Cooper Aerobic Center advises people to maintain their health through physical activity. They are big proponents of using dog walking as a routine form of health exercise. Taking your dog walking is good exercise for both of you and a pleasure to your senses. Here a a few suggestions to make the walk with your dog more enjoyable.

1.If your dog has been cooped up all day, try a bit of exercise before your walk to burn up some of his energy and help him focus on good walking behavior.

2.Use a gentle leash and a collar that controls your dog’s head movement - like a horse’s bridle.

3.Teach your dog to walk by your side. If needed you can encourage this behavior using a teaser bit of food in your hand. Reward the dog when he walks correctly with you.

4.Keep the leash loose; do not get in a tug of war. If your dog constantly tugs at the leash, you should invest in formal training classes to teach him proper companion walking. If your dog is tugging, you should stop the walk and order a sit. After a minute, you can begin walking again.

5.Carry water for your dog in warm weather.

6.Also during warm weather, you may to plan a rest stop with shade along the route.

7.Be a thoughtful walker and carry a pooper scooper and Ziplock baggies to clean up any mess your pet makes on the trail.

8.Have fun !

Best Friends Petcare training

Posted by Barbara.