PHOTO: Getty Images/Jupiterimages
Never wrestle with a pig—you’ll only get muddy and the pig will love it.
Want to make your dog walks more enjoyable for you and your dog? One thing will make all the difference. Do this: relax, just physically relax.
Ever notice how some dogs seem clairvoyant: they know your intention to go left or stop as soon as you think it? Dogs respond to the slightest twitch or tension in our bodies and, for that matter, are great mirrors of our own energy. Whether your dog pulls or lags, is trained or untrained, tensing up will not help. If, however, you physically relax the part of you that’s connected to the leash, the walk will be noticeably more fun for both of you.
As a professional dog walker, I handle a wide variety of dogs each day. Most dogs are stronger, faster, and more stubborn than I am. When I first started in this business, my leash arm was sore and tight at the end of the day from trying to restrain the yankers and guide the adventurers. So, for my own comfort, I decided to consciously loosen my entire arm, not expecting it to change the dogs’ behavior at all. But the pay-off was immediate and surprising: even the most unmanageable dogs became easier to control and our walks became fun. The pullers would get to the end of the leash and…well, they’d just stop. A Zen lesson: when there’s no resistance, there can be no struggle.
Another bonus: by relaxing your body, your mind shifts to a calmer state, which dogs pick up on and reflect back to you. By noticing and adjusting your tension level, walking with your dog stops being a chore and becomes a delightful opportunity to bond, share exercise, and get to know one another.
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Kelly B. Jason is the owner and operator of Pet au Pair of New Orleans, a local dog-walking and pet-sitting service.
Comments
this is helpful Kelly...I learned this the hard way. since the dogs and I moved to CO, I've had some frustration and stress to deal with, but my saving grace has been the dogs and our many opportunities to walk in lots of different areas. Relaxing is key, it helps them and it helps me immensely. Thank you.
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