Does your dog take YOU for walk? 

It seems to be a common sight, dogs taking their humans for a walk.  The flexi-leash is stretched out as far as it can go and the dog pulling to get at the next tree or fire hydrant.  If this is you listen up!

Walk your dog, do not let the dog walk you.  By allowing your dog to walk in front of you while on a leash you are telling him/her that he/she is the pack leader.  Instinct tells the dog that the leader leads.  By you, as the human making the decision for your dog to heel with you while on a walk you are communicating with him/her that YOU are in charge as the pack leader. 

Allowing your dog to be the leader can lead to behavioral issues.  Not only does a dog need physical exercise on a daily basis but mental exercise as well.  When a dog is hyper or high strung it means the dog is not getting the proper type or amount of exercise it needs to be stable.  When a dog is under-stimulated it is more likely to tear up the rug in the kitchen or dig a hole in the backyard.  After all, it needs to release that pent-up energy and frustration somehow.

As the human, it is very important that you are making the decisions on the walk.  When you left the house who went out the door first?  You or the dog?  When you are walking does your dog make the decision to go sniff the tree while you stop and wait?  Having a dog heel only when it chooses is still allowing him/her to be the leader.