Dog walking 101 – happy trails make for waggy tails

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a pooch that doesn’t love their leash time. In the South African sun, walkies with your pet is almost the order of the day.  Now you can take walkies to the next level with these 3 simple tips for stress free leash time from Melissa-Rae Lourens, Founder of Kreature Comforts.

Get your good boy used to his collar

You can’t just strap him up and get ready to roll, you must get your dog used to some of the items that will become regular features of your walkies time. If you have a new puppy, let him wear his collar around the house until he seems comfortable. Then add the lead for him to get used to for short amounts of time while you’re playing or giving him treats (remember to never leave your pup unattended with a lead on though). Then take the fun outside! There will be new challenges with this step because all the sounds, smells, and sights your puppy encounters will be intriguing and new to him.

Soon enough though, if you’re patient and keep walks short and reward him with treats, he will get used to it and even get excited when you get it out of the cupboard because he knows what to expect. Start him out with this Incredi-collar which has a classically comfortable design.

Let her leash the way

Your pretty pooch may not like being leashed up in the beginning because there is so much to see and do, but a good leash is incredibly important to keep her safe while on a walk. Between traffic, other dogs and all the other distractions you may encounter, ensuring a strong leash ensures their – and your – safety. It’s natural for a curious creature to pull the leash, but resist the urge to pull back, yank or jerk the leash, and never drag your dog along by it. If she does pull, simply stand still and refuse to move until she comes back to you. She will soon learn how to keep a steady pace right by your side.

It’s important to choose a leash that is strong and sturdy, made from tough materials and is comfortable for her and for your hands. A swivel clasp will also go a long way to helping you avoid getting tangled if your doggo starts to dance with excitement. This is going to be an every-day activity after all, so comfort is key. Check out the Incredi-leash for its ergonomic design.

Harness the power of the harness

Ok, we know you’re not walking a horse but harnesses are for dogs too, believe it or not. A harness is super comfy for dogs during walks because they’re generally easier going than a collar. On long walks there is less pulling on your dog’s throat and neck and they also help prevent the leash getting tangle in your dog’s legs. The biggest benefit is the shift in pressure from the neck to a much larger part of your dog’s body so back pain is alleviated. A dog in a collar can also often wiggle out of it and run into danger or get lost, whereas a dog in a well-fitted harness is safer from escape because it’s harder to get out of. And finally, harnesses are great for older dogs who may need a bit more love and support to keep them on their feet.

Choose a harness that has two attachment points to accommodate the mood your dog may be in that day, like this Incredi-Harness.

Before you even get your dog on the leash, it’s important to highlight just how much our dogs need their walks. Aside from being a super fun adventure of sights, sounds and smells for them, it also provides much-needed exercise time. Unfortunately, studies have shown that 20% of us don’t walk our dogs every day.

Our dogs love life and thrive when they get regular walkies. It’s fantastic for their mental and physical health; and hey, you benefit too when you’re up and moving – it’s a win-win-woof-woof experience, so unleash the leash and make it a habit.

Source: Kreature Comforts

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Disclaimer: The information produced by Infurmation is provided for general and educational purposes only and does not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your vet or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you suspect that your pet has a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.