If you are a new dog owner, you have a lot to learn in terms of keeping your dog healthy and active. Walking is an important activity for all dogs. Ideally, your dog should get 3-4 15-minute walks daily. However, this may depend on your dog’s age, size, breed, and other considerations.
Walking is a great activity for your dog, and according to a survey, 93% of dog owners feel that walking helps their dogs feel more relaxed. However, as a dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your dog behaves in public and does not harm anyone. Ensuring your dog behaves is by training it to walk on a leash beside you.
Types Of Leashes
There are many different types of leashes you can choose for your dog. Let’s look at a few different ones.
Standard Leash
The standard flat leash is one of the most popular options. It comes with a clasp at the end and is around 4-8 feet long. They come in a variety of different materials as well. We would recommend the standard flat leash that is made of rope. These leashes are safe for your dog and easy for you to control if you are a new dog owner.
Gentle Leader Leash
Gentle leader leashes are also a reliable option. They essentially loop around your dog’s muzzle. While these may effectively allow you to control your dog, most dogs hate them and feel uncomfortable in them. It may be best to avoid such leashes.
Martingale Leash
Martingale leashes are a great option for dogs that tend to pull. They may look like a typical collar and leash but come with more adjustability. They tighten around your dog’s neck to the same degree that your dog pulls, and this deters them from pulling. They are also easy to put on and off, making them a popular option.
Retractable Leash
Retractable leashes allow your dog to wander up to 30 feet from you. And the handle comes with a mechanism that allows you to retract the leash when needed. However, retractable leashes do not allow for much control, making them a dangerous option.
You can read on Dogsccessories to learn more about leashes.
Benefits Of Walking Your Dog
There are many scientifically-proven benefits of walking your dog. Firstly, physical exertion is a great way to make your dog feel relaxed and reduce their stress levels.
Walks in public also help dogs feel more comfortable around other people and animals. This is great since dogs who are always inside may behave badly around strangers.
Walks are also a great way to keep your dog fit and healthy. Dogs that do not get regular exercise can develop cardiovascular and liver diseases. They are also more prone to become obese.
Daily walks can help your dog lose weight and develop better joint mobility. Additional benefits of walking for dogs are improved urinary and digestive health.
Beyond the benefits to their physical health, walking also helps improve your dog’s mental health! Dogs can get bored if they spend too much time indoors; they have an inherent need to explore new sights and sounds.
Walks provide them with physical and mental stimulation that helps them feel sane. Walks also help your dog become more comfortable with new environments and people.
Walking your dog is also a great bonding exercise for the two of you! Your dog may feel lonely from sitting at home. Walking can help them feel less lonely and build a positive bond with you.
How Do You Train A Dog To Walk On A Leash Beside You?
In order to make walks more enjoyable for yourself, you can train your dog to walk on a leash beside you. There are a few ways to train your dog:
First, you should let your dog get used to the leash. Do this by making it wear the leash at home for short periods. Give your dog treats during this time and play with them. This way, your dog will associate leash time with fun!
You should also teach your dog a cue. This can be done by making a sound and then giving your dog a treat. This cue will allow you to make your dog come over to you when needed.
Practice walking indoors in a distraction-free room first. As your dog walks toward you, offer it treats and praise. Positive reinforcement always works!
After a few practice sessions, you can finally take your dog outside! Try to be super patient and keep the initial walks short. Slowly your dog will start enjoying outdoor walks and walk beside you on the leash!
Final Thoughts
Walks are super important to keep a dog’s physical and mental health in check. However, make sure to train your dog properly to behave during walks which is not a menace.
