Let’s Walk the Dog! By Karen Hammond
I
t's winter and dog walks can feel more like a chore than a good time. Which is the reason why January is designated as Walk Your Dog Month. Shorter days mean we are walking our pups in the dark and the cold so we might need to look for new ways to liven up the daily adventure and get outside regularly. Walking your pet is also good for you and may help with some of those health-related New Year’s resolutions. I’ve been a dog mom for the past 20 years. My mom always had a dog or two and we walked them both in the city and the countryside. I currently have three corgis – Rascal, a rescue from the Mayfield Animal Shelter, Hermione, a spoiled pedigree from Hopkinsville, and Gryffin, our 9-month-old from Connecticut. I walk them every day: rain, sun, or snow. Here are some ideas to help liven up your walking routine and develop some good dog-walking behaviors. I’ve also included some pet gear ideas to make your exercise healthy, fun, and safe for both you and your pet.
Get the Right Leash
I’m very fortunate to live near trails and nature reserves where I can get away with walking my trio off-leash. But in most towns and neighborhoods leashes are required. There are many types of leashes, harness leashes, multi-dog leashes, lasso, and good old-fashioned heavy-duty nylon. The one that’s best for you is the one you feel most comfortable holding and your pet walks well on.
Practice and Training
Yep, it’s a Caesar Milan moment! Be in charge when you walk your dog. Use confident body language - head up, shoulders back! My dog sitter recently asked me how I trained the corgis not to pull. There are lots of safe products on the market to help you train your dog. Until your dog knows how to walk without pulling, view walks as training sessions, and keep them short, frequent, and low stress. In the past choke chains were common but are not considered humane. Now trainers use a sturdy, no-pull harness and give a tiny treat every few feet to encourage the dog to stay by your side and walk in step. Whichever type of leash you use, keep it short, but not too tight. Position your pup next to your leg and hold the leash across your body in the other hand. Let them feel the movement of your legs through the leash
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DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022
Purchase Area Family Magazine
Read online! issuu.com/purchasefamilymag
