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Pulling on the leash: one problem, many reasons
Many dog guardians are facing the problem of pulling on the leash. Here are some guidelines to help you achieve lovely loose-leash walks.
Stop in the name of love
An incredibly simple little habit can help you improve not only walks with your dog, but your entire relationship!
Feeling Safe
What are the main pillars for us and our dogs well-being? Read about security and how it is something we all need to function well and cope with life's challenges. Our dogs' sense of safety depends on us in many ways., what can we do to improve it?
Taking your dog to public places
We often see dogs taken to public places such as coffee shops, stores, etc. Yet many of them are not fond of the trip. There are definitely dogs who enjoy visiting such venues, but let’s explore what can go wrong for a dog.
Walk Slowly and Keep the Leash Smiling
To make the dog even more comfortable during the walk, we want the leash to smile and stay off the ground. Have a look at this video of Pepin exploring and investigating to see what slowing during the walks looks like.
Children and dogs, dogs and children
All dogs can bite and children are frequently the target. Learning about canine communication and teaching children how to behave around dogs will minimise the possibility of dog bites in your home.
Dogs need time to make decisions
When dogs feel unsure, they need time to decide. Giving them this opportunity makes them more self-confident.
Social Walks
Dogs are highly social - but how can we help them have quality time with other dogs and ensure the experience is enjoyable?
Unrealistic Expectations
When we hear that our dog must not pull on the leash, and should walk next to us at all times, we should question if this is right or if it is something often perceived as desired behaviour for our dogs.
Family time, no dog left behind
Even if some of our dogs are getting old and frail, they still want to share experiences with the rest of the family.
Wearing a coat on Smiling Leash walks
Do you know if your dog needs a coat in cold weather? If you are unsure you can find some guidelines in the following article.
Why do you take walks with your dog?
Walking your dog is just something you do ... or is it? A walk can and should fullfill many different needs we might not always think about.
Christmas message from Turid Rugaas to the Smiling Leash community
Yes, you can do enrichment in the city!
Many times, we hear that it is not possible to do a nice enrichment search for our dogs because we live in the city.
But a little creativity can take you a long way.
Dogs don’t care what we wear - or do they?
Dogs couldn’t care less about our fashion sense, but what we wear when we are with them still matters.
A quality walk does not mean a long distance walk
Watch Heidi enjoy a quality walk in this video. Quality walks are not equivalent to lengthy walks.
Muscles and why the harness type matters
It is very important to allow dogs to move freely and for their gait to be unaffected. Equipment plays a huge part in this.
Dogs First
Allow your dog to walk in front of you. This is natural for your dog, it lets her explore and be inquisitive about things without so much interference from the handler.
What is healthy movement for your dog?
It is not only important to know how much exercise dogs need, the type of exercise and movement is just as important. Some types of movement are very beneficial for dogs while others can be harmful.
Can a dragging leash smile?
Learn with us why a dragging leash can interfere with your walk and how to avoid it.