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Unfortunately, too many pet owners focus on affection and neglect the exercise and discipline
components.
“There is a cultural belief that you must give affection to a dog for him to trust and respect,” he says.
“What creates trust and respect is exercise and discipline. You can intensify that by sharing
affection. But a pack leader never hugs and kisses a dog and tells him that he loves him. That’s
something dogs only experience living with humans.
“Don’t begin with affection,” Milan advises. “You need exercise, then discipline. Affection comes
third. If you do things backwards, you’ll get backwards results.
What Dogs Want
"By giving him affection first, you set him up for instability, As humans, we like to pamper pretty much
anything, but having a dog isn’t just about fulfilling your fantasy; you also have to fulfill his identity,
which is a dog. In his natural habitat, a dog’s parents wouldn’t pamper him. If they gave him affection,
it would be to encourage him to do activities.”
But an animal can’t speak up and tell you what’s wrong. He can’t explain that his life isn’t challenging
or full because he lacks regular romps in the park and clear guidelines on what behavior is and isn’t
expected, Milan explains. Dogs can only show you their frustration through their behavior. When
people love their dogs and assume they’re doing everything right because they’re showering them
with affection, they’re baffled when the pets get anxious, aggressive or ignore their commands.
* Exercise means walking a dog a minimum of once a day and in the correct way.
* Discipline means giving the dog rules, boundaries and limitations in a non-
abusive manner.
* Affection means a reward given to our dogs, but only after they've achieved
calm-submission in our "pack."
Balance
A balanced dog is in the state that Mother Nature wants it to be in. This means a calm, submissive
pack-follower that is fulfilled physically with exercise; psychologically with rules, boundaries, and
limitations; and emotionally with
affection from its owner.
Many people don't take their dogs on as
many walks as they should because they
have issues keeping their dog under
control. Whether it's pulling, lunging, or
other problem behaviors, there's hope!
Here is a few dog walking tips & pointers.
The walk is an extremely important ritual for
a dog. It needs to take place a minimum of
once a day, for at least 30 - 45 minutes, so
that both the dog's mind and body are given
a workout. It's also crucial to act as the
dog's leader during a walk. That means the
dog walks either next to or behind its
owner- not pulling ahead. If a dog is walking
its owner the dog perceives itself as pack
leader & the owner is not in control.
many walks as they should because they
have issues keeping their dog under
control. Whether it's pulling, lunging, or
other problem behaviors, there's hope!
Here is a few dog walking tips & pointers.
The walk is an extremely important ritual for
a dog. It needs to take place a minimum of
once a day, for at least 30 - 45 minutes, so
that both the dog's mind and body are given
a workout. It's also crucial to act as the
dog's leader during a walk. That means the
dog walks either next to or behind its
owner- not pulling ahead. If a dog is walking
its owner the dog perceives itself as pack
leader & the owner is not in control.
If a dog doesn't trust its owner to be a strong, stable pack leader, it becomes unclear on its correct
role within the pack. A dog that is confused about who is in control, tries to fill in the missing
leadership elements, often erratically. This can cause aggression, anxiety, fear, obsessions, bad
behaviors or phobias.
MASTERING THE WALK
1. Position matters - be aware of your energy and body language. Make sure you are communicating a
message that says, 'I am the pack leader! ' Keep your head up and your shoulders back. Think
positive, and envision the walk going well. You might be surprised at the results. You should be the
first one out the door & the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during walk.
2. Keep the leash short – but not tight. This simple tip can save you a lot of headache. Flexi-leashes
and other longer leashes make it harder for you to communicate with your dog and easier for her to
go wherever she wants. But, don't forget, it's also important to keep the leash loose. If you make a
correction, it should be quick, and then the leash should be returned to the relaxed state.
3. Position the collar at the top of the neck. If you've ever seen sledding dogs, you'll notice that the
harness is around the lower part of their neck, near the shoulders. Why? This is where their pulling
power is located. You're actually helping your dog to pull you around if you have the collar placed
there. Instead, position it on the upper neck, which is the most sensitive area. There are special
leashes you can buy designed to keep the collar postioned correctly.
4. Record the walk. Ask a friend or family member to help you observe and share what they notice on
the walk. It may be easier to see your problem areas after the fact. What's your posture like? How do
you react when your dog misbehaves? Are you putting tension on the leash? These are the things to
look for while you watch.
5. Set aside time. Dogs, like humans, are diurnal, so taking walks in the morning is ideal. I recommend
setting aside thirty minutes to a full hour. The specific needs of each dog differ. Consult your vet and
keep an eye on your dog's behavior to see if his needs are being met.
6. Define exploration time. After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind, reward him by
allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over. It
should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk.
7. Don't punch out. When you get home, don't stop leading. Have your dog wait patiently while you put
away his leash or take off your shoes.
8. Share food and water. By providing a meal after the walk, you have allowed your dog to "work" for
food and water.
9. Pick up after your dog! Set an example: be a responsible dog guardian.
10. Enlist the help of balanced dogs. If your dog barks or lunges at other dogs that you pass on the
walk, take time to do just that activity with another dog you trust. That way, you can practice remaining
calm and correcting your dog. Then, when
the situation arises when you're not expecting it, you'll feel better able to handle it, and that
confidence will be communicated to your dog.
Practice! You and your dog won't get better if you don't go out there and do it! Celebrate every
success along the way. Learn from the bad days, but don't dwell on them. And then one day, you'll find
you've done it! You've mastered the walk!
By Cesar Milan
role within the pack. A dog that is confused about who is in control, tries to fill in the missing
leadership elements, often erratically. This can cause aggression, anxiety, fear, obsessions, bad
behaviors or phobias.
MASTERING THE WALK
1. Position matters - be aware of your energy and body language. Make sure you are communicating a
message that says, 'I am the pack leader! ' Keep your head up and your shoulders back. Think
positive, and envision the walk going well. You might be surprised at the results. You should be the
first one out the door & the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during walk.
2. Keep the leash short – but not tight. This simple tip can save you a lot of headache. Flexi-leashes
and other longer leashes make it harder for you to communicate with your dog and easier for her to
go wherever she wants. But, don't forget, it's also important to keep the leash loose. If you make a
correction, it should be quick, and then the leash should be returned to the relaxed state.
3. Position the collar at the top of the neck. If you've ever seen sledding dogs, you'll notice that the
harness is around the lower part of their neck, near the shoulders. Why? This is where their pulling
power is located. You're actually helping your dog to pull you around if you have the collar placed
there. Instead, position it on the upper neck, which is the most sensitive area. There are special
leashes you can buy designed to keep the collar postioned correctly.
4. Record the walk. Ask a friend or family member to help you observe and share what they notice on
the walk. It may be easier to see your problem areas after the fact. What's your posture like? How do
you react when your dog misbehaves? Are you putting tension on the leash? These are the things to
look for while you watch.
5. Set aside time. Dogs, like humans, are diurnal, so taking walks in the morning is ideal. I recommend
setting aside thirty minutes to a full hour. The specific needs of each dog differ. Consult your vet and
keep an eye on your dog's behavior to see if his needs are being met.
6. Define exploration time. After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind, reward him by
allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over. It
should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk.
7. Don't punch out. When you get home, don't stop leading. Have your dog wait patiently while you put
away his leash or take off your shoes.
8. Share food and water. By providing a meal after the walk, you have allowed your dog to "work" for
food and water.
9. Pick up after your dog! Set an example: be a responsible dog guardian.
10. Enlist the help of balanced dogs. If your dog barks or lunges at other dogs that you pass on the
walk, take time to do just that activity with another dog you trust. That way, you can practice remaining
calm and correcting your dog. Then, when
the situation arises when you're not expecting it, you'll feel better able to handle it, and that
confidence will be communicated to your dog.
Practice! You and your dog won't get better if you don't go out there and do it! Celebrate every
success along the way. Learn from the bad days, but don't dwell on them. And then one day, you'll find
you've done it! You've mastered the walk!
By Cesar Milan
"What really helps motivate me to walk are my
dogs. They keep you honest about walking
because when it's time to go, you can't
disappoint those little faces." ~Wendie Malick
dogs. They keep you honest about walking
because when it's time to go, you can't
disappoint those little faces." ~Wendie Malick
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Exercising Your Dog
Whether your dog is young or old, it's never too late to start him on a dog exercise plan. Dogs benefit
from running, walking, and fitness routines that help them to burn calories and tone their muscles. A
regular exercise plan will also help your dog avoid behavioral problems, which can arise from pent-
up energy.
Warm-up to Walking
Prepare your dog for any form of physical activity with a warm-up ritual. Before each round of
exercise, begin with a slow walk to loosen up your dog's muscles. Take him for a romp around the
yard before setting out on an extended walk.
If you are just beginning your walking routine, start with short walks and then gradually increase the
length of the journeys little by little. Take your dog for a walk down the block or a short path, and then
every few days add a new segment onto his route.
Be consistent. Dogs are creatures of habit and love to get into established routines. Give your dog
exercise on a daily basis. This way, he will look forward to spending this alone time with you.
As you extend the length of your walking trips, he will also build up more resilience and stamina. For
a dog on a weight loss program, this increase in activity is especially important. Routine exercise will
help an over-weight dog shed pounds and keep his heart healthy.
Jogging with Your Dog
After you establish a successful walking pattern for your dog, kick up his cardio with a brisk jog. At
first, your dog may have trouble adjusting to the rhythm of running. He might speed ahead of you or
lag a few steps behind. Get your dog to follow your pace by alternating your running speed between
slow and fast.
If you have a puppy, try not to overrun him. Intense exercise puts too much stress on a puppy's joints
and newly forming bone structure. Likewise, elderly or obese dogs should not be exposed to fast-
paced running workouts. Rather, ease them into a walking regimen or explore play-based activities.
Add Variety to a Dog's Workout
Invite your dog to participate in the exercise you love. By involving him in different physical
activities, he'll work a wider range of muscles and have a positive bonding experience with you.
Here are some ways to ease your dog into an enjoyable exercise program with you:
•take your dog on a hike
•run with him along the beach
•invite him to scale small hills
•encourage him to climb stairs
•involve him in aerobics and calisthenics
You'll find that maximum play equals a healthy and happy dog; below are other forms of exercise for
your dog:
-running on a treadmill
•fetch or frisbee
•agility classes
•obstacle courses
•ball catch
•rope play
•retrieving games
•swimming
Regularly Monitor Your Dog's Exercise
As you try and find the best routine for your dog, you will begin to see clues about what he likes and
can tolerate. A normally healthy dog can endure a long walk making only brief stops to sniff or
urinate. But when a dog sits down and won't move, he's reached his limit.
If your dog is panting heavily or keeps taking excessive breaks, he has been overworked. Watch
your dog closely to see if he becomes tired or overheated during the exercise. Then, ease up on the
length of activity to give your dog a chance to adjust. Always bring along a bottle of water to hydrate
your dog during physical activity.
Whether your dog is young or old, it's never too late to start him on a dog exercise plan. Dogs benefit
from running, walking, and fitness routines that help them to burn calories and tone their muscles. A
regular exercise plan will also help your dog avoid behavioral problems, which can arise from pent-
up energy.
Warm-up to Walking
Prepare your dog for any form of physical activity with a warm-up ritual. Before each round of
exercise, begin with a slow walk to loosen up your dog's muscles. Take him for a romp around the
yard before setting out on an extended walk.
If you are just beginning your walking routine, start with short walks and then gradually increase the
length of the journeys little by little. Take your dog for a walk down the block or a short path, and then
every few days add a new segment onto his route.
Be consistent. Dogs are creatures of habit and love to get into established routines. Give your dog
exercise on a daily basis. This way, he will look forward to spending this alone time with you.
As you extend the length of your walking trips, he will also build up more resilience and stamina. For
a dog on a weight loss program, this increase in activity is especially important. Routine exercise will
help an over-weight dog shed pounds and keep his heart healthy.
Jogging with Your Dog
After you establish a successful walking pattern for your dog, kick up his cardio with a brisk jog. At
first, your dog may have trouble adjusting to the rhythm of running. He might speed ahead of you or
lag a few steps behind. Get your dog to follow your pace by alternating your running speed between
slow and fast.
If you have a puppy, try not to overrun him. Intense exercise puts too much stress on a puppy's joints
and newly forming bone structure. Likewise, elderly or obese dogs should not be exposed to fast-
paced running workouts. Rather, ease them into a walking regimen or explore play-based activities.
Add Variety to a Dog's Workout
Invite your dog to participate in the exercise you love. By involving him in different physical
activities, he'll work a wider range of muscles and have a positive bonding experience with you.
Here are some ways to ease your dog into an enjoyable exercise program with you:
•take your dog on a hike
•run with him along the beach
•invite him to scale small hills
•encourage him to climb stairs
•involve him in aerobics and calisthenics
You'll find that maximum play equals a healthy and happy dog; below are other forms of exercise for
your dog:
-running on a treadmill
•fetch or frisbee
•agility classes
•obstacle courses
•ball catch
•rope play
•retrieving games
•swimming
Regularly Monitor Your Dog's Exercise
As you try and find the best routine for your dog, you will begin to see clues about what he likes and
can tolerate. A normally healthy dog can endure a long walk making only brief stops to sniff or
urinate. But when a dog sits down and won't move, he's reached his limit.
If your dog is panting heavily or keeps taking excessive breaks, he has been overworked. Watch
your dog closely to see if he becomes tired or overheated during the exercise. Then, ease up on the
length of activity to give your dog a chance to adjust. Always bring along a bottle of water to hydrate
your dog during physical activity.
DOG WALKING TIPS
