Everyone wants a quick fix when it comes to walk your dog in the winter…
Even I can attest to this from time to time. Every morning cold or Really, Really cold I bundle my young Talulah up and walk around our pond twice (20 minutes). But before I attempt this I have set MYSELF (not my dog) up to succeed! I make sure my tumbler of coffee is full with enough coffee to get me two laps around our pond. All summer, spring and Fall I was preparing myself for this winter wonderland which if you all really want to know I HATE! I would practice off leash re-calls with Talulah keeping her with-in eye shot at all times.
Leash Options
I tried all the leashes and what I call ‘training wheels’ on the market. I used the Head collars to the Body harnesses to the obnoxious Metal collars to the Electric collar. (By the way I have been totally against the remote-electric collars my entire career!) However, what I have found is there is a time and a place for ALL these ‘training wheels’. So don’t be ignorant and try the remote collars without consulting a professional. Don’t just slap on a Head collar and think is going to change your life. Don’t go out and buy what your neighbor said their trainers trainer used 13 years ago.
Good lord, be smart and figure out what is going to fit your life style and find something you understand and will be consistent with. If you have issues with the infamous “SHOCK” collar, skip it. You’ll never commit to it and will be scared to use it. If you think the ‘Head collars’ are too much like a muzzle, then either re-educate yourself and (take note that it is designed after the ‘Head collar’ used for horses) or skip on to something else.
How about that body harness thing? The Easy walk… That is a safe bet for many people. It looks good, It seems very humane and everyone commits to it right away. BEWARE, your young chewing puppy may find this is so easy to slip out of or a really great chew toy.
My friend Bob at Fetchdelivers said that he did not like the ‘Choke collar‘. Do you blame him? That collar when out of style when Tom Jones reinvented his career in Las Vegas!
My advice to all of you is to do your home work! Ask some professionals what they recommend and try it. Commit and stick with it at least One month. If you still have trouble with it get a new dog… Just kidding, Don’t be too proud to call a professional and ask for help.
Warm Wags my furry friends
Molly’s mutts
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- How to Train Your Dog to Walk on a Leash Without Pulling (therealowner.com)
