Comments on: Aha! Moments – 3 Lessons That Made Me a Better Dog Walker

By: Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 00:29:48 +0000

In reply to Helen.

Some dogs are certainly harder to harder to keep interested in you on a walk. Sounds like you may have one.

I got the Easy Walk harness by Premier to help me walk my last dog, Shadow. She pulled so hard my hands used to bleed. Most dogs tolerate the Easy Walk harness very easily and it gives instant results.

But the harness was only the first step (and the one that kept me from getting killed). The training class we attended told me about clicker training. By clicking and giving Shadow a treat in a quiet setting (like indoors), she built up her attention to me bit by bit. Eventually, I rewarded her for paying attention to me outdoors which really improved her walking.

Sounds like every walk is an adventure with your pup. Maybe your obedience coach will also have some words of wisdom for you.

By: Jan K

Jan K — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 23:05:00 +0000

I started jogging with Cricket, and found out it’s the perfect pace for her. It doesn’t have to be a fast jog, so it’s still easy on me, and I’ve noticed she seems much less intense when we’re out now. I think she just wanted to go a little faster. Sometimes she’ll be slower and get behind me too, but we just kind of work with each other and set a pace that we’re both happy with, alternating between jogging and walking. It really does work for us!

By: Kimberly Gauthier

Kimberly Gauthier — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 13:53:10 +0000

I absolutely love this post and agree with every Aha! moment you shared. We mostly walk more than one dog so having them walk by my side isn’t easy or practical, but I always felt that I had to do it. Once I relaxed and just enjoyed our walk, it became enjoyable. I love your comment about “walk faster” so very true. I’m there for exercise too.

My Aha! moment as a dog owner is that the dogs can go in the door before me. I’ve had trainers tell me to make them wait and follow me in or out the door. We have a pack and I know that we can train them to do that, but I like staying behind so that I can count 1 2 3 4 and make sure all the dogs were in the house.

Yes, one has been left outside.

By: megan

megan — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 12:26:42 +0000

I have a Bernese mountain dog/ standard poodle who spent the first year of his life (not with me) locked in a hallway, when I adopted him, I knew I was adopting a big personality and a big energy level. But I also knew that I was bringing someone home who needed a chance to really be a dog. However, I admit I fell into the “he’s hyper you must use a training collar and keep him under control” advice given by well meaning fosters. Well, that’s all well and good, as I got to know him. I quickly learned Finlay loves me more than anything (its mutual) and running up and down hills is a close second. We now walk with just his flat collar, and he’s leashed when he needs to be, but he gets to set our pace and , as I like to call it “practice being a real mountain dog” as often as possible. The sheer joy on his face (mine too I imagine) as we race through the woods is unsurpasaable. And in return I have a companion that needs no command to be at my side, no pulling, no resistance just “okay mom, whatever you say, we did my thing”. People always ask how I got such a well behaved dog, it’s easy, I let him be a dog and he thanks me by listening to me as well.

By: KimT

KimT — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 02:46:13 +0000

I agree with you on all points – there’s been such an emphasis on “commanding” our dogs, and insisting the humans dictate every detail, that we’ve lost too many opportunities to bond with, or just enjoy the company of, our walking companions.

However…walking faster doesn’t change much for CindyLu. She has me well-trained. Me, a woman who walks with a fast pace in the first place. I can’t keep up with the little girl! We still enjoy our walks though 🙂

By: Helen

Helen — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 14:00:26 +0000

This really hit home for me. My dog adores me but if it isn’t in his best interest he pays no attention to me. We compete in obedience. He will dance on the head of a pin for our trainer. For me, IF he is so inclined, he may consider a recall. If I ask him twice. I bought the book you suggested. If you have any other ideas I would love to hear them. Oh, I was the one who commented that you have your dog on a no pull harness. I notice these things because I’ve bought & tried every tool known to mankind to walk my dog. Don’t laugh – he’s a miniature schnauzer. He’s the one pulling me down the street, screaming at kids and cats and squirrels. Literally screaming. I walk him on a prong now. Best regards, Helen

By: Jana Rade

Jana Rade — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 05:08:51 +0000

I love your article. I have to admit I’m still having a very hard time being more interesting than squirrels, though 😉

By: Jodi

Jodi — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 19:50:19 +0000

Something I learned from you was letting my dogs choose the walk. Of course there are days that I do guide them in a certain direction, but most days they set off with their own idea of where the walk will go. It is a good thing for me, someone who is usually in control, to let someone else make that decision.

I will have to remember to do something fun on our walk tonight. Delilah will be up for learning a trick. 🙂

By: Jen K

Jen K — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 19:24:10 +0000

In reply to Pamela. Genius!

By: Dawn

Dawn — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 14:36:51 +0000

I really love these! The first one about letting have a little leeway is great with Maya and Pierson because they love walks more than anything. It is no fun to walk if you’re hampered by all these rules. And it’s no picnic for me either. I should try the second one about keeping the walk more interesting. I generally carry treats with me, but stopping to do tricks once in a while sounds like fun. The third one is one that I’ve used often. When I was trying to make Maya heel, I noticed how hard she tried to keep my pace. But it was difficult. I’ve learned to walk faster and are walks are more enjoyable, not to mention that I get better exercise when I walk faster.