Dog Sitter & Walker

Many dogs love winter — but does winter love dogs?

Let’s face it — your dog either loves winter or hates it. Just like humans! If your dog loves winter then it’s worth thinking about the kind of dangers and hazards which lurk on frozen city streets. If your dog hates winter then you need to take steps to make their walks as warm and comfortable as possible.

Wrap them up! Some dogs, like Great Pyrenees and Bernese Mountain breeds, are ideally equipped for cold weather with their thick fur and thick skin. Indeed such breeds originate from cold weather climates and as such don’t really need coats, unless they’re particularly cold or the weather is particularly severe. But most other dogs, especially small and short haired breeds, will appreciate the best quality jacket you can buy them for frigid days. Make sure it’s insulated, waterproof and windproof. A good idea is to buy a warm sweater along with a lightweight waterproof and windproof shell — that way you have more control over their comfort as you can add or remove layers depending on the weather. It’s very important to make sure they’re a good fit — too loose and they’ll feel drafts, too tight and they will cut off their circulation. Consider dog booties A good pair of warm, waterproof dog boots will not only protect your dogs paws from the weather but also from salted city sidewalks. The chemical salts which are used to melt ice and snow can burn a dogs paws — although some dogs appear to be more affected than others. Typical dog reactions to sidewalk salt range from incessant paw licking (discourage it!) to outright screaming. It’s especially important to make sure that dog boots are a good fit and fasten securely. If you buy boots that come off easily you’ll soon regret it as you find you have to retrace your steps every five minutes to find a boot that’s come off. A dog is less likely to reject boots if they’re well fitted and secure. Velcro fastened boots with rubber soles tend to be longer lasting and warmer, while disposable rubber boots can give a more secure fit and have a more natural feel to a dog. If your dog absolutely won’t wear boots no matter how much you try, you can always try rubbing wax on their paws. Such waxes are available from most pet stores and protect against snow and salt. Make sure your own shoes are suitable! This probably goes without saying, but you should also be sure that your own footwear is suitable for walking on icy city streets. Firm footing is a must in the snow regardless, but even more so when you’re walking your dog. Should they pull or bolt, the last thing you want is to fall flat on your behind because your shoes don’t have adequate grip! Avoid metal surfaces Aside from the fact that metal surfaces can be extremely cold in winter weather, there is another imperative reason to avoid them. Salt which drips into manhole covers and grates can corrode old electrical wiring under roads and sidewalks and cause stray current. This has been a well publicized issue in New York City in past years and the problem shows no signs of abating as New York’s utility company can offer no guarantees that sidewalks will not carry current in winter. Dogs in New York City are regularly electrocuted in winter and in one particularly tragic case an NYC dog walker was electrocuted and killed after she and her dogs walked across an electrified grate. The problem isn’t exclusive to New York City — anywhere there’s underground wiring and salt, wire corrosion and stray current can occur. For this reason it’s best that you look out for and avoid all metal surfaces on the sidewalk during periods of ice and snow. If your dog should scream or yelp suddenly without warning, move them away as quickly as possible as they may be suffering a shock. Of course it’s not always possible to see under snow and ice, which means you can’t always be sure there isn’t metal underneath. For this reason, you should seriously consider fitting your dog with rubber soled boots which will insulate them from current. Don’t let your dog jump into snow drifts Dogs that love snow go crazy for deep snow drifts. They’ll literally dive into them and leap around like it’s the greatest activity in the world. While this is extremely cute and fun to watch, you should discourage it. Snow drifts on the sides of city streets can form literally overnight, often concealing trash that was put out the night before. Trash bags can contain sharp or protruding objects which can injure a dog. Even worse, the drift could be concealing something particularly dangerous like an old broken mirror or electrical appliances with sharp edges. Save snow-frolicking for the park or the dog run! Cut walks short in extreme weather While most dogs are hardy creatures and tolerant of cold weather, never keep your dog out for too long when the weather is extreme or frigid. Sub zero temperatures with a wind-chill factor can be as dangerous for dogs as they are for humans. Small dogs especially are prone to frostbite — and remember that frigid air can be damaging to a dogs lungs. While your dog will probably tell you when they want to go back inside, don’t be afraid to play the over-concerned killjoy parent and cut their walk short. Take them out for toilet duties and bring them back in — you can always make up the exercise through indoor play.

Take good care and there is no reason why you and your dog should enjoy your walks together any less in winter months than during any other season!

By: James T Phillips

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Top 5 Most Common Dog Walking Mistakes

1. The dog is too excited. When you walk your dog, it is essential to bring your dog to the door and make him or her sit. She must wait in that position until she is calm. Only then can she go out for a walk. If you are an owner that starts the walk by saying things like “Wanna go for a walk?! Come on! Let’s go for a walk!” this part may take a while. Your dog is used to the walk being a highly excitable experience. Don’t confuse excitement with happiness.

2. Pull on the leash. I am not talking about the dog pulling but the owner pulling. Naturally, dog owners will pull the leash back in response to their dog pulling. This is actually counter-productive. The dog feels he is being pulled back and his natural instinct is to pull forward because that is the direction he is trying to move. So pulling causes pulling. You should be able to walk your dog by holding the leash with two fingers and a lot of slack.

3. A slow pace. Dogs have a natural instinct to travel. That is the benefit of walking your dog everyday. It fulfills a natural instinct so important that when it is not fulfilled, behavior problems can arise. So pick up the pace. Allow you dog to get the feeling of traveling with her pack (you!). When the pace is slow, the dog becomes bored and/or confused.

4. Allowing too many breaks. Your dog will have to relieve himself on the walk, however there should be a time and place for it. When you stop to allow your dog to sniff every tree, you change the message sent to the dog. Walking is meant for travel however, if you stop and allow a lot of sniffing, it changes to an exploring mission which will allow him to dictate the terms of the walk.

5. Allowing the dog to walk in front of you. The pack leader is the one that is out front showing the pack what the pace and purpose of the walk is. If your dog is out front, he confirms that he is in charge and will do as he pleases. This leads to pulling, animal chasing and can translate into unwanted behavior in other areas like the house. The walk is so powerful that if the dog is allowed to lead, he becomes the pack leader and may start to challenge your authority in the house, dog park and other activities you share with your dog.

By: Chad Thompson

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Dog walking is the most important aspect of training. It is the foundation for all other training areas. Many clients come to us because they are fed up with their dog’s behavior on the walk. The reasons are many and most start with the owner. Follow these tips for instant success!

The collar needs to be placed (and stay) at the top of the neck. This is the most sensitive area of the neck and will allow you to control him easily. Your dog need constant correction for any misstep he takes. That includes trying to sniff the grass or drifting even a foot away from you. Give your dog a job on the walk. Put a dog back pack on him and fill it with water bottles. Dogs love to have a clearly stated function while walking. From the dog perspective, the walk is meant for travel. In their natural habitat, dogs travel in a pack for hundreds of miles each day. You need to let him know that this walk is for travel by keeping him focused and at a good pace. In your re-dedication to a proper walk, use treats to start. Reward your dog when he is doing what you want. Soon, he will understand that you are the pack leader and treats will no longer be needed. Carry a walking stick. While you may feel ridiculous at first, it is an effective way to keep him at your side and not ahead of you (no hitting!). Your dog should never be allowed to be even an inch in front of you. He will assume the pack leader role immediately and do what he wants. Do not use a flex leash. It limits your control. If the dog catches a glimpse of something he want, he can quickly get a full had of steam and either rip the leash from your hand or send you to the hospital after a serious fall. Understand that this is the highlight of his day. The dog walk is what creates the strongest bond between a person and their dog. At the end of the walk, allow him to stop, sniff the grass and relieve himself. It is a reward for a good walk. It should always be at the end of the walk so he knows when it is traveling time and an indication that the journey is complete.

Remember, every dog is different and will require different techniques. Keep at it. If a dog is not exercised on a daily basis, he or she can make life unbearable for you.

By: Chad Thompson

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Many years ago I prided myself on how strong I was and that I could walk six dogs at a time. For many years, I my dogs dragged me down the street and I thought nothing of it. I was proud of the fact that I could handle them. Then I met a dog trainer that opened up a whole new concept for me. She was of the belief that, “I’m not going to have a dog pulling me anywhere.” Wow! What a liberating concept this was for me. Then she showed me in the first two minutes of a training walk how to correct my dogs from pulling me on a walk. I was an immediate convert! I too now subscribe to the dignified concept of not allowing dogs to pull me anywhere. After all, I am always the alpha! That is clear.

So, what was the secret 2 minute cure that transformed years of arm workouts to a peaceful stroll around my beautiful neighborhood? Simple! When one understands how dogs think and how to interact with them to be effective a whole new world of communication opens up with our canine companions.

Dogs need boundaries, limitations and leadership. They actually thrive when they have strong, calm assertive leadership. It gives them security and clarity about their roles in the pack. And, believe it or not, all dogs do not want to be the alpha dog. In fact, the most stressed dog in any pack is the alpha dog. They are the ones responsible for providing for and protecting the rest of the pack. They are the ones who have to remain alert at all times for threats externally and challenges internally. So, they are always on alert. We can relieve our canine family members of a lot of stress by providing strong, clear, assertive, calm direction and leadership. It actually helps them relax and behave better.

Here are some training tips that may help while walking your dog. First off, have the attitude that you are in charge and the one who is doing the walking not the one being dragged down the street. Establishing leadership starts when you are putting on your dog’s leash. Is your dog going nuts and being hyper? Then wait until it calms down or put it in a “Sit/stay” and wait until it is calmer. Don’t reward it for undesirable behavior. Once calm and leashed, do not let it pull the lash tight. The industry standard is a “loose leash.” We want to walk with a leash that has some slack in it. That way I there were an incident there is some slack to use to manage any reactive situations that may arise. But, it also just makes for a more relaxed walk for both you and your dog.

Ok, you may be wondering, after years of arm workouts provided by your canine workout buddy, how you are to accomplish this loose leash. After years of allowing your dog to drag you around your neighborhood, how can you teach an old dog new tricks now? No worries. Believe it or not, dogs can be trained at any age and out of any undesired behaviors, no matter how long they have been doing them.

There are a few techniques you can try to show your dogs that the rules have changed and something new is expected of them now. Get your dog’s attention at the first signs of tension on the leash by snapping the leash with a flick of your wrist. Don’t worry! It doesn’t hurt them. It will surprise them the first few times but it won’t hurt them. This serves as a way to show them that pulling is not to be tolerated anymore. Snap the leash and add a correction noise like a click of your tongue or another sound you use to correct your dog. This one technique worked within a couple of minutes to cure my dogs of pulling after years of such an annoying habit. I was hooked! I couldn’t believe it was that simple! Just get their attention with a crisp snap of their leash and a corrective noise. That is the simplest cure that seems to work with the majority of cases I have experienced. Stay tuned for another tip in the next article “Walking the Dog- Part 2: Showing Fido Who’s Boss.” For now, try this simple solution out and see if it will work for you. Until the next one, remember, life is short, wag more, bark less!

By: Deborah Brightstar

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It is easy for the loving dog owner to forget that dogs were once wild animals. Although they have been domesticated, dogs still need to release much of the energy that comes from having to hunt and roam in the wild. If your dog doesn’t have an opportunity to release this energy, it may release itself in your home, by chewing on the carpet, ripping up slippers, and other bad behaviors.

The best way to release this energy is by walking your dog – letting your dog roam the backyard is not enough. By taking your dog on daily walks, you give your dog a chance to explore its surroundings as well as tire itself, so that when you bring it back home it has less energy to devote to destroying your furniture.

Leashes

You should always walk your dog on a leash. Although your dog may struggle at first, and may even be reluctant to allow the leash to prevent it from roaming at its own leisure, the leash is for its own safety as well as yours. An off-leash dog can find itself in the street or chasing after a small animal – both of which could lead to you never seeing your dog again.

However, if you notice your dog is struggling on its leash, there are two ways to help it get used to being lead. The first option is to purchase a harness, rather than a collar – a collar can choke the dog when it wanders too far away, which can lead to unnecessary stress on the dog and a greater reluctance to be walked on leash.

Another option is to gently tug on the leash whenever your dog extends the leash too far. While it may seem cruel at first, your dog will quickly learn that wandering too far away will lead to the inconvenient tug, and eventually the dog will learn to check your feet so that it can ensure it is walking close enough to you.

Distance

The amount of time you need to walk your dog depends on the type of breed (herding, sporting, non-sporting, etc.) and age of the dog. Younger dogs, especially of active breeds like collies and shelties, require at least an hour and a half or more of walking per day in order to tire out their restless bodies. Older dogs and dogs from less active breeds, like non-sporting dogs and several toy breeds, need less walking, so a half hour every day should be fine.

Your dog will let you know if you are walking it enough by the time it spends resting and strolling listlessly around the house. But don’t be worried if your dog appears very energetic upon returning to your home. Many dogs get temporarily excited before the tiredness kicks in and they either sleep or rest near your legs.

Health benefits and Conclusion

Walking your dog is a good way to avoid bad behaviors, keep your dog healthy, and keep yourself healthy as well. While it may take a little while out of your day, the long term benefits of walking your dog far outweigh the time it takes to do so. Your companion will live longer, and will be happier with you with each passing day.

By: Eric Gehler

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I want to tell you how I taught my dad how to dog walk. Going back to the winter months dad could not walk me cause he said it was too cold. Then he was in the hospital for awhile and we could not go dog walking. Well dad is doing better and he says that we have become porkers over the winter and we need the exercise. (Speak for Yourself)!

Anyway dad is on the exercise craze and decided that we should go dog walking. Well let me tell you that it took no time at all the train him in the proper etiquette of dog walking.

After dinner he picks up the leash and we head out the door. But I found teaching him to pick the leash up was a trial in and of itself. You see I would first stare at him and try to mind meld my thoughts to him that I wanted to go for a walk. I would jump down from my comfortable place on the couch. I would then sit by the bookshelf closest to the door, casually look over at him, and just for second, look at the leash, as I then gazed out the door. I am sitting so pretty and patient.

It only took about a week to get him on board. You see I am his Princess Penny and I can do no wrong. Boy do I have him snowed, though that is not necessarily true. He loves me and I love him back so if training him to dog walk on a regular basis with me, we will no longer be considered porkers and we get to visit the neighbors while we are out walking.

By: Teresa Rothove

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No matter whether as a family friend, companion or as a means of security many homes have a dog and all owners should appreciate the importance of looking after their canine properly. Our ‘mans best friend’ should not only be fed properly but to keep them fit and healthy regular, daily exercise is also necessary.

Walking your dog is not only beneficial and important to him but is also great for the owner. Regular exercise will keep you healthy and fit and walking is also a great way in which to meet new people, also out on walks with their dogs.

In modern times, a lot of people find it hard to juggle work commitments, socializing and being able to walk their dog on a regular, daily basis. To cater for such people, numerous dog walking services have been set up. These companies make use of experienced walkers to walk your animal on a daily basis, whilst you are either at work or away from home. This service allows your dog to receive the daily exercise he so greatly needs.

Before you employ the services of a dog walking firm ensure the handler is capable of controlling your pet, especially if it is of a large breed. If possible arrange a meeting between yourselves, your dog and the walker assigned to you. This is important to see if they actually get on with one another and gives you the chance to explain exactly what you want from their service.

Many chicago dog walking service companies now offer a ‘dog sitting’ service. If your dog is used to company all through the day, and you are going to be way then employ a dog sitter who can play with and keep your dog company in your absence.

By: Sean Redfearn

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Dog walking is always a fun thing to be able to do while you have your pet. I know that for some people it can be a hard time and a challenge figuring out how you are going to be able to handle your dog. I know that for me one of my dog walking experiences is an English Mastiff and if I am not careful with him because he is so strong he could easily pull me across the backyard and easily break the leash. However, by following this tip that I am going to share I am able to easily walk my dog without having to worry about him pulling me behind me or jerking him.

The tip that I found that worked out best for me was to choose the proper obedience training course. Now with the obedience training course you will learn how to teach your dog how to heel. Once you have managed to teach your pet how to heel you will find that he will listen to you much easier than he normally would and will not go chasing after that squirrel that comes into your yard which would lead to you being drug behind him.

While I know that some people will not find an obedience course to be the solution for your problems I know that it worked out great for mine. However, some people will not even consider that they can take some of the obedience courses online. This is the one tip that I found to work out best for my English Mastiff.

By: Jimmy Fisher

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Dog walking is an essential business of many as well as past time for pet lovers to spend their time to exercise with their dog companion. However, many individuals who are into walking dogs forget some courtesy in the area they walk used for the task. It is common sense that etiquette be applied in these places since a walk with a pet is usually done in public places like the park and neighborhood sidewalks, consideration for others must be observed.

Here are things that you have to observe in completing your pet’s exercise through walking:

o Never allow your pet to urinate or poop on others properties.

When you have your dog walking exercise and activities on in the neighborhood sidewalks or street, be sure to let your pet eliminate on rough areas only. You surely would not want your mailbox or plants to be urinated on; your neighbors feel the same. If you show concern for the properties of your neighbors, you can expect them to be considerate on your pets and your properties as well.

o Always bring a plastic bag with you when you go out with your pet.

Picking up the poop after your dog is a good etiquette when dog walking. Leaving a pile of dirt behind is more inconsiderate for passersby. Moreover, you keep the community area clean for everybody and for your next day for walking your dogs. To ensure that you will be able to pick up after your dog, always bring a plastic bag with you when you go out dog walking.

o Have a control over your dog outdoors.

You may have a cute and active dog that you think everyone would love, but you must remember that not everyone are so much as a pet lover as you are. You must understand that not all woman or man would like to be greeted or jumped on by your dog outdoor. To avoid some embarrassing circumstances in the park or on the street while dog walking, be sure that you take control of the leash. Train your dog to follow your lead.

o Be careful in approaching other dogs while walking.

It is important for your dog to socialize with other dogs too. However, be sure to gauge the dog you will approach with your dog. Not all dogs can be nice with your dog as well.

Dog walking is essential for your dog; you can always keep this time less stressful for you, your dog and others.

By: Michelle Grace Tapire

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Walking the dog is an opportunity to nurture a deeper bond with your canine companion! There are many benefits to walking your dog- exercise, bonding, and training, establishing clear boundaries, socialization, and just plain fun!

Every time you walk your dog it is an opportunity for you to bond by establishing your role as the leader. Yes, you and your dog will bond because of your leadership. Dogs need calm, assertive leadership to feel secure and clear about what their role is in their pack. If you are living with a dog, then guess what, you are their pack! So, like it or not, there is responsibility when you have a dog companion.

If you do not establish yourself as a strong leader they can rely on and respect, then they will take on the role as the alpha in order to feel safe and secure. Being the alpha dog is actually stressful for dogs because it means they are responsible for providing for and protecting the pack. When we provide strong, consistent leadership for our dogs, it relieves them of a lot of stress so they can just relax, surrender, follow and have fun. Walking your dog is a great chance to establish your role as the leader so that your dog learns to respect and obey you. If they trust that you can handle anything that comes at you, then they will follow and obey you eagerly.

There are many tips and techniques for walking a dog so that is it an enjoyable experience for both of you. Allowing your dog to drag you down the street is not what I would consider an enjoyable experience. Even if your dog has been dragging you along for many years, it is never too late, nor is a dog ever too old to learn and be trained.

The first thing to try to correct a dog that pulls is to get their attention with a crisp snap of the leash and a correction word or noise to get their attention. Every time they start to create any tension on the leash you are diligent about snapping the leash along with a correction noise. Snapping the leash is not cruel, nor does it hurt them. It gets their attention, which is the key to successful dog walking. You want their attention to be on you. When their clear that you will be determining where and when they go, they will wait for you to lead them rather than dragging you around. When a dog pulls it means their attention is in front of them on something of interest to them. It is not on you. As a strong, assertive leader, you expect respect by not tolerating this behavior. You are the one who determines where and when you go, not the dog.

If the leash snapping doesn’t work then try stopping and having your dog sit and stay for several seconds each and every time they start to pull. The key is to correct them at the first sign of tension on the leash. You will have to be very mindful of this since you may be used to being pulled around. The slightest tension is when you correct. Put them in a sit/stay for a few seconds. If they do not sit and stay on command then make them. Do not continue on the walk until they start to obey you. The first few walks may be a lot of work and you may not walk far but you will be re-establishing a new and improved relationship with your dog instead. Eventually, after a couple of walks usually, you will both start to enjoy your walks more.

With some dogs, due to their size, energy level and youth you may need additional help with training collars in order to better control them until they are “loose leash” trained. There are many kinds of training collars that are effective. Try a “gentle leader” or “Halty” to control their head with a strap that wraps around their snout. For larger more exuberant breeds you may need a metal pronged collar. Don’t worry neither of these training collars is cruel or harmful to your dog. They are merely meant to be used to gain better control, which is safer for both you and your dog.

If you have tried some of these basic techniques for walking your dog and you are still having challenges gaining control of your dog on walks, then perhaps you need to consult a dog trainer or behavioral specialist to help you. Make sure to interview several to find the one who feels like the best fit for you and your dog. Dog trainers are like therapists. You have to find the one you feel you can trust and feel safe with you and your dog. Enjoy walking your dog! And remember, life is short, wag more, bark less!

By: Deborah Brightstar

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