It's that warm season again. Time to get the dogs out walking more. If pulling on the leash is stopping you and your dog, you might try some different walking equipment. It can make a world of difference. What it can not do is teach your dog to walk nicely. Only you can do that through training, practice and consistancy. But here are some ideas for a change in walking equipment so you can get out walking:

 

Easy Walk Harness: Available in most pet stores such as Anderson Twp Family Pet Center. Buy size for now not for growth later. Be sure you have fitted for best results. Can buy and wear today.

 

Head Harness: (Gentle Leader or Halti) Also available in most pet stores. Takes a week or more to acclimate dog to harness. Can not jerk head harness or you can break your dog's neck.

 

Bungie type leash: (RK Sport or www.larzequipment.com) Wonderful on your arms and shoulders and your dog's neck, back and shoulder. Anderson Family Pet Center is the only place I've seen the RK Sport.

 

Double lead: a leash with two clips or two leashes, one attached to the body or head harness and one attached to the collar. You hold one in one hand and one in the other. Can buy at most pet stores.

 

Martingale collar: also know as no slip collar. Can be two fabric loops or one big fabric loop and a smaller chain loop.

 

K9 Bridle: www.k9bridle.com Saw this online and thought it might be a great idea. Sort of like the head harness with more. 

Now I'm up to my third dog-Gypsy. As a young married couple in a new house, we decided to try another dog. We found an ad for a german shepherd mix puppy. She was delightful. But energetic. We had not learned our lesson from Viking and we let her have freedom to the whole house too early. Upon returning from an evening of bowling, we came home to every leg of every piece of furniture chewed on. She was then redirected to outdoor life. We had a fenced yard with a dog house built into the garage so it was warm for her. In retrospect, that was so wrong in so many ways. But we grow and we learn. It's fitting that now I live with 7 dogs and am a dog trainer. I can not even imagine leaving my dogs outside for life. Why have a dog? You miss out on so much of the wonderful canine companionship. 

 

Gypsy lived to an old age also and I brought her in when the weather was too cold but imagine what I missed. I've searched and searched for a picture of her and unfortunately there aren't any. See how we miss out on our outdoor dogs. Sorry, Gypsy. You were a beautiful shepherd mix and we miss you.   

Does your dog spin his head around to you at the first call of his name? If not here's something to practice so you can get that "whiplash head turn" Call your dog's name one time in a cheerful way. As soon as he turns his head (even just a smidge) click and treat. Do this often, in the house, outside the house, on a walk , everywhere. Sometimes whisper his name and see if he can whip his head around. This is so useful in so many ways. Remember just say it once. If he doesn't turn his head, wait 5-10 seconds and try again. You will be so glad you can get your dog's attention with one call of his name.