Tips for Walking Your Dog While Social Distancing

With the new social distancing rules for humans, it can tough to walk your dog these days. These tips are especially helpful if you don’t have time to take your dog on secluded trails or hikes. Here are 3 easy solutions to help with settle frustration and loosen up the leash:

Use a Harness

An easy fix to help gently decrease pulling and increase control over your dogs direction and pace is a harness! Walk your dog on a harness that has a leash attachment at the front of your dog’s chest. The chest attachment increases your directional control. In contrast, when using a collar or back attachment harness, it heightens the likelihood of uncontrolled reactions and possible strains for your dog.

Carry a Fixed Length Leash

A fixed length leash limits the distance your dog can venture before the slack is lost and the leash goes tight. Much like a red light, a tight leash puts a temporary stop on the walk. With consistency of a tight leash, your dog will learn to walk besides you rather than pulling forward.

Carry a Treat Pouch

Always have a variety of tasty treats or favorite toys with you on a walk. Your dog will be more likely to stay close and check in with you. Remember, the more a behavior is reinforced with rewards, the more likely the behavior will happen again. If your dog is the human loving type that must sniff everyone who walks by, a treat will help distract them from doing that.

Following these tips will make walking your four legged best friend a more enjoyable experience in these times of social distancing. If you have any other tips for walking your dog while following social distancing rules, we would love to hear them!