Walk This Way
Advice from Animal Expert Dr. Grey Stafford
 One of the most common difficulties dog owners have is an activity that many people do (or should) everyday with their pets—going for a walk (i.e. heeling). Too often, pets forge ahead of us by pulling hard on their leash. Or, they may be easily distracted and lag behind. So how can we work with our pet using positive reinforcement to prevent this?
Why do they pull?
Well, first, it might help to understand the motivation behind pulling ahead or lagging behind. Basically, there are two things that drive any animal behavior: gaining access to pleasant things and avoiding unpleasant ones. Often, these motivational forces are in play at the same time.
For example, suppose you regularly punish your pet for displaying all sorts of unwanted behaviors. Soon, your pet will learn that being near you isn’t all that pleasant all of the time. Oh sure, you may be the source of fun some of the time, but not always. Or, perhaps you have been a little boring with your pet lately and just haven’t spent a lot of time rewarding them for anything. How do these scenarios complicate going for a walk?
Exploring is Fun!
Well, I don’t think I’ve ever met a dog that didn’t like to take a walk and why not? The neighborhood holds all sorts of sights, sounds and smells to stimulate a dog’s keen senses. Exploring the world is fun for a dog!
So, you want to go for a walk with a pet that may find you boring or a bit scary at times because of the way you’ve trained it, AND now you take it outside where there are all sorts of interesting things. Is it any wonder then why your pet may be pulling to get away from you (i.e. unpleasant) or to get to the fun stuff (i.e. pleasant) faster?
Make it interesting
The secret to a calm heel behavior is to give pets a reason to eagerly and voluntarily stay near our side. Refraining from using punishment is a good place to start. Then, get in the habit of rewarding pets for keep up to our pace, not setting their own. There are many ways to do this. Sure, you can pop them a treat or toy as they walk in step next to you, but you can also use the environment to help shape a dependable heel. For example, don’t avoid the fire hydrant or tree trunk and all the fabulous smells they hold. Instead, take them to the source as a result of walking by your side. It also helps to vary your path and pace before they speed up or slow down for both of you. True, your zigzagging around the block may appear odd to your neighbors, but your pet will appreciate the unpredictability and variety! In doing so, your pet will learn to associate you with access to all the world has to offer. And once you do that, they’ll follow you anywhere, anytime.
PS - Happy Anniversary to MySweetConnection.com! I hope our pet training tips have been helpful to our members!
Dr. Grey
Learn more about Dr. Grey Stafford
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