We go for a 40-60 minute walk everyday. There’s a lot of trees where I live and lampposts, mailboxes, signs etc and my dog wants to stop and sniff EVERY single one. He loves fire hydrants so I always let him stop and sniff those and he has ‘favourite’ areas but it’s so annoying when he stops and won’t let me walk any further until he sniffs.
I’m worried people may think I’m a mean dog owner, I like the exercise and constantly stopping kind of ruins it. if I say a firm ‘NO’ he usually gets the picture but sometimes there’s still some tugging of the leash. I know people don’t like it when dogs pee on their lawn so I always tug him away when tries to, but I just feel so mean and worried someone might call me out. I see other owners and their dogs walking and the dog doesn’t stop at all.
Update:
btw he’s a 3 year old miniature schnauzer and yes, he’s neutered so it’s not his hormones.
Update 2:
I’ve had him since he was a pup so I know how he acts when he needs to pee/poo plus he goes within the first 5 minutes of walking.
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No, you set the pace you walk at and when you will allow a dog to sniff “the news” to be “read” by the scent left by other dogs on popular areas (which trees, fences, lamppost and fire hydrants are) and then and mark over with his urine.
I will allow my dog to read and mark a few spots because it is in his nature and something I am happy for him to express in moderation, but will not let him lag behind dawdling or pull when I want to walk at a brisk pace.
A dog that respects its owner’s authority knows its place and is happier than one that does not know when their owner will lay down the law, because dogs need and respond well to strong leadership, training, discipline and boundaries.
Ignore anyone who stares when you correct your dog, it is the right thing to do, because he should mind what you say and immediately comply, even if he would rather have fun sniffing and marking.
Your dog is very curious. If you happen to get her out and let her play/run vigorously at least an hour every day this should aid abate some of her energy and she or he could also be more inclined to loosen up when in the room/house. Does she have any toys in this room? Does she have a correct place to sleep? It is foremost that she understands that it’s suitable to play while you say so, and best with her things…But additionally that it’s time to lay down, she goes to her right situation. You need to teach her in this. Yes, that implies making her keep on command if need be. After a couple of nights of your being company she’ll discontinue regularly sniffing.
If you just have a collar and leash, it will look cruel to jerk on him and people will think you are being mean to your dog. You would never get your walk over if you let him sniff everything. A better way to control your dog walking is to walk him with a halter and leash, when you jerk him it gives you more control. If you really want to walk with a well behaved dog, gather the leash up to only allow about 3 feet of freedom. Dogs who walk ahead of you are the boss. If you want to be the boss walk with your dog right by your side or slightly back of your leg. You can use your foot to slow him down by taking your foot and tapping his lower body or legs when he tried to get ahead of you. It is supposed to be a walk………….not let your dog wander off to where he wants to go. It won’t take him too long to get the message that you are the ALPHA DOG (the boss).
Source(s): Bing with dogs and walking them.
No. It’s not cruel at all. It does get annoying. I am “old school” and don’t fall for that PC crap! I don’t feel like getting into stupid arguments with people so I walked my dog in the alley and let him pee an poo wherever he felt like it and didn’t pick it up!
I don’t suggest alley walking for safety purposes but try choosing another route if possible.
If you walk him with a retractable leash it gives him more time to sniff while you walk. You have to be careful though they tend to try to walk out in the street.
Mine didn’t stop for everything but I would suggest a less sniff worthy route or tug a bit at the leash and let him sniff at every other hydrant or lawn etc.
Please know that obeying your command to walk and not go off sniffing is very important to the dog. It stimulates his mind and reinforces you as “boss dog”. It strengthens your bonds too. When you give a dog command, and the dog is successful at that command, both of you get “feel good” shot of hormones to your brain. It’s physically and mentally good for both of you.
So, split up the time and do both. Spend a few minutes letting him “check his pee mail”, then go for a walk. Give the command, walk briskly for 40 minutes, then stop and let him sniff. Make it all on command. When you want him to walk and not sniff, command “heel”. When it’s time for him to go sniff, say “OK” or “go sniff” or some command so that he knows he’s free to walk around on his own.
By alternating “heel” and “go sniff” unpredictably, you are further enhancing the experience for both of you.
It’s not cruel at all. You’re walking him, he’s not walking you. You are in charge. I do the same thing with my pup. When I trained my dog, I wouldn’t drag him or anything, I’d push his butt until he starting moving. After a while, I just had to give a few gentle tugs on the leash, and he got the message. I’ve seen people drag their dogs down the street by their leash…that’s cruel. Cheers.
Training your dog will be a huge part of your interaction with him for the first few months. Learn here https://tr.im/cL6jQ
This includes housetraining, leash training, obedience training, socialization, and problem solving. In addition to providing your dog with needed skills, this time will also be a great opportunity for you to bond with him. Take the time to really get to know your pet while training him and a loving relationship will easily develop.
No, it’s actually good practice that you do this. The dog needs to understand that you are walking him, and he is not walking you. Continue to do what you have been doing and don’t mind what other people may think.
let the dog relieve himself the first and second time he goes sniffing, but don’t allow him to do it again on that walk. It will make him learn to do all his businesses first, leaving the rest of the jog for jogging.
Source(s): KATO
No, it’s not cruel. Don’t worry. My dog does the same thing. Just stop every now and then and let him pee/poop
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