8 Important Things To Remember When Your Dog Is On Leash
One of the most important things to remember when you have a dog is how to behave when he or she is wearing a leash. Pet owners should avoid doing many things when their dog is on a leash, and we are here to list them for you! Keep reading to learn more about proper leash manners so that you and your furry friend can have a good time out and about in the world.
Pay attention to body language.
Pay attention to your dog's body language when you're out on a walk together. If your dog seems anxious or uncomfortable, it's essential to try and calm them down. Dogs can pick up on our stress and tension, so it's important to remain calm and relaxed.
Don't force your doggo to interact with others.
Another common mistake is forcing your dog to interact with other people or animals when they are out on a walk. Not all dogs want to say hello to everyone they meet, and that's okay! Forcing them to interact can make them aggressive, so if you want your dog to say hello, it’s better to let them off the leash.
It shouldn't be a tug-of-war.
Dogs should not be pulling on the leash while walking. This puts unnecessary strain on their necks and can cause long-term problems. If your furry friend constantly pulls on the leash, he or she may need more exercise, or you may need to change the type of collar or harness you are using.
In other words, don't use the leash as a way to play with your dog or as an opportunity for them to show how strong they are. This is not only bad for their health but also sends the wrong message about what walks are all about - they should be calm and relaxing, not chaotic and full of tension.
Don't use the leash as punishment.
Another important tip is to avoid using the leash to correct your dog's behaviour. The leash should not be used for punishment. If you need to correct your dog's behaviour, do so in a calm and quiet voice without pulling on the leash. Not only is this ineffective, but it will also make your dog more anxious and stressed out - which is the opposite of what walks are supposed to be!
Remove the leash when the walk is over.
The leash is meant to be used when walking your dog and should not remain on him when you're not actively taking him for a walk. After all, a dog should be free to roam about at will.
When putting the leash on your dog, ensure it's secure but not too tight. You want him comfortable, so he doesn't resent wearing it; however, if it's too loose and falls off quickly, you run into another problem: Your dog could get away!
Keep a slack leash most of the time.
The most important thing to remember when using a leash is to keep a slack leash so that your dog doesn't feel pressure like being led rather than walked. This means not pulling on the leash but instead encouraging your dog to walk forward by walking yourself. This can be as simple as taking one step in front of them or saying "walk" or "forward." You may also want to use treats as an incentive for your dog to follow behind you and walk faster, although this should only be used with positive reinforcement training methods.
Reward your dog when he is walking with a slack leash.
Remember: a dog learns more by doing than by hearing. When your dog walks with a slack leash, reward him frequently until he starts to walk that way on his own.
Give him treats and praise when your dog walks with a slack leash. If you have treats in hand when the leash becomes loose, you may need to do something else for your hand if it isn't already occupied with something like holding onto the leash or holding onto an object (e.g., your coffee cup). If this is the case for you, try carrying treats in your pocket or backpack instead of in your hand, as this will allow both hands to be free while rewarding your pup when he's good!
Get the right tool for the job.
If you're walking your dog around the neighbourhood, a standard 5-foot leash is probably what you need. It's long enough to give your dog some freedom while keeping it close enough to keep an eye on him.
And if you just want something fun and quirky for taking pictures with your pup, consider getting our Dr. Shiba dog leash! You can find them in geometric designs and four happy colours, so you can get one that matches your pup's personality.
Conclusion
When walking on a busy city street or around other people who may be afraid of dogs, keep your pet close, so they don't get distracted by new sights and sounds. It's also vital that no one gets hurt if there are any accidents: accidents happen with dogs who aren't being walked properly! Be sure everyone knows how good manners work before taking them out for a walk together - this will help everyone stay safe on their outings and make sure everyone has fun too!