Remember – walking your dog is essential for maintaining their mental and physical well-being. Every dog needs regular walks. A walk strengthens the bond between dog and owner. To make it enjoyable for both of you, it’s important that the walk remains calm, stress-free, and harmonious. Before heading out, follow these simple tips:

Before the walk:

1. Don’t allow your dog to become overexcited just before leaving.

2. Don’t attach the leash until your dog is calm and relaxed.

3. Give the “sit” command and wait for your dog to settle.

4. When your dog is calm, put on the leash and you go out first, then invite the dog to follow.

Structure of the walk:

Stage 1 – Following the pack leader

At the beginning, your dog should be focused on you, not sniffing or getting distracted. Do not allow pulling or walking ahead. The only goal here is to follow you calmly.

Stage 2 – Reward time

Now it's time to reward your dog. Allow them to enjoy the environment: sniff, explore, relieve themselves, and play briefly. This reward phase should be shorter than the focused walking phase.

Stage 3 – Walking as a pack

Time to return to pack mode. Again, don’t let your dog pull or walk in front of you. If you do, you’ll lose your position as the pack leader and become just a “buddy.”

Stage 4 – Second reward

Let your dog relax again. You can throw in some basic commands or short training. This mental stimulation is great for your dog’s happiness, but always include some free time too.

Stage 5 – Calm return home

After playtime, begin the cool-down phase before returning home. Follow the same steps as in stages 1 and 3. Enter the home first, then call the dog in (this can also be done with a silent hand gesture).

Once home, give a clear command like “sit” or “down.” This allows you to remove your shoes, put away the leash, or wash your hands, while reinforcing your leadership role.

Consistency helps your dog understand the structure and respect your guidance in and outside of the home.