Being your dog’s happy dog leader you anticipate your dog’s needs, reactions and are proactive in setting boundaries for your dog. Before you start your walk, there are things you can do for a more enjoyable walk.
Check all the equipment. We use our equipment all the time and we don’t realize the leash frays or the ID tags are missing. We loosen the collar because we want our dog to be comfortable at home. Test the collar regularly by pulling it up and over the head. It should not come off. Allow two or three fingers to fit underneath the dog’s collar.
Before you open up the door, the ultimate test of a true leader is an internal test. Are you prepared to lead your dog on a safe and happy dog walk? If you can say “yes” enthusiastically then you are ready to open the door.
On your walk, scan the area around you. What’s in front of you and what is up ahead or around the corner? Is that a man with a dog off leash?
Know that your dog is scanning the environment too. Where is your dog’s focus? It’s best to have a plan as opposed to waiting to see your dog’s reaction. A wait and see attitude can lead to dangerous consequences.
Turid Rugass, author of “On Talking Terms with Dogs”, tells us that dogs don’t approach each other directly and to create an arch when passing an unfamiliar dog. Tudrid Rugass says creating the arch has a calming effect. This is essential when passing people or unfamiliar situations such as someone in a wheelchair.
Please keep in mind some dogs are triggered to chase—bicycles, skate boarders or garbage trucks. Create a larger arch when passing triggers or the cross the street.
Assume not all people love dogs. Elder people have very sensitive skin that can be torn by the dog’s nails if a dog jumps on them. Keep those arches wide and keep moving.
A dog walk is great opportunity to reinforce good doggie manners. When you get to a quiet area, take a few minutes to train your dog. Carry treats with you and practice a sit.
To teach sit, have a tasty tidbit and put slight over the dogs head. Your dog’s nose will follow the treat. Once his rump hits the ground put a treat into his mouth. If you dog already understand the command sit, say “sit,” and if he sits, give a treat.
If you see another dog and you want to approach, ask the owner if the dog is friendly. Have your dog sit before he meets the new dog and then you release your dog from the sit. You may need to do this far away from the other dog. Your dog will want to know what the other dog smells like. As long as the dogs are relatively calm it should be fine. Keep calm and breathe. Keep the meeting short and sweet. The next visit can be longer. If at any moment you are uncomfortable it’s OK to walk away.
Carry poop bags with you and always clean up after your pet. You neighbors will appreciate it. Culver City has “poop scooper” ordinance. The law says “The owner must carry something to pick up the dog waste which must be properly disposed of.” This includes both public and private property. Violations are subject to citations with fines up to $500.
Christina Persandi is the owner of Happy Dogs, A Dog Walking and Training Company. Website:Gohappydogs.com Christina can be reached at Christina@gohappydogs.com or (310) 701-8518.