Cesar's 6 tips for mastering the dog walk

By Cesar Millan

https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/walking/6-tips-for-mastering-the-dog-walk?roi=echo2-13490884334-5737157-1896c97f61b77520b97ffc0253a0ee4e

Here are six dog training tips on how to walk your dog and master the dog walk. When I’m out with my dog pack, I often walk about ten dogs at a time, sometimes even off-leash if I'm in a safe area. People are amazed by this, but it's simple: the dogs see me as their pack leader. This is why dogs follow me wherever I go.

1. Walk in front of your dog. Walking in front of your dog allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he’s the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk.

2. Use a short dog leash. This allows you to have more control. Attaching the leash to the very top of the neck can help you more easily communicate, guide, and correct your dog. If you need additional help, consider the Pack Leader Collar. Always keep your dog's safety in mind when giving corrections.

3. Give yourself enough time for the dog walk. Dogs, like humans, are diurnal, so taking walks in the morning is ideal. I recommend setting aside thirty minutes to a full hour. The specific needs of each dog differ. Consult your vet and keep an eye on your dog's behavior to see if his needs are being met.

4. How to reward your dog during the walk. After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind, reward him by allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over. It should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk.

5. Keep leading, even after the walk. When you get home, don't stop leading. Have your dog wait patiently while you put away his leash or take off your shoes.

6. Reward your dog after the walk. By providing a meal after the walk, you have allowed your dog to "work" for food and water.

And don’t forget to set a good example by always picking up after your dog!

Pack Leadership Technique 4: Master the walk

Reprinted from FB / January 7, 2017

Cesar's Way

https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-psychology/five-techiques/the-walk/master-the-walk?utm_content=sf49820516&utm_medium=spredfast&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=Cesar%27s+Way%2C+Inc.&sf49820516=1

Pack Leadership Technique #2 reminds us to provide exercise, discipline, and affection in that order. And the absolute best way to provide exercise and discipline for your dog is through the walk. Here's what you need to master it.

Pack Leadership Technique 2 reminds us to provide exercise, discipline, and affection in that order. And the absolute best way to provide exercise and discipline for your dog is through the walk.

To make the walk productive and bonding, you have to be the leader. This means that you're in front, not your dog. It helps to use a short leash with the collar up at the top of the dog's neck, where you have the most control. Keep your leash arm down and relaxed, with the leash loose. Don't grip tightly because that sends tense energy down the leash to your dog.

Avoid harnesses for the walk, because they tend to encourage dogs to pull. And take a pass on any kind of variable-length lead, as these put your dog, not you, in control.

Related: How to be the pack leader

The most important tool for the walk, though, is your calm, assertive energy. It's a transformative attitude that actually encourages your dog to follow you. This means being fully present for your dog. The walk isn't a time for texting or chatting on your phone.

Your dog must also be present for you. Sniffing and peeing are rewards your dog needs to earn ' so during first part of the walk, keep in constant motion, mimicking the forward movement of the pack in search of food. After establishing a good balance of leadership (you) and calm, submissive walking (your dog), you can relax a bit and let your dog sniff or mark the landscape.

Another skill for mastering the walk is reading other dog walkers from a distance. If their dog is out in front and pulling, and the person's energy seems anxious with weak and uncertain body language, it's possible their dog could exhibit some undesired behavior should you meet. It's better for you and your dog to avoid such encounters.

The walk is the perfect way to give your dog exercise, discipline, and some affection, as well as to establish rules. When you master it, you will have discovered the most rewarding and productive way to improve your relationship with your dog.

Dog walk

Be careful out there!

Woof, woof, till later, 
Zoey