Drafts and notes for content: 10 Important Tips for Walk Your Dog Day!

My top 10 Important Tips for Walk Your Dog Day!

1. LET THEM SNIFF

Your dog isn't a soldier and a walk is not a march. Let them enjoy the walk.

It's totally okay for your dog to be ahead of you on the walk.

All you really need is a loose leash, most of the time.

That way, you can keep your eyes on your dog!

2. Pay for check-ins

Treats, toys, or just happy contact can reinforce your dog's choice to look at you. This is a skill you can develop over time, so if it's not working for you, learn more!

3. Slow Stop

If you need to stop, get their attention. Or if you use a leash, stop gently.

The Slow Stop is a special skill that humans take time to learn.

If you stop more gently, dogs are less reactive and it's safer for their bodies. And yours.

Read through to the end for where to learn this skill.

4. TwO HANDS

If you have two hands, keep them both on the leash to be able to gently adjust the length.

5. Breathe

Your state of arousal affects your dog's nervous system. Relaxed breathing helps!

In our Stop Pulling class, we have a whole section on Glimmers, which are the opposite of triggers.

Learning how to regulate your nervous system is such a gift to your dog!

6. Quality time

If you have more than one dog, consider walking them alone unless they're better together.

7. Long leash

Give your dog a sense of freedom while also maintaining safety

Learn to use it first, for safety!

Not all areas allow long leashes

A soft, round leash works best

Flexi leashes can be hazardous!

8. Harness

A harness can be clipped in the back for freedom or the front for more control.

If I do use the front of a harness, I like clipping to both the back and front.

I never use prong collars or choke chains.  

I've been training internationally for 20+ years and have never needed them.

9. Leash Belay

The leash belay is a new skill using rock climbing tools to 

walk dogs one-handed, even big dogs! It's not for every situation, but if you're doing everything else and need some extra help, or if you want to be able to give treats easily, the leash belay is amazing. Google it.

10. GO LOCAL

If this was shared by a profesional dog trainer or dog walker  you, consider hiring them! It's a good sign that their ethics support empowered walking.

See directory.grishastewart.com/ethics for code of conduct to consider in your professional trainer

More help

"Walk With Me" video (1.5 hours)

"Stop Pulling" Course

"Intro to BAT 3.0" (reactivity)

Free Dog Training Handouts 

"Predation Substitute Training"

We have over 140 online classes, these are some that are helpful for walking! Visit school.grishastewart.com/courses/walkwithme for a great intro class.

NEXT WEBINAR

Treatment Techniques for Dogs Affected by Trauma, with Danielle BeckSchool.GrishaStewart.com/courses/traumatreatment

#walkyourdogday #empowerment #dogtraining #positivedogtraining #letthemsniff