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How do I teach my dog to walk on a lead ?

29 June 2023

Learning to walk on a lead is essential for your dog’s safety and well-being when out walking. When you consider teaching your dog to walk on a lead, the main aim is to stop him pulling and to teach him to follow your changes of direction. In this article, you’ll find practical advice to help you teach your dog to walk on a lead in an effective and enjoyable way.

Choose the right environment

You’ll get faster, more satisfying results if you work in a relaxed atmosphere.

  • Start learning in a calm, familiar place. Teaching your dog to walk on a lead when he’s surrounded by other dogs and keen to meet them can make learning virtually impossible. So it’s best to start at home, in a familiar, distraction-free environment.
  • Make sure your dog has had a chance to exercise before the training sessions, as this will help him to concentrate better.

Use rewards to create a positive link between the lead and enjoyable moments.

The positive association between the good behaviour and the reward makes it more likely that your dog will repeat the behaviour in the future.

  • Reward your dog every time he follows your instructions. The instructions should be clear, precise, simple and easy to carry out.
  • Be quick in giving rewards so that your dog clearly associates his good behaviour with the reward and understands unambiguously what you expect of him. The reward should be given within a second of your dog performing the desired behaviour.
  • Avoid punishing undesirable behaviour. By punishing, you risk discouraging your dog and losing its attention. Concentrate on rewarding good behaviour, even if it’s not perfect, rather than punishing bad behaviour.

Choose the right equipment

Favour training methods based on positive rewards. When it comes to choosing the right equipment for leash walking, you have several options.

  • Harnesses or training halters are effective options. They are easy to use and ensure your dog’s safety while respecting his body shape.
  • Choke collars, which can cause neck injuries or even intracranial hypertension, or electric devices, should be absolutely banned! A law aimed at banning them was passed on 16 January 2023 by the French National Assembly and has been sent to the Senate for approval.

Each dog learns at its own pace. Some dogs can learn to walk on a lead quickly, while others may need more time and patience.

  • Watch your dog’s responses carefully
  • Give him the time he needs to adapt and succeed
  • Adapt your exercises according to your dog’s progress.

By following these practical tips, you’ll be able to teach your dog to walk on a lead effectively and respectfully. If, despite your best efforts, you’re still having trouble teaching your dog to walk on a lead, it’s a good idea to get in touch with a dog trainer who uses positive, reward-based training methods. These professionals will be able to provide you with advice and techniques tailored to your dog, enabling you to make progress in learning to walk on a lead in an effective and respectful way.

You can find this advice and many other tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.  

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat.  Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.    

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.    

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet. 

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