January is Walk Your Pet Month!
It’s walk your dog month! Check out some helpful tips for keeping your dog on track and safe this month- and all year round!
Choose the Right Leash for your Dog
When choosing a leash for your pup, the two main things to consider are comfort and safety. If you choose a neck collar opposed to a harness, it should fit snug around the dogs neck but allow two fingers to slide underneath it easily. (2)
The safest leash walking option is a fixed-length leash about six feet long. (1)
If the leash is too short it is hard to walk without keeping slack in the leash, which can encourage pulling.
If the leash is too long, it can make it difficult to control your dog and stop them from getting into things they shouldn’t.
A harness can sometimes make a better option if there is any medical issues with the throat. They are also good for dogs who are aggressive pullers as they wont damage the throat. This can also be a con because dogs that pull on harnesses can get lower to the floor and actually pull harder than if they was on a leash similar to sledding, or pulling carts. (3)
Teach Proper Dog Walking Behavior
Start to familiarize your pup with leash wearing by playing with them while they are wearing it. Do this gradually increasing time spent with leash on during the day over the course of a week. (3)
Outdoor walks should be considered leisure time for your dog. Make sure you are allowing them to stop and sniff around the neighborhood and aren’t being too restrictive.
Train your dog to walk next to you and not pull you forward. Encourage good behavior by praising them and/or giving them a treat when they walk next to you.
Discourage bad behavior by stopping and ignoring them when they try to excessively pull you or lunge and bark at something. You can also try walking at a faster pace- so your dog has less of a chance to notice things that might cause him or her to pull. (2)
Additionally, Always bring doggy bags, it is illegal to not clean up your dog’s messes. (3)
Use LICKS Fruities and Veggies as a healthy training tool while on walks with your dog. 1 box of our Fruities and Veggies gummis comes with 10 individual packages, making them a great treat to use for training during the duration of a walk. These are single walk- portion control pouches, so it is safe to use 1 pouch of gummis per walk!
LICKS Fruities and Veggies gummis contain antioxidant rich ingredients and can also be used to help calm anxiety.
