How to Train Your Dog to Walk on a Loose Leash

You’ve just adopted a new puppy or an older dog, and want to learn how to leash train them—one of the first, and most important dog training basics to cover.

What you will need:

• A collar or harness: buckle collar, Martingale, head halter (like the Gentle Leader or Halti), or front-clip harness (Easy-Walk or Freedom No-pull)

• A leash: 4-foot or 6-foot length (not a retractable leash)

• Treats

To start training:

1. Fill your pocket or treat pouch with treats.

2. Decide what side you’d like the dog to walk on, and hold a few treats on that side of your body. For example, if you’d like your dog to walk on the left side, hold treats in your left hand.

3. Hold your leash in the hand opposite the dog. For example, if your dog is on your left, hold the end of the leash in your right hand.  Let the rest of it hang loosely in a “J”.

4. Take a step, then stop.  It’s okay if the dog doesn’t stay in “heel” position. Feed the dog some treats from your hand, in line with the seam of your pants.  This will help you position the dog.

5. Repeat. Take step, stop, feed a treat at your side, along the seam of your pants. 

6. When the dog is looking eagerly up at you for more treats, take two steps instead of one before stopping and feeding the dog.

7. If the dog pulls ahead, stop walking immediately.  Call your dog back to you, or use the treats in your hand to lure the dog back to your side, but don't treat them yet: take two to three steps forward before feeding.  This is to prevent teaching a sequence like: “I pull ahead, I come back, I eat.” We want them to learn that walking alongside you on a loose leash makes treats happen, not pulling.

8. Gradually take more steps between each treat. You can talk to your dog to help keep their attention on you.

9. When the dog walks well on a loose leash, give this kind of walk a name. It could be “heel,” “with me,” “let’s walk,” or another word/phrase of your choice.

10. Release your dog (“all done,” “okay,” “that’ll do,” etc.) when they no longer need to walk in “heel” position.

To teach an “off-duty” walk:

This will be used in relaxed moments when the dog doesn’t need to be in “heel” position. The only rule will be, “You can’t pull forward.”

1. Pick a word to signal this new kind of walk. You might use, “free time,” or “hike,” or “at ease,” or another word of your choice, as long as it is different from your formal walk cue.

2. Decide how much leash to give your dog. If you walk your dog on a 6-foot leash, you might simply hold the loop end and let the rest hang loose. If you hold some of the leash in your hand, plan on doing so throughout the walk, rather than releasing and gathering it several times. This is to teach the dog how much leash will be available to them.

3. Give your dog the cue (“free time”) and start walking. They can sniff, change sides, look around, lie down occasionally; anything but pulling. 

4. If your dog pulls forward, stop moving and call them back toward you before starting again.

5. If your dog fixates on a person, dog or another animal, call your dog’s name and if possible, move in the opposite direction. Getting closer to the distraction will be harder, and will most likely set your dog up to pull.

6. If you’d like your dog to walk in “heel” position (due to an approaching walker, bike, etc.), bring them back to your side and cue them (“heel”). 

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The Benefits of Walking Your Dog

When you say, “It’s time to walk the dog,” many people assume that your pup needs to potty. Yes, walking the dog is essential to keeping the household carpet unblemished, but taking a stroll with your pup provides many other benefits. Walking your dog is a simple task that has a positive impact on many aspects of overall health such as—

Weight and body condition

Obesity is a major health issue, but barring medical complications, it has a reasonable solution: burn more calories than consumed. Regular exercise, like walking, is a good way to burn those excess calories and keep the pounds off both you and your dog.

Joint health

Immobility is another common health problem. Joints, even old ones, need to work. People and pets get stiff when sedentary for too long, and keeping joints in motion improves their function.

Digestive and urinary health

Regular walking helps regulate the digestive tract. Some dogs, like some people, prefer to “go” on a schedule, and providing your dog with routine trips outdoors prevents constipation. Also, when urine sits in the bladder for long periods of time, bladder infections are more likely to occur, so regular emptying keeps this part of the anatomy happy and healthy as well.

Of course, it’s important to consult your doctor and your veterinarian before embarking on an exercise program.

Can’t my dog get all of those benefits with a good run around the yard?

There are plenty of benefits to walking that goes beyond physical health. For example—

Mental health

Dogs don’t like to be bored and if you give them something constructive to do, like take a walk, they may be less likely to do something destructive, like chew the couch. Walking exercises the mind as well as the body. Watching wildlife, exploring new paths, seeing other people with their pets, and so on, is great mental stimulation for your dog that they just can’t get in the same fenced area all the time. Walking also releases excess energy and helps dogs sleep better at night.

Emotional health

You are the center of your dog’s universe and they crave your attention. What better way to spend quality time with your dog than taking a walk? Spending one-on-one time with your dog will deepen your bond and help deter annoying, attention-seeking behaviors such as excessive barking or whining.

Personal health

Many people need outside motivation to work out and may depend on an exercise buddy to get them off the couch. What happens when your exercise partner gets stuck at work or stuck in traffic or has another commitment? Your dog is only committed to one thing… you! That makes them the perfect exercise partner. They are always available and willing to accompany you on a walk.

As you can see, regular walking has health benefits for both you and your dog and will help prevent obesity, which is a significant problem in both species.

It’s estimated that 1 in 3 Americans is overweight and childhood obesity is on the rise. In a study based in Seattle and Baltimore, adults who regularly walked their dogs were approximately 25% less likely to be obese than their non dog-owning neighbors. And in children, dog ownership reduced the risk of obesity by half. Walking the dog may be more fun than screen-time. In addition, walking for 30 minutes a day will reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes.

Canine obesity is a problem, too. It’s estimated that over 50% of dogs in the United States are overweight. The fact is that obese dogs don’t live as long as lean dogs. Plus they suffer more heart problems and joint ailments that affect their quality of life. It’s true that dogs may exercise themselves if left in a fenced-in yard, but, like us, they have a tendency to plop down in the shade instead of romping, especially if there’s no one to play with. However, if given the chance, they will gladly go for a walk with their owners!

How much should we walk?

According to the World Health Organization, children 5-17 years old should receive 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise every day. Adults 18-65 years old should engage in moderate exercise for 30 minutes 5 days a week and engage in strengthening exercises twice weekly. Seniors over 65 should also participate in moderate exercise 5 days a week and add flexibility and balance routines.

Walking your dog is a great start to fulfilling these recommendations. In fact, research at the University of Western Australia illustrated that while only 4 out of 10 people achieve 150 minutes of weekly exercise, 7 out of 10 dog owners reached that goal.

How do we get started?

Many people make a New Year’s resolution to exercise. What can you do to stick to your resolution? Make a reasonable exercise plan that doesn’t overwhelm you by including your best exercise buddy. Formulating a reasonable walking schedule that doesn’t overtax your body or crowd your busy schedule will help you stay on target, and including your dog will motivate you to get going.

Start out slowly by taking a few 10-minute practice walks around the neighborhood. When you and your dog are ready, increase the time and distance. Try to walk for a total of 30 minutes each day – and it doesn’t have to be all in one outing. You can take a 10-minute walk in the morning before work and add a 20-minute stroll when you get home. On weekends, you can vary the routine, perhaps doing three 10 minute sessions. Regardless of the schedule, strive for 30 minutes of daily exercise.

Keep the routine interesting by walking in different areas that provide visual interest for both you and your dog. Or substitute a game of fetch or a romp in the park if you feel up to it. The goal is to make exercise a priority that holds a scheduled spot in each day so that you feel less likely to weasel out of the plan. It won’t take long for your dog to get used to the routine and may remind you when it’s time to exercise. That’s why canines are great exercise companions!

Dog owners who like to mark their progress can download a walking calendar or exercise app or utilize one of the popular electronic tracking devices that record daily steps and caloric history (calories consumed vs. burned). Sometimes seeing the numbers provides additional motivation to walk a little further or validates your efforts when you reach your goal.

Rewarding your efforts

Some humans like to be rewarded for their workout efforts, so they grab a cookie or have a beer after exercise. After walking your dog, you may find their grateful, calorie-free affection is all the reward you need. And your dog will feel the same way! A simple stroll is a great way to say, “I love you!”

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How to get your dog to stop barking

Six ways to control your dog's barking

Here are six ways that can help stop your dog from barking. While all of them can be very successful, do not expect results overnight. The longer your dog has been an excessive barker, the longer it will take for them to change their ways.

Some of these training techniques require you to have an idea as to why your dog barks.

• Don't yell at your dog to be quiet—it just sounds like you're barking along with them. Then it just becomes a challenge for them.

• Keep your training sessions positive and upbeat.

• Be consistent so you don't confuse your dog. Everyone in your family must apply the training methods every time your dog barks inappropriately. You can't let your dog get away with inappropriate barking some times and not others.

Remove the motivation

Your dog gets some kind of reward when he barks. Otherwise, they wouldn't do it. Figure out what your dog gets out of barking and remove it. Don't give your dog the opportunity to continue the barking behavior.

For example: Barking at passersby

• If they bark at people or animals passing by the living room window, manage their behavior by closing the curtains or putting your dog in another room.

• If they bark at passersby when in the yard, bring them into the house. Never leave your dog outside unsupervised all day and night.

Ignore the barking

Ignore your dog's barking for as long as it takes them to stop. That means don't give them any attention at all while barking. Your attention only rewards them for being noisy. Don't talk to them, don't touch them, and don't even look at them. When they finally quiet down, even to take a breath, reward them with a treat.

To be successful with this method, you must wait as long as it takes for them to stop barking. If they bark for an hour and you finally get so frustrated that you yell at them to be quiet, the next time they will probably bark for an hour and a half. They learn that if they bark long enough you'll give them attention.

Example: Barking when confined

• When you put your dog in their crate or in a gated room, turn your back and ignore them.

• Once they stop barking, turn around, praise them, and give them a treat.

• As they catch on that being quiet gets them a treat, lengthen the amount of time they must remain quiet before being rewarded.

• Remember to start small by rewarding them for being quiet for just a few seconds, then working up to longer periods of quiet.

• Keep it fun by varying the amount of time. Sometimes reward them after 5 seconds, then 12 seconds, then 3 seconds, then 20 seconds, and so on.

Desensitize your dog to the stimulus

Gradually get your dog accustomed to whatever is causing them to bark. Start with the stimulus (the thing that makes them bark) at a distance. It must be far enough away that they don't bark when they see it. Feed them lots of good treats. Move the stimulus a little closer (perhaps as little as a few inches or a few feet to start) and feed treats. If the stimulus moves out of sight, stop giving your dog treats. You want your dog to learn that the appearance of the stimulus leads to good things (treats!).

Example: Barking at dogs

• Have a friend with a dog stand out of sight or far enough away so your dog won't bark at the other dog.

• As your friend and their dog comes into view, start feeding your dog lots of very delicious treats.

• Stop feeding treats as soon as your friend and their dog disappear from view.

• Repeat the process multiple times.

• Remember not to try to progress too quickly as it may take days or weeks before your dog can pay attention to you and the treats without barking at the other dog.

Teach your dog the "quiet" command

It may sound nonsensical, but the first step of this technique is to teach your dog to bark on command. Give your dog the command to "speak," wait for them to bark two or three times, and then stick a tasty treat in front of their nose. When they stop barking to sniff the treat, praise them and give them the treat. Repeat until they start barking as soon as you say "speak."

Once your dog can reliably bark on command, teach them the "quiet" command. In a calm environment with no distractions, tell them to "speak." When he starts barking, say "quiet" and stick a treat in front of his nose. Praise them for being quiet and give them the treat.

Example: Someone at the door

• When the doorbell rings, your dog alerts you to the presence of an "intruder" by barking wildly.

• Once you've taught your dog the "quiet" command in a calm environment, practice in increasingly distracting situations until your dog can immediately stop barking when asked to, even when that "intruder" arrives at the door.

Ask your dog for an incompatible behavior

When your dog starts barking, ask him to do something that's incompatible with barking. Teaching your dog to react to barking stimuli with something that inhibits them from barking, such as lying down in their bed.

Example: Someone at the door

• Toss a treat on their mat and tell him to "go to your place."

• When they are reliably going to their mat to earn a treat, up the ante by opening the door while they are on their mat. If they get up, close the door immediately.

• Repeat until they stay on their mat while the door opens.

• Then increase the difficulty by having someone ring the doorbell while your dog is on their mat. Reward them if they stay in place.

Keep your dog tired

Make sure your dog is getting sufficient physical and mental exercise every day. A tired dog is a good dog and one who is less likely to bark from boredom or frustration. Depending on their breed, age, and health, your dog may require several long walks as well as a good game of chasing the ball and playing with some interactive toys.

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January Is National Train Your Dog Month

What Is National Train Your Dog Month?

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) began their campaign, National Train Your Dog Month, in January of 2010, hoping to raise awareness about the importance of proper pet training and healthy socialization to a dog’s well-being.

Why January? Because so many dogs and puppies are adopted around the holidays, and because a good number of those dogs are given up to animal shelters or abandoned soon after. APDT understands training could be the one thing that makes or breaks a dog’s chance to stay with their family and in their home.

Training Keeps Dogs In Forever Homes

Though most people who get a dog do so with the best intentions, those who wind up surrendering their new pets to the shelter often do so because they just can’t cope with their dog’s behavioral issues. Maybe the dog is hyperactive, yappy, or destructive. Perhaps they’re fearful, shy, lashing out, or behaving aggressively. Most often, it’s not because they’re bad dogs. It’s because they don’t have the tools they need to know how to behave appropriately.
Inexperienced owners might try temporary fixes that only make problems more severe, like isolation from the house and family, yelling, shock collars, or worse. By the time these dogs end up in a shelter, they’re confused and ill-equipped for life in a home.

That makes January the perfect month to remind pet parents, new and experienced, to take the time to train their furry friends. With consistency, well-timed praise and rewards, a level head, lots of practice, and the guidance of an experienced dog-training professional, you and your pooch will learn and grow all year long.

Training: Learning Is Bonding

Lastly, remember that training your dog is not only beneficial; it’s also a lot of fun. Dogs thrive on mental stimulation. They love the chance to learn and practice something new. However, more than anything, they will relish the opportunity to bask in your undivided attention as you work toward a common goal together.

Time spent training is time spent bonding, making priceless memories, and building a strong relationship between you and your dog. Isn’t that what having a dog is all about?

If you would like to learn more about National Train Your Dog Month, then visit the campaign’s website or the Association of Professional Dog Trainers on Facebook today.

Do you plan to do some dog training during National Train Your Dog Month? Then let us know what you and your dog are learning in the comments below!

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Preparing an Anxious Pet For Fireworks

With the fireworks, loud music, shouts and laughter, and in some areas even the banging of pots and pans or gunfire on New Year’s Eve, our normally calm pets may feel that their world is under attack. Some pets will lose all ability to act rationally and go so far as to jump out of windows or bloody their paws trying to escape through locked doors. It is on these nights, in fact, that pets are most likely to run away in a panic and get lost.

1. Confining Your Pet

Many pets have a favorite hiding place where they go when they are frightened. For some, a crate can lend a feeling of safety and security, but this is not true for all pets. If your cat or dog has not grown up using a crate and is not comfortable with it, they may find it more stressful to be confined and may even injure their teeth or nails trying to get through the crate door. Know your pet. If you cannot use a crate, place them in a room where they cannot hurt themselves or damage your belongings.

2. Using Positive Noise to Distract Your Pet

Even if you have not been using noise conditioning before now, you can still try using a distracting noise to help cover up the alarming sounds. Calm classical music can help to relieve many animals’ anxiety. Turn the music up to a comfortable volume; enough to drown out some of the loud party sounds, but not too loud to be disturbing to your pet. Some pets also like to watch TV. If your cat or dog has a favorite show to watch, set it up so that they can enjoy it for several hours at a time.

At other times, get your pet used to hearing loud noises by playing louder types of classical music, with lots of brass and percussion, recordings of thunderstorms. Play the sounds when nothing else is going on. Give your pet treats when they stay calm during the noise, and speak soothingly when they seem a little nervous. Let them know that everything is okay as you go about your normal routine.

3. Natural Calming Therapies for Pets

Lavender oil, which has been found to reduce car anxiety in dogs, can be helpful. Make sure the oil has the name Lavendula augustifolia or Lavendula officinalis. It can be used either on the skin or by letting your dog smell it. Try spraying the lavender oil on your dog’s favorite blanket. ProQuiet, a chewable tryptophan tablet, or in syrup form, can also help in calming dogs and cats. And canine pheromone sprays can be helpful for the mildly affected.

For cats, many owners find that Feliway sprays are very helpful. Feliway is a synthetic copy of the facial pheromone cats use to mark their territory as safe and secure. It can be used as a plug-in room diffuser, or as a spray.

4. Exercise Your Pet to Calmness

A happy, well-behaved pet is a tired pet.
Get your dog outside to a park (or the equivalent) for as much exercise as they can handle.
If you have a cat, plan out your day to spend time with feather wands and laser pointing toys. Keep your cat moving for as long as you can before the evening’s festivities begin.
Hopefully, when the noise starts, your pet will be too tired to get stressed out by it.

5. Distract Your Pet With Toys and Games

Give your dog or cat some food puzzles to play with during the time when there will be a lot of noise, or get a few new toys for them to play with.

If you have a cat, try spritzing catnip spray on the new toy to keep them interested, and for dogs, stuff a puzzle toy with peanut butter to keep their attention focused.

6. Talk to Your Veterinarian

If your veterinarian is already familiar with your issue, you may be able to have your vet call in an anti-anxiety prescription for your pet. This will not be helpful if you have never talked to your vet about your pet’s anxiety before; most veterinarians will not call in a last-minute prescription for a pet they have not previously diagnosed with noise anxiety.

7. Leave Home for the Night

Do you have friends or family who live in a quiet place? If you know for sure that none of the tips here will help your pet’s severe anxiety, pack up the travel crate and all of the other things you will need for an overnight away from home and then hightail it to a quieter neck of the woods.

If you are a dog owner living in one of the warmer Southern states, you may even consider grabbing a tent and “roughing it” in the peace and quiet of nature. Now that’s celebrating the New Year in style.

8. Don’t Hold Back on Comforting Your Pet

Finally, forget everything you have heard about ignoring your pet’s anxiety for fear of encouraging it with attention. Imagine how you would want to be treated if you were feeling that level of anxiety. Would you want to be ignored and brushed aside? Would being comforted by a loved one make you more scared or less scared?

The best thing you can do for your pet when they are anxious is to stay calm – show your pet by example that there is nothing to be afraid of – speak soothingly, show lots of calm affection, and give treats when they are being calm. Some pets will learn from this that as long as you are near they are safe and they may stop being as clingy.

But remember that our pets, like us, can be high strung and may always need to be comforted during noise-filled events.

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