We Love Every Dog

The satisfactory coexistence with the dog is largely based on educating the animal correctly so that it accepts orders such as going when called or not going beyond the limits imposed on it. When obstacles arise in coexistence, it is usual that they are due to erroneous educational approaches and ignorance about the animal’s needs.

Everyday situations like calling the dog to come, getting him to obey when he says “no” or to walk correctly during the walk are the workhorses of many owners and the basic pillars of the canine obedience manual. If a dog does not obey these basic orders, there will be tensions at home derived from problems of coexistence with the animal.

The trick for dogs: answer the call

The fact that the dog comes when called is important and necessary. Let’s imagine that we are in the field, the time comes to go home, and when we call him, he does not come. So we have to chase him, and there is a danger that the dog will run away and therefore get lost or run over. This behavior is evident proof that the dog is not well educated, and we must solve the problem before the situation becomes more complicated. It is advisable to rehearse at home the order to go, especially when the dog is a puppy.

Order the dog to sit or sit still

Learning these commands is achieved more easily through play and always with the reward technique after the dog’s obedient attitude. We must convey congratulations and caresses, which can be accompanied by a dog biscuit.

If the dog does not obey basic orders, there will be tensions at home derived from problems of coexistence with the animal

The command “sitting” is very useful when the dog is nervous or uncontrolled by a certain situation, such as in the presence of another dog or with the visits of family friends with whom he is too effusive.

In both situations, moreover, the order must be given in an energetic and confident tone, with gestures that reinforce it. When the order “quiet” is pronounced, the palm of the outstretched hand must be shown, as a sign indicating the act of braking.

Proper walking on a leash

The acceptance of the belt by the dog is not always an easy task. Many owners walk with their pets by tugging on the leash. The walk, more than a playful and relaxed moment, then becomes a situation that generates stress and anger.

The guidelines that can help the dog learn to walk correctly on the leash are:

• Choose the appropriate collar and leash for the size and complexion of the dog so that the animal is comfortable with it and not oppressed.
• Getting used to wearing a leash at home before going outside with her, especially when the dog is a puppy.
• Apply the rule that indicates to the dog the need to walk on the same side, and not allow it to cross, prevent the owner from walking or become entangled between its legs.

The dog’s behavior is the result of its genetic inheritance, the education it has received, and the experiences it lives, especially when it is a puppy. For the dog to be obedient, it is necessary to lay certain foundations when it is small. From four months on, he is ready to follow orders, such as going when called. Patience and consistency are fundamental guidelines for educating him, and well-taught discipline should never be confused with exacerbated authoritarianism.

The walks are essential for the physical and psychological health of the dog. But the owners, in addition, can take advantage of that moment to relax, strengthen ties of friendship, play with the dog, and exercise. To achieve this, it is important to teach the dog to walk on a leash, collect excrement, choose the best time for the walk, know the importance of educating the dog to walk, and fit the agenda with its needs. This article explains these five keys and also highlights the problems that can arise when walking with the dog.

Key 1: teach the dog to walk on a leash

A dog that knows how to leash on the street will turn walks with their owners into moments of relaxation and enjoyment, rather than a reason for stress. Therefore, it is important to educate and teach the dog from puppy to walk correctly with its owners on the street. Teaching the dog to leash helps avoid problems with other pedestrians.

For their part, the different regional and municipal laws oblige dog owners to carry them on a leash on public roads. Respecting this guideline is one of the keys to keeping in mind when enjoying outdoor walks with the dog. In addition, you must always be tolerant of those who are afraid of animals or do not like them.

Key 2: collect dog droppings

The bags to collect dog excrement should not be missing at the time of the walk. The opinion of other people about dogs and their owners depends on our citizenship. The public way must be clean after the passage of our animal. In this way, we will also avoid accidents to pedestrians, and we will not collaborate in making the street dirty and becoming a focus of bacteria.

City councils pass rules (ordinances) to keep their cities clean. These rules for street cleaning and waste management include penalties for owners who do not collect their dog litter from the street.

Key 3: choose the best time for the ride

Morning walks help the animal stretch its muscles

Dogs must walk three times a day. The ideal is to divide the departures between morning, afternoon, and night. However, there are more suitable times to walk with our friend: in the early morning and after the hours of rest, to stretch the muscles; after eating, to promote good digestion (with a margin of about 20 minutes after eating); as well as at the end of the day -before sleeping-, to go to bed relaxed.

The time of year when we meet is also important. In summer it is preferable to avoid walking during the hottest hours, while in winter you should do the opposite: take advantage of the sunniest hours.

In any case, and with the mentioned precautions, long walks will be a gift for the dog. It is in his nature to run around, sniff, and walk freely. Therefore, whenever possible, you should make an escape quiet and solitary area. The appropriate place is the field or the mountain, where you can let the dog play. Keep in mind that certain dog breeds need longer walks to stay in shape. A responsible owner must meet the needs of your dog in this regard.

Key 4: the importance of educating the dog to walk

The animal must be well educated so that it responds to the call of its owners, does not escape, and does not fight with other dogs. When a dog meets other animals, it is common for conflicts to occur, almost always due to their sense of territoriality.

These fights are dangerous because they can cause serious injury. Therefore, the dog must always be supervised during the walk by the owners. Although the dog is obedient and calm towards people, it can be aggressive towards other animals.

Key 5: fit the agenda with the needs of the dog

A fundamental aspect before adopting or fostering a dog is calculating the amount of time available. If you have a very tight schedule, it may be better not to have a dog at home. The walkers and professional animal handlers can also help. In any case, the welfare of the dog depends on the time that its owners have to take care of it and one of the activities that you have to spend more time on walks.

Remember that this activity is something that your dog needs not only to satisfy his needs but also to exercise and be able to relate to his surroundings, beyond the limits of your home.

So, with a lot of patience and with coherent and concrete rules, both of you will surely be able to enjoy a stressful, enjoyable, and fun outing.

Avoid anxiety

Many dogs get anxious when they know the time is coming for a walk. So put the strap on only when you’re calm.

Try to keep calm before going through the exit door. Stop if you get impatient again. And you come out before him. It must be clear that you will guide the way and not him.

On the street, if he wants to run wildly, taking you almost to the drag and yanking on the leash, you must interrupt the march until he calms down.

You should also be very careful not to come into contact with dangerous substances or aggressive animals that can trigger a fight.

Organize different activities

If the setting is suitable, the ideal is to alternate the walk with moments of play with your pet.

And since training should be something every day, take the opportunity to reinforce what you have learned or teach new orders.

Another option is that you use this time to exercise yourself and, in addition to walking, choose to run or perform an exercise routine in the company of your dog.

Let him be a dog

The walks your pet not only to burn energy and relax but to freely deploy his dog instincts :

• Mark territory
• Track different odors
• Relate to your peers

So give him time to develop these “doggy moments” during outings, too.

Spend enough time on walks

To the best of your ability, take your pet for a walk three times a day.

Keep in mind that a long walk before you go to work can be synonymous with a relaxed dog, which will not get bored or break things around the house when you are alone.

Chances are, he or she sleeps for a good part of the time that you or the rest of the family are away.

Prefer not too long straps

In this way, you can better control unforeseen situations such as confrontations with other dogs or trying to pounce on a pedestrian.

Be calm and confident.

You must make your pet understand that you are dominating the situation so that he does not decide to take command.

Reward your dog

To highlight his good behavior during the walk, treat him with caresses, compliments, or some candy.

Avoid the hours of extreme temperatures.

Both in summer and winter, we must avoid going out in those hours when the weather is less favorable.

Keep the same hours.

This can be applied to both meals and walks. This way, you can synchronize the outputs with the moment of making your needs. Remember, then, to bring the necessary elements to be able to dispose of your excrement.