How to Walk an Untrained Dog?

Is your dog very wild and unruly, often barking at other dogs and pulling you along when out for a walk? If so be sure to read this article and learn how to use dog collars, dog harnesses and leashes to get your dog to behave better on walks.

Walking an untrained dog can be a test of patience and skill, but with the right techniques, even the most unruly pooch can learn to be a great walking companion. Let’s step through some pro tips that’ll keep those tails wagging happily on every walk.

Why is your dog always so excited?

Dogs often exhibit excitement for several reasons, and their enthusiastic behavior is usually a reflection of their emotions, needs, and environment. Here are some common reasons why your dog might always seem excited:

1. Anticipation of Positive Activities

Dogs often get excited in anticipation of activities they enjoy, such as walks, playtime, or mealtime. They learn to associate certain cues (like grabbing a leash or the sound of food containers) with these enjoyable events, leading to visible excitement.

2. Desire for Attention and Interaction

Dogs are social animals and thrive on interaction with their human family. Excitement can be a way of expressing their desire for attention, affection, or interaction. This can be particularly evident when you return home, a behavior known as the “welcome home” party.

3. High Energy Levels

Some dogs, especially younger ones or those from more active breeds, naturally have high energy levels. Their excitement might be their way of signaling that they need more physical exercise or mental stimulation.

4. Reinforcement of Excited Behavior

If a dog’s excitement gets a positive response (like cuddles, laughter, or play), the behavior may be reinforced. They learn that being excited is a good way to engage you and may continue to show excitement to elicit those interactions.

5. Anxiety or Overstimulation

Excitement isn’t always positive. In some cases, what appears as excitement could be anxiety or nervous energy. Dogs might show signs of excitement when they are actually feeling stressed or overwhelmed, especially in noisy or busy environments.

6. Lack of Training

Without basic training to manage their impulses, dogs might exhibit unchecked excitement. Training helps them learn appropriate ways to express their energy and emotions.

Managing Excitement

• Regular Exercise: Providing ample physical and mental exercise is crucial. Activities like walking, running, and games that challenge their mind can help manage their energy levels.
• Training and Socialization: Training helps dogs learn how to behave and respond in various situations. Commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “calm” can help manage their excitement.
• Consistent Routine: A predictable routine can reduce anxiety and manage excitement levels, as dogs feel more secure knowing what to expect.

Understanding why your dog gets excited and managing their environment and activities can help channel their energy positively and enhance their well-being.

How to Walk an Untrained Dog?

Walking an untrained dog can be challenging but with the right approach and consistent effort, you can make the experience more manageable and enjoyable for both of you. Here are some steps and tips on how to effectively walk an untrained dog:

1. Prepare Properly:

• Use the Right Equipment: Start with a well-fitting harness and a sturdy leash. A harness is often better than a collar for untrained dogs as it gives you more control and is safer for the dog if they pull. Also using a shorter leash provides more control and direct guidance to keep your furry friend close to you.
• Identification: Ensure your dog has proper identification tags on their harness or collar.

2. Start with Basic Training at Home:

• Leash Training: Begin indoors or in a fenced yard. Let your dog wear the harness or collar around the house to get used to it. Gradually introduce the leash and practice walking around without any distractions.
• Commands: Teach basic commands such as “come,” “sit,” “stay,” and “heel.” These will be invaluable during walks.

3. Control the Environment:

• Choose Quiet Times and Places: For the initial walks, choose times and places with minimal distractions. Quiet streets or less frequented parks during off-peak hours are ideal.
• Keep Initial Walks Short: Start with short walks to avoid overstimulating your dog. Gradually increase the length of the walks as they get more comfortable and better behaved.
• Stay Socialised: regular exposure to other dogs and people will help your dog learn to stay calm and collected and be less likely to bark loudl

4. Use Positive Reinforcement:

• Rewards: Use treats, praise, or toys to reward good behavior, such as walking nicely beside you or obeying a command. This reinforces positive behavior and makes the training process enjoyable.
• Consistency is Key: Be consistent with your commands and rewards. Dogs learn through repetition, so maintaining a consistent approach is crucial.

5. Manage Pulling:

• Stop and Stand: If your dog starts pulling, stop walking and stand still. Wait until they calm down and the leash relaxes before you start walking again.
• Change Direction: Another technique is to change direction when your dog pulls. This teaches them that pulling won’t get them where they want to go.

6. Stay Calm and Patient:

• Keep Your Cool: Dogs can sense tension through the leash. If you get frustrated, take a deep breath and try to stay calm.
• Patience: Training a dog to walk properly can take time. Be patient and persistent, and celebrate small victories along the way.

7. Consider Professional Help:

• Training Classes: If you’re struggling, consider enrolling in a local dog training class. These classes can provide you with the tools and techniques you need to improve your dog’s leash skills.
• Professional Trainers: A professional dog trainer can provide one-on-one training tailored to your dog’s specific issues, which can be highly effective.

Walking an untrained dog requires patience and consistent training, but the rewards of having a well-behaved walking companion are well worth the effort. Keep training sessions positive and fun, and over time, you will see progress in your dog’s behavior.

Conclusion

Walking an untrained dog is no walk in the park, but with the right approach, it certainly can become one. Use these tips to transform chaotic outings into peaceful strolls and strengthen your bond with your pet.

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FAQ about dog walking

How Do You Walk an Uncooperative Dog?

1. Understand the Cause: Determine why the dog is uncooperative. Are they scared, anxious, or simply untrained? Addressing the root cause is key.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Use treats and praises to encourage cooperative behavior. Reward the dog when they walk nicely or follow commands.
3. Consistency is Key: Regular, consistent walks using the same commands and rewards help the dog learn what is expected.
4. Use Appropriate Gear: Sometimes, a harness can provide better control than a collar, especially for dogs that resist or pull.

What to Do When a Dog Won’t Walk?

1. Motivate with Treats: Use high-value treats to lure the dog to walk. Hold a treat in your hand near their nose and let them sniff it but don’t give it to them until they take a few steps.
2. Short and Sweet: Start with short walks. Over time, gradually increase the distance as they become more comfortable.
3. Check for Discomfort: Ensure the leash, collar, or harness isn’t causing discomfort. Also, consider if the walking surface might be hurting their paws.

How to Train Dogs Not to Pull When Walking?

1. Use a No-pull Harness: These harnesses have a front leash attachment point that gently turns the dog towards you when they pull, discouraging pulling.
2. Stop-and-Go Method: If the dog pulls, stop walking. Only proceed when the leash is slack. This teaches that pulling gets them nowhere.
3. Direction Changes: Change directions frequently when your dog starts to pull. This unpredictability teaches them to pay attention to where you lead.

How to Train an Untrained Dog?

1. Basic Commands First: Start with basic commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come’, and ‘heel’. Use treats and consistent commands.
2. Socialization: Expose the dog to various environments, people, and other animals to reduce fears and distractions during training.
3. Professional Help: Consider enrolling in a training class or hiring a professional trainer if the dog shows persistent difficulty or behavioral issues.
4. Patience and Consistency: Training an untrained dog requires patience. Be consistent with commands, rewards, and routines to help the dog learn.