5 Dog Walking Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Walking your dog is more than just a daily chore—it’s an opportunity for exercise, bonding, and mental stimulation. However, even the most well-meaning dog owners can make common mistakes during walks that can lead to discomfort or bad habits for their furry friends. Fortunately, these mistakes are easily correctable with some simple changes. In this blog post, we’ll explore five common dog walking mistakes and provide practical solutions to help you and your dog enjoy every walk.

Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Equipment

One of the most frequent mistakes dog owners make is using the wrong equipment. A standard collar and leash may seem like an easy choice, but they can actually cause problems such as pulling, choking, and overall discomfort for your dog. Furthermore, using the wrong equipment can make it difficult for you to control your dog, turning walks into a less enjoyable experience.

Solution: Switch to a Harness
To address this issue, consider switching from a traditional collar to a harness. A well-designed harness distributes pressure evenly across your dog’s body, reducing the risk of injury and making it easier to guide your dog during walks. Our favorite harness is the ShawnCo Essential Harness as it features three different leash attachment points, allowing you to find the best configuration for controlling your dog. Additionally, its no-pull technology discourages pulling, making walks safer and more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Mistake #2: Allowing Your Dog to Pull

Pulling on the leash is a common problem that many dog owners face. Not only can this make walks frustrating and tiring, but it can also cause strain on your dog’s neck and spine. Allowing your dog to pull on the leash reinforces this behavior, making it harder to correct over time.

Solution: Teach Loose-Leash Walking
To prevent your dog from pulling, it’s important to teach them to walk on a loose leash. This means your dog should walk beside you without creating tension on the leash. Start by stopping whenever your dog begins to pull. Wait for them to return to your side, then reward them with praise or a treat before continuing. Over time, your dog will learn that walking calmly by your side is more rewarding than pulling.

A no-pull harness can be a valuable tool in this training process. Its no-pull design helps manage your dog’s behavior, and the multiple leash attachment points give you flexibility in finding the best setup for your dog. By using a no-pull harness, you can effectively discourage pulling and encourage better leash manners, leading to more pleasant walks.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Your Dog’s Needs

It’s easy to get caught up in your own pace and destination during a walk, but it’s important to remember that your dog may have different priorities. Ignoring your dog’s need to explore, sniff, or take breaks can lead to frustration and anxiety, which can manifest as behavioral issues over time.

Solution: Make Walks Interactive
To fix this mistake, remember that walks are just as important for your dog as they are for you. Allow your dog to stop and sniff along the way—this is how they explore the world and gather information. Incorporate some playtime or training exercises to keep your dog mentally stimulated. For example, practice commands like “sit” or “stay” during your walk and reward your dog for good behavior.

Mistake #4: Walking in Unsafe Conditions

Walking your dog in unsafe conditions, such as extreme temperatures, heavy traffic, or at night without proper visibility, can put your dog at risk. Many dog owners underestimate the dangers of hot pavement, icy sidewalks, or poor visibility during nighttime walks.

Solution: Prioritize Safety
To ensure your dog’s safety, always consider the weather and environment before heading out. Avoid walking on hot pavement during warm weather, as it can burn your dog’s paws. In cold conditions, be mindful of ice and snow that could cause slips or frostbite. If you walk at night or early in the morning, make sure you and your dog are visible to others by using reflective gear and lights.

Mistake #5: Inconsistent Training and Commands

Inconsistent training is another common mistake that can lead to confusion and frustration for your dog. If different family members use different commands or allow different behaviors, your dog may struggle to understand what is expected of them during walks, resulting in poor leash manners.

Solution: Establish Consistency
To fix this mistake, ensure that everyone who walks your dog uses the same commands and follows the same rules. Consistent training is key to reinforcing good behavior and helping your dog understand what is expected of them. Regular training sessions can also help build your dog’s confidence and improve their overall behavior.

Conclusion

Walking your dog should be a positive experience for both you and your furry friend, but common mistakes can get in the way. By avoiding these mistakes and making simple changes, such as using the right equipment and maintaining consistent training, you can improve your walks and enjoy the time spent together.

Whether you’re addressing issues like pulling, safety, or inconsistent commands, following these tips will help ensure that your dog walks are both enjoyable and beneficial. Take the time to evaluate your current walking routine and see how you can make improvements for the well-being of your dog.