Reflective Safety for Dog Walkers

If you plan on walking your dog at night or in inclement weather, it is important that both you and your canine stand out to drivers. It is most difficult to be seen during dusk and dawn, it is at these times you will want to make yourself and your dog a bit more visible. One of the best ways to do this is by wearing reflective clothing such as a reflective running vest and by considering some sort of reflective clothing for your pooch. A reflective collar and/or leash will make it easier to be seen by drivers.

When it comes to reflective leashes and collars, keep in mind that all of them are not created equal. Leashes that have reflective material on both sides instead of just one will create more visibility with the leash shining on both sides. No matter the reflective piece of clothing, keep in mind that a light source is required for the reflective material to work so if you will be walking on an unlit trail without oncoming headlights these will do you no good. Wearable LED lights are recommended for those types of walks.

Other Nighttime Dog Walking Tips:

1. Reliable leash and keep your dog on it at all times.

Reflective Leash

Make sure that the leash you are using is the right size for your dog. Keeping your dog on his/her leash will give you more control should your dog want to take off after something.

2. LED lights

LED Leash

If you plan on walking in an area that doesn't have any light source then wearable LED lights are a must. You can also find LED collars and leashes which means your dog will be visible no matter what.

3. Comfortable walking shoes

Too often we only think about our dogs' comfort and forget about our own. When your feet hurt, your whole body hurts so take care of those feet and let your dog enjoy his/her walk.

4. Always walk on left side of the street, towards oncoming traffic

This allows you visibility to what's coming your way. If you need to move off the road then you can see to do so. Unfortunately, drivers get distracted and may not see you in time.

5. Use sidewalks when available

Basic pedestrian safety, sidewalks are there for a reason. USE THEM!

6. Bring a flashlight

Especially during the winter months, it gets dark sooner so bring along a flashlight in case your walk goes a little longer than planned. A flashlight will also come in handy for finding your dog's droppings for pick-up.

7. Watch out for nocturnal animals

Darkness can bring out a whole new breed of creatures, be prepared. It can be particularly disturbing when you hear something rustling in the distance. Training your dog with a simple command can cue them in that it's time to turn around.

8. Think about your route

Be smart about the path you choose to take when going for a walk with your dog. Taking dark backroads may not be a good idea for nighttime walks but better suited for daylight afternoon walks. Busy roadways with streetlamps probably aren't great for afternoon walks because of all the traffic but with overhead lighting would be perfect for after dark.

9. Plan for the weather

Hot outside? Cold outside? No matter the weather, make sure both you and your dog are dressed appropriately.

10. Be sure your dog has identification

Things happen! That's why it is important for your dog to have an identification tag, just in case he/she does pull loose from the leash or jerks the leash out of your hands. If your dog runs off, don't you want your pooch back? Take the proper precautions!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Reflective-Safety-for-Dog-Walkers&id=9286918

What You Need To Know About Dog Walking

If you own a dog, it's recommended that you walk him regularly. According to experts, there are plenty of benefits that come with it. Some of these benefits include:

Benefits of walking him

Bond strengthening: Since you will be alone with him you have quality time together. Experts report that this time is important in forming a deep and trusting relationship with your dog. The time that you spend together with him also plays a vital role in the development of the behavior.

Weight control: Just like humans, dogs are bound to gain plenty of weight when they lead a sedentary lifestyle. If you live in an apartment four-legged friend has little space to exercise; therefore, it gains weight. During the walk, he burns calories thus bringing about weight loss.

Better mental well-being: If you regularly exercise you can bear witness that you feel much better after the exercise. This is because your body releases hormones that improve your mental well-being. This is the same case with your dog. When the dog exercises he feels better about himself thus becoming a better companion.

More exposure: When you walk him you expose him to new people, experiences, and settings. This helps him to learn new things which are crucial for growth.

Decrease loneliness: If you live alone it means that your friend spends most of his time alone. Just like humans, dogs are social beings. When you are walking him you give him company which aids in getting rid of loneliness.

Longer life: Since dogs that exercise are fitter and healthier, they tend to live longer. Since they have longer lives you enjoy the company of your dog for a longer time.

How to walk him

While many people know that they need to walk their dogs, studies show that few dog owners know how to properly do it. To help you out, here are tips on how to properly walk him:

Always keep him on a leash: When he is on a leash you have full control of him and you are the one who dictates the walk-not the dog. The best way of holding the leash is wrapping it around your hand until there is little space between you and him.

Treat him: It's always recommended that you train your dog during the walk. Some of the training that you can expose him to include: walking, sitting and when to pull on the leash. When he behaves the way that you want you should reward him with his favorite treat.

Make the walk comfortable: There is no way that he will enjoy the walk if it's uncomfortable. You should ensure that the leash is made from a comfortable material. Also, ensure that you apply comfortable pressure on him The time that you walk him determines how comfortable the dog will be. For peace of mind avoid walking him at noon as it might be too hot for him.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?What-You-Need-To-Know-About-Dog-Walking&id=9542458

Walking With Ease

Pulling and dragging on the leash is probably one of the biggest problems for dog walkers and owners alike when it comes to walking our dogs. I am going to share with you 4 easy, well, maybe not so easy, tips that I use to accomplish something I like to call W.W.E., or Walking With Ease.

If your dog is full of hyper energy like some of mine have been in the past then you know fighting with them while on a walk can sometimes resemble a real W.W.E. match. Not only can this be extremely frustrating for you walking the dog, but your dog could also be hurting itself in the process. Especially if you use choker collars, which in my humble opinion is a somewhat cruel way of getting your dog to do what you want. While following these instructions might be a lengthier process, I would encourage it as it will probably yield more satisfying results in the long run.

My first recommendation would be to enroll your dog into puppy training classes when they are still young. These classes work wonders with new puppies, teaching them how to behave in and out of the house and listen to your commands. One of the most important commands you will learn is "heel". For those of you who don't know what heel is, it's the command you use to get your dog to walk alongside of you, as opposed to dragging you along. If you are trying to teach your adult dog new tricks, do not fret. I have witnessed a number of older dogs who have benefited substantially from an attending a class. Maybe this is not your dog, even still, a class is not the only way to train your pet. In fact, learning this command is only the first step in training your dog to walk on a leash.

The next step, is all about you as the human controlling the leash. For this step, think of the leash as a direct connection between you and your dog, where they can literally feel everything through it. Because they can. What I mean by this is any anger, aggression or nervousness you feel is channeled through your grip on the leash and transferred from you to them. Doesn't it just amaze you how cool dogs are? Keeping this in mind though, it is important to stay calm and confident even when you feel like you are losing control. Also, try not to get angry at your dog, especially verbally. Patience might be hard for you at first, but practice building it over time. Believe it or not, the more relaxed you are, the more your pet will be in return, and the more likely they will be to follow your commands on a consistent basis. It is important that you have a mutual relationship built on love rather than just trying to dominate your dog through fear and punishment. This can lead to them rebelling or resenting you. A cool tip I learned to help with this is to change your viewpoint of the situation. Rather than thinking of it as wanting your dog to stop pulling (something that frustrates you) think of it as teaching them to walk calmly with you (more positive).

The next step in learning to walk with ease is developing a positive reward system to encourage the behaviors you like in your dog. For instance, when they correctly respond to heel, you should have a treat on hand to reward them. To start off, you will want to do this every time, gradually leaning them off so they learn to listen whether there is a treat waiting or not. Be sure to not only reward them for following explicit commands for you, but also for other behaviors that will benefit them. For instance, every time your dog yields to streets or traffic without you having to tell them to, be sure to reward that. You might even want to reward them a little extra for these safety habits. This way, in a situation where your dog gets away from you, they will be trained to avoid cars with or without you there. A positive reward system reinforces the loving relationship between you and your dog over one of owner and owned.

Lastly remember to practice, practice, practice. I am not going to bore you with any cliché sayings, but we all know the importance of practice if you want to perfect anything. The same concept applies with your dog. In the beginning, they will try to continue to do their own thing, even with the reward system. But think about it, if you were trapped in one location all day and finally got to explore you would go crazy too! Walking your dog every day will desensitize them to that freedom, and they will learn that the same rules from home apply there. Once the reward system kicks in, use it over and over. Even if it is every half block or so that they walked with you instead of pulling you. As I said, you can wean them off over time once they get a hang of it, and you will be able to tell easily when that time comes.

Overall, this is definitely a process. And I do not want to lie to you and tell you it will be easy. But if you stick it out you will definitely be glad you did. There is nothing like a walking a well trained dog. When you and your pet really sync, you will even be able to walk them without a leash. But that is a lesson for another day. Whether you are dog walking for others or just taking your own dog for a walk around the neighborhood or park, get out there and practice your new skills!

Sourcce:http://ezinearticles.com/?Walking-With-Ease&id=9933532

Making Playtime Into Lesson Time - Teaching Your Dog To Come

Teaching your dog to come is one of the most important lessons they need to know and should be one of the most fun and easiest for you to teach. Your goal is to reward your dog when it comes to you NO MATTER WHAT. Always be happy and work towards making sure there isn't a shred of doubt in your dog's mind as to whether it should come.

Years ago one of my clients told me that her dog ALWAYS came to her...EVERY time. Even at the dog park and even from 95 yards away. I knew that this couldn't have been the case because if it were true her dog certainly wouldn't have needed training. As it turned out the dog did always come but never came close enough to hold and put the leash on. In the dog's mind, it was much more fun to play 'chase' and very unpleasant to be caught and taken home. This is why it's crucial to make it fun for the dog to get to you. In a dangerous situation you may need to get a leash on your dog and get it to safety quickly so you don't want any hesitation between your command and your dog's reaction.

The first and most important part of the training is that your dog comes the last 3 feet and let you put your hands on it. Start by having fun with your dog, petting it for 30 seconds to get it excited and happy and then run back about 4 or 5 feet and just stand there. If you've done it right your dog will naturally want more and come running to you. When it does come to you reward it like crazy then repeat the exercise two or three times. You don't need to give your dog a command yet, just make a big game out of 'Pet, Play and Run' until it catapults to you every time you move away. Do this for at least 20 three to five minute sessions for about a week.

When you see that your dog's response is good and solid it's time to add the "Come" command. Only say the command once but if you've laid a strong foundation your dog will come to you fast and happy every time because you have made it really fun. Remember to keep up the praise and rewards.

What to do if your dog absolutely won't come? Put it on leash so it can't get distracted and use food or a toy not only as motivation but also as a reward when it gets to you. If you do this, make sure to pet and play with your dog really intently before giving it the food or the toy. With some dogs, it's also helpful to have them sit and stay right near you. This will help keep their focus and prevent the over exuberant dog from jumping on you.

Another good practice can take place at mealtime. Hold the dog's food, call the dog to you and run backwards. Praise and pet your dog when it gets to you and then give a little food. As soon as they finish the food, tell them "Come", run back and repeat the sequence. After several repetitions just let them finish the meal. We call that a 'jackpot reward' and you can 'jackpot' the dog at random times during training to make the dog think the extra special treat is coming the next time.

There is an important element in teaching your dog to come that shouldn't be overlooked. If the dog doesn't come the first time you call it DO NOT repeat the command. By repeating "Come" until it executes the task, you're actually weakening the opportunity to reach your goal which is for the dog to respond immediately to the command.

So keep these tips in mind during your training:

· The "Come" command should always be seen as practice and not  a test

· Only practice in a way you know will be successful

· Don't ever repeat the command

· Don't give any cause for the dog not to come all the way to you

· Reward your dog every time it follows the command

Because the "Come" command will be used in many different situations you'll want to start adding some variations to the training sessions that are still fun for your dog to learn. A good exercise when you're on a walk is to give the "Come" command at unexpected times and then run away. Your dog will learn to react immediately to the command and come to you at lightning speed. Keep surprising your dog with the command and gradually increase the distance you run away. When your dog becomes proficient at this there's nothing like a playful game of "Hide and Seek" which makes your dog work harder to find you.

Another way to increase your dog's reaction and speed is to do a 'restrained recall'. Have a friend hold your dog by its collar or leash then run and call it like you have been doing. The dog might struggle to get to you and that's ok. The goal is to get your dog to really want to get to you so don't have your friend do anything to prevent it from pulling during this exercise. When you call the dog make sure your helper knows to drop the leash right away and let the dog come to you. While your dog is coming you'll want to encourage it by clapping, urging, praising and smiling.

The key to teaching your dog to come reliably is to build on a foundation of repeated success and never let your dog learn the wrong response to the command. It should never be unpleasant or perceived by your dog to be punishment when you call it and, just as importantly, it shouldn't be more fun for your dog to learn to defeat you and stay away.

Some things to remember include:

· Don't call your dog to punish or reprimand it

· Make sure that "come" isn't followed by something unpleasant such as ending playtime at the park or calling your dog into the house and immediately crating it and leaving

· Don't make a game out of the dog staying away from you

· Never make it fun for the dog to get you to chase them

It takes time and consistency to properly teach your dog the "Come" command and it's important to practice it over and over in lots of different settings. Make sure you never give your dog a reason not to come and, most of all, make it a fun and rewarding experience when it gets to you. Your dog is a subjective, living, thinking being and no matter how well trained or how obedient, there is ALWAYS a chance that your dog might not come. Remember that there might be a distraction more enticing and more appealing than you. It's important to never assume your dog will come and instead take the necessary precautions to keep your dog safe.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Making-Playtime-Into-Lesson-Time---Teaching-Your-Dog-To-Come&id=6551524

Solve Those Dog Walking Problems

Walking your dog can be a problem for some dog owners. Sometimes because their dogs don't walk well on a leash. Other dogs are a problem because they show aggression and it is really embarrassing to take your dog in public. However for some people finding the time to walk their dogs is tough while there are also those dog owners who physically have a problem taking a walk, they just can't do it. Let me take just a few minutes to offer some dog walking advice for each of these four problem areas.

My Dog Doesn't Walk On A Leash Well - This probably means that you dog is pulling you down the street. It isn't fun and can sometimes even hurt shoulders and elbows. Teaching your dog to walk on a leash nicely is really easy so find a trainer that can help you get it fixed. While you are at it be sure and teach your dog the sit, down and stay exercises your dog will thank you in many ways as the years go on.

My Dog Is Aggressive And I am Embarrassed To Take Him For A Walk - I know exactly what you mean and I have seen 1000's of people with the same problem over the years. The neighbors all run inside when they see you coming. Here is the answer, it's really easier than you might think.

I have found that 99% of all aggressive pet dogs are also untrained dogs. Yes, it's true. Training can usually solve the biggest part of the problem by simply teaching the dog that it is not the alpha in your pack. Now this does not mean that you dog will be people and dog friendly however it does mean that you will probably be able to go for a walk without people scattering along your path. Find a good behavior specialist because it will take more than just a dog trainer to fix the problem. It will require some work but I think you will agree that it is worth it.

I Just Can't Find Time To Walk My Dog or I Physically Can't Walk My Dog - These are very common comments however there is still hope. If you don't have time for a 30 - 45 minute walk every day or you just are unable to walk, then it's easy hire a dog walker. Do walkers are everywhere, heck you may even have a neighbor who would like to take over that chore for a small fee. If not check with you vet for a referral and if that doesn't work simply do a Google search. Dog walkers are out there and waiting for your call.

I hope these ideas will help you solve your dog walking problems. Your dog's deserve it.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Solve-Those-Dog-Walking-Problems&id=9013004

The Excitement Of Bringing Your New Puppy Home

The day has finally arrived for you to fetch your new puppy. Everyone in the household is excited about this event, but it is important that you prepare for bringing the new puppy home.

The puppy is a baby and should be treated as such. They need attention, love and play, but they also need time for naps, potty breaks and some peace and quiet.

Supplies

The first thing to consider when you are getting a new puppy is to round up all your puppy supplies. Your puppy is going to need somewhere to sleep and it is a good idea to find something suitable for when he is small, as well as for when he becomes an adult. You need to provide food and water bowls, toys to play with, toys to chew on, a leash, a collar and suitable food for the type of puppy you are bringing home.

Car Ride

This is an important part of taking your puppy home as it may affect future car rides. Dogs are affected by the sounds and vibrations of a car. If this is your puppy's first ride in a car, he may be nervous as he is unaware of what to expect.

Prior to leaving the kennel or the shelter, you should allow the puppy to go to the bathroom as the excitement of the car ride could cause an accident. Once in the car, one of the passengers should hold in a towel or blanket and communicate with him, so that he is distracted from the movement of the vehicle.

At Home

The puppy will possibly be anxious as he has had to leave his mother. This can be overcome by ensuring that you are at home for the first three or four days. It will be easier for the puppy to settle in its new environment if there is movement and he is receiving a lot of attention from family members.

One of the most important aspects of bringing the new puppy home is to take him to the vet for a health check.

What you feed your pup on the first day should be discussed with the breeder or shelter. Whatever they have fed him should be continued for at least the first few days.

Bringing the new puppy home is an exciting event and by being prepared, it will be an easy transition for both your family and the puppy.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Excitement-Of-Bringing-Your-New-Puppy-Home&id=8841641

What To Know When Walking An Aggressive Dog

You probably can relate to this if your dog is aggressive. You are taking him for a walk in the neighborhood, everything is going great. Out of nowhere, the dog's ears pop up, and he goes into a different mode. 

He shoots after a squirrel, another dog, or even worse, after a neighbor. If he is on a leash, then you are fighting to keep him restrained. What can you do to make the energy he has a positive experience instead of a negative one? Here are a few tips. 

First, you need to redirect the energy that he has by relaxing the dog. This way the energy is going to be a source of something good. Figure out what brought the dog to the point of aggression like it did. 

Once a dog gets this blast of energy, their natural instinct is to satisfy it, and many will use it to prey on an object or animal. Since the owner of the dog is going to have more predator like manners, and less prey like manners, then a dog that is energized is going to be in conflict with the owner. 

The problem is the dog will be distracted by its surroundings, so it will resolve the distraction by charging after it. If you hold it back, then it will get even more frustration, so the next object it sees will gain even more aggression from it. 

Once you take note that the dog is starting to focus on the surroundings and about to get energized, this is when you need to refocus the animal. Walking an aggressive dog can take some time to get him to refocus like he should, so keep this in mind. 

If you are tugging on the leash, then wiggle it, pull it to you, whatever, just make sure you reset their attention. It is all about getting to focus on you and not their surroundings when they go into this mode. 

You may have to walk in a different direction with the aggressive dog, just to change his focus. This is temporary though, because eventually you are going to want him to listen to what you say instead of just changing his surroundings. But it is a start. 

What you want to do is get the dog to the point that when there is a distraction there, then he looks to you to see what your reaction is. That way you can correct him, refocus his attention so his aggression when walking him will subside. 

You are going to have to patiently be on the lookout for the dog's attention to make that shift, so be aware of that. Whatever you do, don't give up and don't give in to the dog. You are the master. 

So keep the dog focused when walking him, and no matter how aggressive the dog is, you will eventually have results. Keep that in mind and soon you will get your pet to the state of mind he needs to be in when taking him for his walk.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?What-To-Know-When-Walking-An-Aggressive-Dog&id=8598396

Walking 2 Dogs At The Same Time

Quite often I have clients with more than one dog who would like to walk them both at the same time. However I have found that walking two dogs at the same time can be an accident waiting to happen. In fact it can be very dangerous for not only you but for your dog as well and let me tell you why.

Now let me start off by saying if you have two well-trained dogs that walk nicely at your side and that don't go crazy when they see another dog or person come by then none of this may pertains to you.

Now that we've eliminated that 10% of dog owners that has multiple dogs that are that well behaved now let's talk to the other 90% of you out there.

Have you ever taken both dogs for a walk and here comes another person with their dog and your dogs are going crazy each of them tugging at the leash in different directions. You're having a hard time hanging on but hopefully you do.

Well over the years I've had many clients who had this experience before I met them that resulted in broken arms, broken hips and lacerations to their bodies when their dogs knocked him to the ground in a fit of frenzy.

I've also seen people who were not able to hold onto their dogs in one of these frenzies and their dogs have actually attacked other dogs. Of course when this happens you need to think about liability because if a dog or a person gets hurt you are going to be responsible financially for any damages.

So can you ever walk two dogs on the leash at the same time? Certainly you simply need to teach the dogs to walk on leash nicely. I have my clients start off by teaching each dog the heel command and having them ignore the distraction of other dogs and people so they are under control.

Once each dog is able to heel nicely you put them together. However instead of using two leashes you use one leash and a coupler. The coupler will allow you to use only one leash while being attached to each dog's collar and that gives you much better control of both dogs. Couplers are available in a chain, nylon or leather and are available at training supply stores on line and at the big box pet stores.

NoTangle Dog Leash Coupler

So for your safety, your dog's safety, the safety of other people walking their dogs, and the safety of your liability insurance train those dogs to heel nicely and take them for a walk safely.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Walking-2-Dogs-At-The-Same-Time&id=8419673