Looking to teach your kids how to walk the dog safely? Read this!
Walking a dog does not necessarily come naturally, nor does teaching someone else how to walk a dog. Having a pet is exciting and wonderful, but it is a big responsibility and deserves the utmost preparation and attention. While the adults are ultimately in charge, letting the kids walk the dog can be very helpful. Here are some step-by-step tips on teaching kids how to walk a dog this year.
Finding the Right Dog Walking Equipment
The first step is to use the right equipment. Your pet should have proper identification via a dog collar and a microchip. Microchipping is a very secure and safe way to identify your pet, but be sure to keep the contact information up-to-date! A dog collar is a secondary form of ID; the right collar or harness will let you better communicate with your pet on a walk.
You can ask your local vet for a recommendation on what collars and leashes would work best for your dog’s breed. You should also know whether or not a muzzle is necessary for walking your pet.
Training Your Dog
To some extent, your dog should be ready for the child to walk it. Your dog should be receptive to verbal commands and other cues and know not to pull on the leash. Your dog should also know that whoever is holding the leash is the one in command.
Teaching Your Child to Walk a Dog
Teach your child the same commands that you would give the pet, such as to stay, sit, lay down, and heel. Have your child practice together with the dog, so that the dog is also learning to receive commands from the child. Verbal communication is crucial since the child might not be strong enough to keep the dog from running off. The dog’s size does not really matter; it is all about communication and knowing who is boss!
You can take the practice further by having your child walk the dog around in a controlled area like the backyard, around the block, or in a fenced-in park. Once both child and pet are confident, you can let your kid walk the dog on his or her own!
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At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!