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17.

The power of a good walk.

Ah, “The Walk”. Walking together is one of the very best bonding activities we can do with our canine companions, and is a key element in introducing and acclimating new dogs. Yet, this very activity is one of the biggest challenges many struggle with.

The Walk stands for a number of things in the canine world. It:

Represents an activity where all are working and moving together as a single unit, a whole pack towards a common goal, Fosters, nurtures, and helps build relationship, Fulfills the instinctual and natural need to explore, discover, move, and expend energy, Provides a wonderful opportunity to incorporate their instinctual need for structure, and Creates an opportunity for us to step up and into the position of leadership.

A structured and a non-structured walk are two entirely different activities. A structured walk will consist of: keeping our dog alongside us or slightly behind. Traveling with us. Never in front, which automatically puts us in the “follower” position. And not permitting the dog to dictate the walk, or drag us around (which means the dog is, then, totally controlling the walk).