What Are the Improper Ways to Exercise Your Dog with a Leash?

Nowadays, many people enjoy having a dog as a companion, and taking their dogs for walks with a leash has become a regular activity. However, dog owners must be mindful of how they use the leash and the level of force they apply to avoid causing harm to themselves or their dogs.

Walking Your Dog Without a Leash It has become a common understanding among most dog owners that a leash is essential when taking a dog outside. Using a leash helps the owner guide the dog to engage in proper activities, such as walking, playing, staying away from dangerous objects, and not running around erratically. This ensures the dog’s safety and prevents unnecessary disruptions to public order, promoting responsible pet ownership. Excessive Intensity During Walks Some owners subject their dogs to high-intensity training without considering the dog’s physical condition. For example, the exercise needs of a Shar Pei and an Alaskan Malamute are vastly different. No matter how fast a dog runs, it cannot match the speed of a car. Some owners like to take their dogs on walks while they jog or ride a bike, but if they opt to use an electric bike or even a car, it risks the dog’s health. If the pace is too fast, the dog could even get lost during the walk. In general, small dogs require about 20 minutes of leash walking per day, medium-sized dogs need around 1 hour, and large dogs should get about 2 hours of exercise daily. Walking the Dog Based on Your Mood Walking your dog should follow a regular, periodic schedule, such as once in the morning and once in the evening. Adjustments can be made based on your availability, but avoiding extreme fluctuations—such as walking the dog frequently for one period and then not at all for another—can help maintain a balanced routine. Especially during the colder winter months, both you and your dog may feel less inclined to exercise, but it’s important to still take the dog for regular walks to prevent excess weight gain and health issues. It’s also important for owners to understand that in some situations, like bad weather, indoor exercise can be an acceptable alternative. Exercising a Dog That Hasn’t Had Its Vaccinations or Is in Poor Health Whether a dog has not yet received its vaccinations, is sick, or is in the nursing phase, its immune system may not be strong enough to handle exposure to outdoor environments. In such cases, going out for walks could put the dog at risk of infection. For a newly adopted puppy, it’s best to allow it to become familiar with its new home and build trust before starting leash training or playing. This helps reduce stress and anxiety for the dog. Using a leash to walk and exercise a dog is an important bonding activity for both the dog and its owner. It is essential to adjust exercise routines to suit the individual dog’s characteristics to ensure a safe, healthy, and enjoyable experience for both.