  Get over it.  A Gentle Leader isn’t a muzzle.   The top of the dog’s muzzle is sensitive and the dog will yield when  pressure is applied to it.  They will naturally yield on their own.

A Gentle Leader must fit properly and it now comes with a DVD that shows you the correct way to use it.  Have a good dog supplier help you buy the correct size and then watch the DVD.

Some dogs will shake their head or paw at it the first time you put it on.  Pair the putting on of the Gentle Leader with a great dog treat (ie. cookie) and a walk.  Pretty soon your dog will be jumping for joy whenever you bring out the Gentle Leader.  I’ve seen it happen many, many times.  Walking your dog will be effortless and everyone is happier for it.