Walks are important for dogs, and our pups usually love heading outside for some exercise. But sometimes, dogs don’t behave quite as we’d like them to on walks – often simply because they’re just so excited!
It can be frustrating if your dog doesn’t seem to be behaving during walks, and it might leave you wondering what’s best to do, particularly if you’ve already tried things like using some of the best dog treats.
If this is the case, however, the solution can sometimes be less complicated than you think. Amelia Steele, a professional dog trainer and behavioral consultant, also known as Amelia the Dog Trainer, has explained what we need to know in a recent Instagram post.
“Making this one small change to your dog walk can impact on your dog’s behavior,” begins Steele. “How you start your walk will set the tone for the entire time that you’re out.”
In Steele’s video, she’s being rushed out of the house by an overexcited dog who’s dragging her behind them, and she explains that people who can relate should instead turn around and head back inside.
She says your dog probably thinks that the door is a “magical portal” to everything fun, so the idea is to take a step back and change that association. Rather than rushing out of the door and beginning the walk straight away, Steele recommends taking some time to step in and out of the door with your pup.
“Once you’ve done that and your dogs calm down a little bit,” she says, “Then we can spend a bit more time getting their engagement.” As she says, if your dogs can’t pay attention to you when you’re just waiting to go out for a walk, it’s unlikely they’ll listen to you during the walk itself.
Steele advises doing this before every walk, and practicing it in between walks if possible, to get your pups used to walking out of the front door with you nicely.
After all, there’s nothing wrong with a dog being excited and happy to head out for a walk – it’s great that they’re looking forward to exploring and getting some exercise. But if your dog is calmer, they’re less likely to injure you, themselves, or a passerby by rushing out, and it sets the tone for the rest of your walk together.
And remember, walks aren’t just beneficial for your pup. They can be great for you, too! Why not try out these 32 ways to build self-care into your dog walk and see what you think? Don’t forget about these 12 tips to help keep dog walks fun, too!
