Big Dog Summer
This is part of our series of informational tips for adopting, training, and handling large dogs.
Despite having so much love to give, larger dogs are often overlooked by potential adopters, making them the majority of long-term shelter dogs across the country.
Walking a large dog doesn’t have to be a daunting task. While their size and strength may call for some preparation, that little bit of extra effort is well worth it. Here are our top five tips to help you manage and enjoy walking your big dog on a leash:
Our Top Five Tips
Use the Right Equipment
A front clip harness or a dual clip harness with a special two-sided leash can significantly reduce pulling. These types of harnesses give you better control and can make the walk more pleasant. If necessary, using two leashes can also help distribute your dog’s strength more evenly.
Attend Training Classes
Training is crucial for all dogs, large ones included. Participating in training sessions will not only improve your handling skills but also strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Consistent training helps your dog learn to follow commands, making walks more manageable.
Increase Mental Enrichment
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for large dogs. Engaging your dog’s mind can help reduce excess energy and make them more relaxed during walks. Instead of just using a plain bowl, try these enrichment activities during mealtime:
- Puzzle feeders: Toys like KONGs are great for keeping your dog mentally engaged.
- Container feeding: Use old Amazon boxes, empty paper towel rolls, and paper grocery bags for feeding. Let your dog tear these up for fun, but make sure they don’t ingest any paper.
- Icy treats: Freezing kibble into an ice can be a refreshing treat, especially in hot weather.
Pre-Walk Exercise
To set your dog up for success, give them some exercise before the walk. A quick game of fetch for 5-10 minutes or a short training session with activities like jumping through a hoop or over your leg can help burn off excess energy. This pre-walk exercise can make the walk more controlled and enjoyable.
Practice the Engage/Disengage Game
The Engage/Disengage Game is very useful for helping your dog transition to urban settings. Practicing these games can make your dog more comfortable with distractions, allowing you to take your big dog on more outings without stress.
Put it Into Action
With the right equipment, training, mental enrichment, and some pre-walk exercise, you can make your walks enjoyable and beneficial for both you and your dog. If that sounds like a lot, it’s worth noting that these same tips are applicable to dogs of any size, from the smallest Yorkshire Terrier to the largest Mastiff. Remember, the key is to be consistent and patient.
