Questions tagged [walking]
What rewards work best for reinforcing the "heel" command?
Category: Basic Commands
Reinforcing the "heel" command effectively requires understanding what motivates your dog and how to use rewards strategically. The "heel" command teaches a dog to walk calmly and closely beside their handler, typically on the left side, without pulling or straying. This behavior is essential for sa...
How do you teach a dog to "leave it" when they’re walking on a leash?
Category: Basic Commands
Teaching a dog to "leave it" while walking on a leash is an essential skill that ensures their safety and helps prevent them from picking up or engaging with potentially dangerous items. This command is particularly useful in environments where dogs might encounter food scraps, trash, or other hazar...
What are the best ways to train a dog to stop pulling on the leash?
Category: Behavior and Training
Training a dog to stop pulling on the leash is a common challenge for many dog owners, but it can be effectively addressed with patience, consistency, and the right techniques. Leash pulling is often a result of a dog's natural instinct to explore and move quickly, but it can also stem from a lack o...
What are the best methods for teaching a dog to heel?
Category: Behavior and Training
Teaching a dog to heel is an essential skill that ensures your dog walks calmly and closely by your side, making walks more enjoyable and safer for both of you. Heeling is different from loose-leash walking, as it requires the dog to maintain a specific position relative to you, typically on your le...
Are there specific exercises that can help maintain mobility in senior dogs?
Category: Senior Dog Care
Yes, there are specific exercises that can help maintain mobility in senior dogs. As dogs age, they often experience a decline in joint health, muscle mass, and overall mobility due to conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, or general wear and tear. However, with the right exercises and care, you...
How can I help my senior dog with difficulty walking?
Category: Senior Dog Care
Helping a senior dog with difficulty walking requires a combination of understanding the underlying causes, providing supportive care, and making adjustments to their environment and routine. As dogs age, they often experience joint stiffness, muscle weakness, arthritis, or other conditions that can...
What are the best joint-friendly activities for senior dogs?
Category: Senior Dog Care
Senior dogs often experience joint issues such as arthritis, stiffness, or reduced mobility due to aging. Choosing joint-friendly activities is essential to keep them active, healthy, and happy without exacerbating their discomfort. Here are some of the best joint-friendly activities for senior dogs...
How do I know if my dog has a spinal injury?
Category: Health and Wellness
Recognizing a spinal injury in your dog is crucial for ensuring timely and appropriate veterinary care. Spinal injuries can range from mild to severe and may result from trauma, degenerative conditions, or underlying health issues. Here’s a detailed guide to help you identify potential spinal inju...
What are the best exercises for keeping my dog fit?
Category: Health and Wellness
Keeping your dog fit is essential for their overall health, longevity, and mental well-being. Dogs, like humans, require regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight, strengthen muscles, and prevent behavioral issues caused by excess energy. The best exercises for your dog depend on their ...
How do I choose a harness for a dog with a history of anxiety during walks?
Category: Clothing and Accessories
Choosing a harness for a dog with a history of anxiety during walks requires careful consideration of the dog's specific needs, comfort, and safety. A harness can significantly impact a dog's stress levels, so selecting the right one is crucial for improving their walking experience. Below is a deta...