Training Your Dog to Listen to You

Preparing Your Dog For The Walk

Walking a dog should be a pleasure but, oftentimes, it is anything but. How many times do you see dog owners struggling as their dogs literally pull them down the street? Another scenario that is very scary is when a dog wants to attack another dog or a strange person as they're passing by. These are both very dangerous situations and should be corrected at all costs. And, by correcting, I don't mean tugging on the leash or screaming your dog's name to get his attention. If you've ever watched the TV show, The Dog Whisperer, you'll know that Cesar Millan teaches other strategies that do work to make your dog a pleasure to take on a walk.

Taking your dog for a walk actually starts before you leave your house. In fact, you need to spend some time long before leaving your house teaching your dog to respond to your actions and commands. Words are not as important when training your dog as your own feeling of confidence and the knowledge that you are the "leader" not your canine friend. Your dog is looking for this leadership and will usually respond well to it. A weak, angry or frustrated owner is bound to bring out the worst in your dog. Examples of bad behavior are jumping up on the furniture, guests, and even you; barking incessantly when someone comes to the door; snapping at people when they come close to him or his owner. (I say "him" but this could just as well be "her'.)

What can we do about this behavior and how does it relate to walking your dog? For one thing, if your dog doesn't respect you or respond to you inside your house, do you think he's going to do any better on the walk? Not a chance.

You should start by not talking so much but quietly setting some boundaries and limitations inside the house and in the yard. Teach him to give people their space, not allowing him to run up to guests and jumping on them. He must learn to wait to be invited close to people. He also needs to be invited on the furniture or on your bed and not allowed to go wherever it pleases him.

When you are satisfied that you are in charge and that your dog is ready to respond to you, then a trial walk is in order. Did you know that the walk begins before you leave your house? His first lesson is to wait patiently beside you at the door until you let him know that you want him to "follow" you. He is not the leader in this exercise but you are. If you keep this in mind as you work to improve the walk, then all should go well.

For a pleasant walk with your dog, It is a good idea to get him a comfortable fitting collar and a suitable leash. There are all kinds of collars and leashes available and you should choose according to the breed of dog and the type of walk you plan to do. Short leashes are great if you want to keep your dog beside you at all times. Some people like to use a longer leash to provide more freedom on the walk. Long leashes provide less control but may be suitable for small dogs.

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Visit "Shop For Your Dog" to select a dog collar and/or leash for your dog.

Doris Hermon is owner of the website "Shop for Your Dog". Shopforyourdog.com is a source for dog harnesses, leashes, collars and other dog-related items.