Walking Big Dogs: A Complete Guide

Walking big dogs can be a challenge, but with the right approach, it can be a wonderful experience for both you and your furry friend. Big dogs require more exercise and attention than smaller breeds, so it's essential to plan your walks accordingly.

Research shows that big dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can be broken down into two to three shorter walks. This helps prevent overexertion and keeps them happy and healthy.

As a general rule, big dogs tend to tire easily, so it's best to start with short, gentle walks and gradually increase the duration and intensity as they get older and more conditioned.

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Start by introducing your dog to the leash and collar at a young age, and say "let's walk" while placing the leash in full view. This will help your dog associate the leash with going for a walk.

Choose a consistent side for your dog to walk on, as this will help establish its spot in the activity and make the adjustment period easier. You can choose either side, just be consistent.

To maintain control and prevent your dog from dictating the walk, keep the leash close to your body. This will also help your dog understand that you're the boss.

Here's a quick checklist to get you started:

Remember to reward your dog with treats and positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior and prevent pulling on the leash.

Introduce your dog to the leash early on by placing a collar around its neck and saying "let's walk" while holding the leash in view.

Consistency is key when training your dog to walk, so choose a side for it to walk on and stick to it. This will help your dog become accustomed to walking with you.

A good rule of thumb for adjusting the collar is to ensure you can place one to two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck.

You are the boss, so maintain control of the leash by keeping it close to your body.

Your dog understands the tone in your voice, so use a stern tone when instructing it not to do the wrong things and a positive tone when rewarding good behavior.

Use treats to teach your dog to walk and to not pull on the leash, rewarding often and consistently.

Here's a quick rundown of the basics:

As you start your dog walking journey, it's essential to establish a good foundation. Start by keeping the leash close to your body to allow your dog to walk naturally.

This simple trick teaches your dog to walk at your pace and not pull on the leash. I've seen it work wonders in helping dogs learn to walk calmly by their owner's side.

To do this, wrap any excess leash around your hand to keep your dog right by your side. This will help you maintain control and prevent your dog from pulling ahead.

Remember to use positive reinforcement, such as telling your dog "good job" and giving treats, when things go well.

Before you take your big dog on a walk, it's essential to invest in the right equipment. A sturdy, high-quality harness that distributes pressure evenly across your dog's chest and back is a must-have. This will reduce strain on their neck and give you more control.

A durable leash that's long enough to allow a bit of freedom but not so much that you can't control your dog if they lunge or pull is also crucial. A 6-foot leash is often considered the standard, and many dog-friendly locations limit leash length to 6 feet.

To ensure a comfortable and secure walk, make sure the harness and leash are properly secured before heading out. You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and the dog's body to ensure it's tight enough to prevent escaping, but loose enough that it won't cause chaffing and discomfort.

Here are some essential items to pack for your big dog walk:

When buying equipment for your dog, it's essential to talk to your vet first. They know your pet almost as well as you do and can recommend the right gear for their specific needs.

A sturdy, high-quality harness is a must-have for comfortable and controlled walks. It distributes pressure evenly across your dog's chest and back, reducing strain on their neck. Invest in a harness that's designed for your dog's size and breed.

A 6-foot leash is often considered the standard, and many dog-friendly locations limit leash length to 6 feet. Avoid retractable leashes, as the locks can malfunction and are hard to control when you need them most.

To ensure a proper fit, you should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your dog's body. This will prevent escaping and chaffing.

Here's a quick rundown of the essential equipment you'll need:

Remember to always check with your vet for specific recommendations on equipment for your dog's needs.

Choosing Suitable Routes is crucial for a fun and safe walk with your furry friend. Tailor your walking route based on your dog's temperament, opting for quieter paths or busy roads that might startle them.

Consider walking via a dog park with an area specially designed for bigger dogs so they can be let off the leash in a secure environment. This is especially important for older dogs who may not be able to walk as far as younger dogs.

If you're walking a larger dog, keep in mind that they may not be able to walk as far as smaller dogs, especially as they get older. It's essential to protect their developing joints, especially if they're under 2 years old and not yet skeletally mature.

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Walking big dogs requires careful consideration of their comfort and safety. It's essential to know when it's too hot to walk your dog, as the pavement can be scorching hot, especially during high noon. If you place your bare hand on the pavement for five seconds and have to remove it, it's likely too hot for your dog's feet.

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Carrying the right supplies is crucial for a comfortable walk. Pack plenty of water and food, along with poop bags and a clicker. A portable bowl and bottle of water will keep your dog hydrated, especially during hotter times of day or longer walks.

Resting when necessary and seeking shade are also vital for your dog's comfort. If your dog is new to walking on a collar and leash, be prepared for pulling and resistance. Find a shady spot to rest for a few minutes along the walk to give your dog a break.

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It's essential to consider your dog's comfort when taking them for a walk. The temperature can be a significant factor in determining the best time to walk your dog.

Avoid walking your dog during high noon when the pavement can be too hot for their feet. A simple test is to place your bare hand on the pavement for five seconds - if it's too hot for you, it's likely too hot for your dog.

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Carrying plenty of water and food is crucial, especially during longer walks or in hot weather. A portable bowl and bottle of water are must-haves, along with poop bags and your clicker.

Healthy snacks to carry include treats that are easy to eat on the go. Resting when necessary and finding shade when possible will also help keep your dog comfortable.

Here are some essential items to carry on a walk:

Staying alert while walking your dog is crucial for their comfort and safety. Being aware of your surroundings can help you avoid potential dangers that might cause your pet to start pulling.

Always try to look for potential dangers that might cause your pet to start pulling. This could be anything from loose dogs to uneven pavement.

Knowing your surroundings means being prepared to take action if needed. For example, if you see a loose dog approaching, you can quickly steer your dog in a different direction.

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Staying alert also means being mindful of your dog's body language. If you see signs of stress or anxiety, you can intervene before the situation escalates.

Here are some potential dangers to watch out for while walking your dog:

Leash training is a crucial part of walking big dogs. It's essential for their safety and well-being.

A leash prevents your dog from running into danger, such as busy roads or other animals. It's a great way to communicate with your dog, and every nudge and tug on the leash has a meaning.

To start leash training, begin by rewarding your dog simply for standing next to you. This positive interaction can help build mutual trust and give your dog an opportunity to release pent-up energy.

You can reinforce positive behaviors during walks by rewarding your dog with treats and praise. Even 10 minutes of sniffing is a great mental exercise equal to 1 hour of physical exercising.

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Here are the basic steps to train your big dog to walk on a leash:

If your dog pulls on the leash, it's because they want to get somewhere faster. To discourage this behavior, stop in your tracks or turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Avoid using a retractable leash, as these are thought to encourage dogs to pull.

Training and techniques are essential when it comes to walking big dogs. Leash training is a great way to communicate with your dog, and every nudge and tug on the leash has a meaning that your dog will understand with practice.

Research shows that positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train your dog, so focus on rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior.

To train your big dog to walk on a leash, start by rewarding them for standing next to you, then go for short walks around the block, and gradually increase the distance and complexity of the routes. Reward your dog for staying by your side.

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It may take some time, but once your dog has mastered leash training, you can start weaning them off the edible rewards. A pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears should eventually be enough.

To prevent big dogs from pulling on the leash, try the stop-and-go method, where you stop walking the moment they start to pull and refuse to move again until they stop.

To teach your big dog recall, start indoors using a recall command like "come" and reward them when they respond correctly. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog as their recall skills become more reliable.

Here are some techniques to help make walking big dogs a little smoother:

By following these techniques and being consistent, you can develop a strong bond with your big dog and make walking a positive experience for both of you.