Don't Walk!!!

 

Is your dog not behaving as expected? Has their behaviour gotten worse or changed?

Have you been told to walk them more often?

Are you finding this is not working?

You are walking more than all your friends with their dogs, but seemingly not getting any better behaviour…

Well, the good news is that no longer do good trainers tell owners that walking more is the answer to all their prayers - in fact, sometimes it could be making things worse.

A dog with many triggers may find walks very stressful, and the walks could be making things worse.

A dog in pain may be finding the pain exacerbated by the walking, and so the walks could be making things worse.

A dog with allergies may find more allergens in the environment when they're outside, and so the walks could be making things worse.

A dog with overgrown claws could be finding walks very uncomfortable, and so the walks could be making things worse.

A dog who is very tired, and not sleeping properly at night, may require rest rather than exercise, and so the walks could be making things worse.

All you will get is a dog who still exhibits these behaviours but is now also very fit.

If your dog is struggling with their walks, the first thing you should do is stop the hikes and do something your dog enjoys instead.

Then, consult your vet and make sure pain is not an issue.

Then, call in a qualified behaviourist who will help you to determine what it is about the walks that your dog is not enjoying.

A good behaviourist will never use aversive methods, shock collars, punishment or anything the dog doesn't like. Instead, they will work with you and your dog to make things better for your dog. So be that on the walk or otherwise.

If you need help or your dog is not enjoying walks, please do get in touch. We can help.