We all know the rules - if you own a dog, you have to walk the dog! But do you? Is it absolutely necessary? How many of us feel obliged to take our dogs out, no matter what the weather or circumstances, and how many of us carry the burden of guilt if we miss that all important walk?
Dogs, like humans, need exercise and mental stimulation to keep them fit and healthy. However, you might have a dog that runs away when presented with the lead, or maybe freezes when you try to put their harness or collar on. This is a dog’s way of communicating to you that they do not want to go for a walk - a behaviour that is not uncommon for anxious or reactive dogs. Owners tend to make the mistake of thinking, that by taking the dog on a walk, it will help them overcome their anxiety or reactive behaviour, however this is very rarely the case, and there are much simpler and kinder ways to achieve this.
Play and training are great forms of exercise and mental stimulation. Games like fetch, tug, chase, agility, are all brilliant games to play at home and in the garden, as not only are you having fun with your dog, you are also strengthening the connection between you. Training commands such as sit, stay and recall are great ways of focusing your dogs mind, while instilling the behaviour you want, without having to leave the house.
A walk is not always necessary, and whilst it is healthy to get yourself and your dog out into nature, if you are forcing your dog on a walk, when they are not ready, you can do more harm than good. Before you venture outside your front door, take the time to build your dog’s confidence and trust in the home and garden, where they feel safe and secure. When your dog is ready to embark on the big wide world, keep the walks short to begin with, building up the distance and interactions gradually, taking it all at your dog’s pace.
Understanding your dog’s behaviour, is key to changing their behaviour!
Comments