Tips for Taking Difficult Dogs on a Walk

Having a difficult dog is never fun. While there are certain ways to handle this, like obedience training, sometimes your dog exhibits unwanted behaviors only on walks. This can make any morning stroll tiresome and annoying. That’s why every dog owner must know these tips for taking difficult dogs on a walk. You will learn how to appropriately handle your careless canine with patience and treats to encourage positive behaviors.

Lead Them

Also known as talking through your leash, you should lead them through the walk—not the other way around. The benefit to this is that you avoid using verbal commands. Badgering your pet won’t effectively change their behavior, so teach them through guidance. Use your body language to lead them through your daily stroll rather than letting them lead you.

Be Firm, Yet Patient

Difficult dogs are a challenge. They might not move, move too much, be too loud, be too aggressive, or exert any other unwanted behaviors. Remember, it’s important to be patient with them. The best way to change bad behavior is through time and proper training. Like a child with a temper tantrum, your upset dog needs to calm down. Give them some time to relax before you continue the walk.

Reward Them for Good Behavior

Likewise, when they do exhibit good behavior, be sure to reward them with treats and words of encouragement. Be on the lookout for these misbehaviors, like pulling on the leash, refusing to move, pacing, and biting at the leash. The best way to discourage your dog from committing these behaviors is to reward them when they act appropriately. This way they’ll look forward to their next treat and likely repeat the desired action.

Be Mindful

Still, not every misbehavior is a sign of disobedience. Sometimes your dog faces a more pressing issue, like health concerns or trauma-related behavioral issues. First, check the surrounding area to see if there’s anything that intimidates your dog. This could be a bigger, more aggressive dog, loud noises, weather, or too many stimuli at once. All of these can scare or intimidate your dog and make them act out from their normal behavior. Other times, misbehaviors are a sign of a bigger health issue. Call your vet and schedule an immediate appointment if your pooch exhibits any unusual behavior.

Still, sometimes difficult dogs are a hassle to deal with on walks. That’s why we at Everything and the Dog train our expert northern Virginia pet sitters to handle any type of dog or cat for any situation. Call us with questions about our services or to schedule an appointment with our qualified dog walkers and pet sitters.