As a conscientious dog owner, you work hard to fit their daily walks into your schedule. It doesn’t matter if you have to get up early or do it after the sun has gone down because it’s about what’s best for your dogs. This attitude is to be applauded, but don’t forget about safety!

A Reliable Leash and Dog Collar

You want to ensure the leash and collar are appropriate for the size and strength of your dog. The last thing you want is for him to break free and try to run across a busy street or go after another dog or a person because the leash snapped or the collar slid off. Check the state of your dog’s collar and leash regularly, inspecting them for any damage or rust on the hardware (D-ring and leash clasp) or rips in the fabric. Replace them at the first hint of possible failure. Also, avoid using variable length leads, and check your local laws. In some jurisdictions, there is a maximum allowed length of the leash. For example, city law in Los Angeles limits leash length to six feet.

Reflective Clothing

If you walk your dog in darkness or inclement weather, you owe it to yourself and your pup to stand out to drivers. One of the best ways to do this is by wearing a reflective running vest, and you may also want to invest in reflective dog clothing.

LED Lights

Not into dressing your dog in reflective clothing? Try something with an LED light. For humans, there are wearable bike and running safety lights. For dogs, Cesar recommends the Bright Light Leash & Collar because it provides an LED light to make your dog visible and position it where it can be seen. Even better for you, the light is solar powered and USB chargeable!

Comfortable Walking Shoes

When our feet hurt, so do the rest of our bodies. So take care of yourself by ensuring the shoes you wear on your dog walks are the correct size and fit — and that they are proper walking shoes, not sandals or heels. Also, ensure they have no-skid soles or a decent tread to reduce the chance of slipping and falling or off your dog suddenly pulling you off your feet. Of course, dog-walking safety isn’t just about gadgets. Changing your route will confuse anyone trying to keep tabs on you; telling someone where you’re going will alert them to help if you don’t come back, and walking with others can help deter predators. Plan and your dog walks are much more likely to be peaceful and relaxing, helping you maintain a Pack Leader’s calm, assertive energy!

Dog Walking Bag

Are you looking for a way to make dog walking more manageable and efficient? Then you need a dog walking bag! This essential piece of gear can help you carry all the supplies you need while out on a walk, and it’ll make walks much more organized and stress-free. Once you find a bag that works for you, here are some suggested items to include in your walking bag.

Emergency Card

You must always be prepared for an emergency if you’re a dog walker. That means having an emergency card with all your contact information. Suppose something happens to you while walking dogs. Someone will be able to get in touch with your clients quickly. An emergency card can also help if you get lost or stranded somewhere. Information to include on the card is your name, contact information for two people, the number of dogs you are walking, and the dogs’ names. So make sure to carry one with you whenever you’re walking dogs!

Phone

Most people don’t go anywhere without their phones these days. However, you might consider leaving the device home if you take your pup on a quick walk around the block. Having your cellular phone is essential if you need to reach emergency services or get lost. Update your contacts to include ICE (in case of emergency) contact information that EMS personnel can retrieve should anything happen to you.

Spare Leash & Collar

There might be a time when your leash or collar breaks while you’re on a walk. An extra pair in your walking bag will solve your problem quickly. Having a spare leash and collar can also be helpful if you come in contact with a stray dog.

Waste Bag

Carrying a waste bag for your dog should be a no-brainer. Again, even if you’re only going for a quick walk. Respect your community and neighbors and clean up after your furry friend.

Spare Leash & Collar

There might be a time when your leash or collar breaks while you’re on a walk. An extra pair in your walking bag will solve your problem quickly. Having a spare leash and collar can also be helpful if you come in contact with a stray dog.

Waste Bag

Carrying a waste bag for your dog should be a no-brainer. Again, even if you’re only going for a quick walk. Respect your community and neighbors and clean up after your furry friend.

Wet Wipes

There might be a time when your leash or collar breaks while you’re on a walk. An extra pair in your walking bag will solve your problem quickly. Having a spare leash and collar can also be helpful if you come in contact with a stray dog.

Dog Treats

Keep a small bag of your pup’s favorite treats broken into smaller pieces for training and rewards. If you walk several different dogs daily, consider carrying a few kinds of goodies.

Photo Of Dog

There might be a time when your leash or collar breaks while you’re on a walk. An extra pair in your walking bag will solve your problem quickly. Having a spare leash and collar can also be helpful if you come in contact with a stray dog.

Flashlight

A flashlight in your walking bag is helpful for a few reasons. If you start your walk at dusk and are still walking when the sun goes down, a flashlight will help you to see where you’re walking and for others to see you. If there’s an emergency and you’re lost without a cellular signal, you can use the flashlight to alert emergency responders to your location.

Clicker

If you have trained your dog to respond to a clicker device, it would be great to include one in your bag for when you are out and about for a few hours or a few days.

Immunization Records

In the case of an unfortunate incident, it would be helpful to include all updated immunization records, including rabies certification, either on your phone or printed out and kept in a plastic bag. Also, remember that some events and hotels require this information upon check-in.

Water

Some products on the market allow you to carry a water bowl for your pup. Keeping your dog properly hydrated, particularly on hot days, is essential for safety. A collapsible bowl and water bottle are two critical items to keep in your walking bag.

What safety essentials do you always take on the walk?

The post Safety Essentials for Dog Walkers appeared first on Cesar's Way.

The post How to Be Calm and Assertive With Your Dog appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Exercise is Needed

Just because a dog is small doesn’t mean he needs less exercise, and, although breed can give an indication of the dog’s energy level, the final judgment must be made on the individual dog’s needs.

As your dog’s pack leader, you must help her to expend her energy in a productive way. For all dogs, this means a daily walk. Some dogs may require additional activities, such as running, Frisbee, or swimming, in addition to, but never replacing, the walk.

Remember that dogs are animals, and animals need to travel and discover the world. A big back yard is no substitute for a good walk. Master the walk and your dog will relate to you on a deeper level.

The post Exercise: Challenge Your Dog Physically appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Mastering the walk will not only make this part of your daily routine enjoyable, but also go a long way towards addressing other problem behaviors as well, because it can help your dog to see you as the Pack Leader.

Here are some solutions for dealing with dog walking problems.

1. Pulling on the walk
   This is one of the most common problems faced by Pack Leaders. Some dogs don’t want to walk; they want to run! So let them. Go for a jog, use rollerblades, or go biking with your dog to drain that excess energy before trying to address the behavior.Another powerful solution is the Pack Leader Collar. It’s likely your current collar is actually working against you. By being placed around the strongest part of your dog’s neck — the lower part — it’s actually helping your dog to pull you! Think about sled-pulling dogs; they use this part of their body to pull heavy loads behind them. Instead, the Pack Leader Collar keeps the collar at the top of the neck, giving you more control.
2. Distracted on the walk
   Some dogs like to stop and smell the roses. And then stop to smell them again and again… You can prevent this behavior by keeping the leash short (but not tight) and your dog’s head up. Maintain your calm-assertive energy and stay focused on your destination. Then allow your dog brief breaks to stop, explore, and relieve himself. These breaks are your dog’s reward for following you on the walk instead of their nose.
3. Lunging on the walk
   Are you constantly walking to the other side of the street to avoid passing other dogs or people so your dog won’t lunge at them? Corrections are key. You want to address the problem behavior quickly and immediately. The Pack Leader Collar can also help with this by keeping the collar at the most sensitive part of the neck, where he is more likely to notice the corrections.Still having trouble getting the message across to your dog? Have a friend or family member film you giving corrections. Watch your body language. First, are you reacting before your dog does? Your anticipation of the behavior may actually be causing it. Second, are you maintaining calm-assertive control (head up, shoulders back!) when giving corrections, or simply yanking your dog around?
4. Stopping in the middle of the walk
   It’s possible that your dog is overheated or overtired, so this should always be the first thing you consider: Are you asking her to go too long or in temperatures that are uncomfortable for her? Sometimes we forget that a dog’s exercise needs change as they age. It’s also possible your dog is suffering from a health issue. Consult your vet.Once you’ve ruled those causes out, one strategy for dealing with this is to give a slight sideways tug on the leash to jolt the dog back into walking. You may have to repeat it if she stops again until she gets the message to keep moving.
5. Not interested in going for a walk
   This is a common puppy problem. The little guy just decides he’d rather sit down or otherwise do his own thing. You can help encourage your dog to get up and get going by picking him up and taking him away from your home. Why? Because he is more likely to be motivated to walk back home than he is to walk away from it!

The post Top 5 Dog Walking Problems Solved! appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Basically, it means command or grasp of a subject, or the state of being in control. Note, though, that mastery does not mean “being the best.” There are many people with a mastery of chess who could not beat the world champions no matter how hard they tried, although they still know enough about what they’re doing that they could beat a dozen amateurs at the same time.

Mastering the walk and leadership just mean that you are the one in control of your pack, and you understand what’s needed to keep your position as the leader. What’s great about this is that it’s personal. You don’t have to learn to lead anybody else’s dogs. You only have to know how to have mastery over your own pack.

Mastering affection
And this is where the most difficult bit of mastery comes in: mastering affection.

Exercise, discipline, affection. That’s my fulfillment formula. When you master the walk, you’ll give your dog exercise. When you master leadership, you’ll provide exercise and discipline. But what does it mean to master affection?

On the surface, it sounds like it means knowing how to give your dog affection by giving what he or she likes most. Maybe it’s belly rubs, or praise, or treats. But figure out which one your dog responds to, and you’ve mastered affection, right?

Wrong.

Timing and consistency
See, when it comes to mastering affection there are really two parts. One part is mastering not how but when to give your dogs affection. But the other, harder, part is mastering yourself and controlling your need to constantly give affection.

I get asked a lot, “What is the one bit of advice you would give to dog owners everywhere?” I’ve been asked this question in every country I’ve ever visited, and in almost every interview I’ve ever given. And my response is always similar: “Understand that dog psychology is different than human psychology. Dogs are not human children, and they have different needs. Dogs aren’t looking for love and acceptance. They’re looking for leadership and protection.”

And, in my travels around the world, the places where I find the most unbalanced, misbehaved, and neurotic dogs are those where people give them nothing but affection, affection, affection.

Your dog needs more than affection
You’d be surprised how often people seem confused, or even offended, when I tell them that they can’t give their dogs constant affection, and I understand how it can be hard. Dogs are cute, humans are programed to love cute things, and if you ask most people how dogs look at us, the words “unconditional love” come up constantly.

But here’s where the problem comes in. If you treat your dogs like human children and give them affection under those conditions, you’re going to fail not only at mastering affection, but at mastering leadership, because you’re going to do more harm than good to your dog.

If a human child gets scared by a loud noise, there’s nothing better or more soothing than a hug from a parent and words telling them that everything is okay. That’s what human children respond to, and it works.

But if a dog gets scared by a loud noise, then there’s nothing worse you can do than give them affection. That’s because dogs don’t accept affection as encouragement. They accept it as reward, but only for what they’re doing right now. Comfort a frightened dog, and you’ve just rewarded them for being frightened.

Greet an excited dog with affection when you come home, and you’ll get a hyperactive, uncontrollable dog.

Dogs have different needs than children
Dogs are incredibly intelligent, empathetic creatures, but they just don’t think the same way that we do. They live by instincts, and their instincts are geared toward survival. Over time, dogs learn that doing something that got a positive result is worth doing again and again — and to our dogs, affection is a positive result.

So, in order to master affection, we need to learn two things. The first is what our dog considers to be affection. But the second, and most important, part is to learn when to give our dogs affection. In order to do this, we need to fight our human instincts to give affection when we’re feeling sorry for the dog, and instead focus on only giving affection when the dog is showing a behavior that we want; when the dog is calm and submissive.

Without mastering this, you can’t really master leadership, and without mastering leadership you can’t master the walk. So this lesson really is the most important one. Master affection by mastering yourself first, then remember that a true leader provides the pack with direction and protection.

Affection comes last, and your dog will thank you for that, because they’ll be fulfilled by feeling that they’ve actually earned it.

Stay calm, and be the master!

The post Mastery appeared first on Cesar's Way.

They’re the kind of people who can make things happen with a word, and their subordinates listen to them — sometimes out of fear, but usually out of respect for their knowledge and authority.

But there’s a reason that I’ve met these people. They’re very powerful in their daily lives interacting with other humans — but when it comes to their dogs, they’re absolutely helpless.

I refer to it as the “Powerbroker Paradox.” To see them at work, you’d think that they are in control of everything — calm, confident, and fearless. But the second they come home, their dogs walk all over them and are clearly the ones in charge.

It doesn’t matter what kind of dog it is, either. I’ve seen tiny teacup terriers totally intimidate the CEO of a multinational corporation, and a Labrador retriever run rings around a film and TV superstar. It doesn’t matter what the person does in the human world. At the end of the day when they come home, the only thing their dog pays attention to is their energy.

Now why do you suppose that these powerful people have absolutely no control over their dogs?

The answer is simple, really. Because they don’t take it.

When they come home, they leave all of that authority outside and the dogs walk all over them because they can. And then they call me to come and fix things. But it’s not the dogs that need fixing.

It’s surprising how difficult it can be sometimes to convince people that they can be the Pack Leader, especially when they normally do it all the time. Yet, this problem happens constantly. But why?

Ironically, it might be that they’re showing more respect for their dogs than for humans. When people hold back on being assertive with their dogs, it’s because they ascribe human emotions to them, and then don’t want to hurt their feelings by correcting them or telling them what to do.

The flip side of this is that they don’t seem to care about hurting the feelings of other human beings. Ironically, though, in applying this human standard, they are really showing exactly the wrong kind of respect for their dogs. To give a dog free rein, without any rules, is actually the highest form of disrespect. It doesn’t fulfill the dog’s needs and, depending on the dog, can cause them to become anxious, fearful, or aggressive.

The vast majority of dogs don’t want to be in charge. They want us to tell them what to do, and then they are very happy to do it. But if we don’t give them the leadership they need, then their reaction will be to see us as the follower and take over.

If you don’t have any problem taking charge with the people in your life but can’t seem to do it with your dogs, then the place to look for the solution is in your own energy. You don’t have to come on strong, just confident. It’s what your dogs want and need, and they’ll appreciate you even more for it.

Stay calm, and remember who’s the boss!

The post A Powerful Paradox appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Here are 6 Tips for Mastering the Dog Walk

Walk in Front of Your Dog

Walking in front of your dog allows you to be seen as the pack leader. Conversely, if your dog controls you on the walk, he’s the pack leader. You should be the first one out the door and the first one in. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk.

Use a Short Dog Leash

This allows you to have more control. Attaching the leash to the very top of the neck can help you more easily communicate, guide, and correct your dog. If you need additional help, consider a great dog collar. Always keep your dog’s safety in mind when giving corrections.

Give Yourself Enough Time for the Dog Walk

Dogs, like humans, are diurnal, so taking walks in the morning is ideal. I recommend setting aside thirty minutes to a full hour. The specific needs of each dog differ. Consult your vet and keep an eye on your dog’s behavior to see if his needs are being met.

How to Reward Your Dog During the Walk

After your dog has maintained the proper state of mind, reward him by allowing him to relieve himself and sniff around. Then you need to decide when reward time is over. It should always be less than the time spent focused on the walk.

Keep Leading, Even After the Walk

When you get home, don’t stop leading. Have your dog wait patiently while you put away his leash or take off your shoes.

Reward Your Dog After the Walk

By providing a meal after the walk, you have allowed your dog to “work” for food and water.

And don’t forget to set a good example by always picking up after your dog!

How about you? Are you having trouble mastering the walk? Share your experience with us in the comments!

The post 6 Tips For Mastering The Dog Walk appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Rules, Boundaries, and Limitations

‘ Rules refer to what a dog is and isn’t allowed to do: Stay off of my bed but sleep on yours; don’t jump on people; don’t pull on the walk.

‘ Boundaries control where a dog can and can’t go: The baby’s room is off-limits; don’t go out the door until I say so; you can only enter my personal space when I invite you. Boundaries are about claiming territory, and they teach your dog what is and isn’t his.

‘ Limitations control the length or intensity of an activity: We stop playing fetch when I say so; you’re too excited, so it’s time to return to a calm and submissive state with a timeout.

Rules, boundaries and limitations can keep a dog from misbehaving because they give her something else to do. For example, if your dog has separation anxiety, create a rule that she has to lie on her bed when you’re getting ready to leave. This will keep her from becoming excited because she associates the bed with being calm and submissive. She will stay in this frame of mind when you leave. If your dog is an obsessive beggar, create a boundary around the table, constraining the dog from approaching while humans are eating.

Because our dogs want to please us, their Pack Leaders, our approval becomes the positive reinforcement they need. We just have to be clear and consistent with what we want. Creating rules, boundaries, and limitations and enforcing them provides that clarity and consistency for our dogs.

The post Pack Leadership Technique 3: Establish Rules, Boundaries And Limitations. appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Dogs need walks. Walks provide them with exercise, help you assert your position as Pack Leader, and bring some fun to the day for both of you. But what do you do when that fun fades and you and your dog seem to just be going through the motions, bored and waiting for the walk to be over so you can go back home? It doesn’t have to be this way, and we’ve come up with five dog-walk tips designed to alleviate boredom for both you and your pup.

1. Take the road less traveled Lots of dog lovers come up with a route that works for them and stick with it forever because that’s the easiest thing to do, but over time this can bore both you and your dog. If you want to liven things up, you can make a small change, such as walking the opposite direction on your next walk, or try something completely different and head to a park or dog-friendly beach to hike.
2. Break it up Even if you’re taking different routes, the simple routine of going out, walking for a while, and then returning home can get old pretty quickly. Bring back some fun by planning the walk around some other activity, such as going to a dog-friendly restaurant for dinner or shopping in a dog-friendly store. When you’re done, you can continue the walk and be happy that you accomplished another task as well.
3. Add in an obedience training session Another way to break up your walk is to make it part of obedience training. When your dog acts up, stop them, so you can correct their behavior and don’t continue on the walk until they are calm. Bring treats with you to reward good behavior, and use the Pack Leader Collar to keep yourself from getting frustrated if your dog doesn’t immediately behave.
4. Walk with other dog owners No one is saying that your dog isn’t good company, but sometimes it’s nice to have other human beings to talk to when you’re out on the walk. So call some friends or introduce yourself to other dog owners in the neighborhood and see if you can meet up a few times a week for a dog walk. If you’re really feeling ambitious, you can even start your own dog walk club.
5. Complement the walk with playtime A walk doesn’t just have to be a walk. Yet another way that you can break it up is by bringing some toys with you and engaging in some play time. One of the best ways to do this is to walk to a park and bring a flying disc, ball, or tug-of-war toy with you to have some fun with your dog while you’re out. Just remember to have your dog earn the playtime first by walking calmly by your side or right behind you for twenty or thirty minutes first.

What are some ideas that you’ve come up with to make your dog walks more interesting? Let us know in the comments.

The post 5 Ways To Make The Walk More Interesting appeared first on Cesar's Way.

You Are the Leader

To make the walk productive and bonding, you have to be the leader. This means that you’re in front, not your dog. It helps to use a short leash with the collar up at the top of the dog’s neck, where you have the most control. Keep your leash arm down and relaxed, with the leash loose. Don’t grip tightly because that sends tense energy down the leash to your dog.

Don’t Use a Harness

Avoid harnesses for the walk, because they tend to encourage dogs to pull. And take a pass on any kind of variable-length lead, as these put your dog, not you, in control.

The most important tool for the walk, though, is your calm, assertive energy. It’s a transformative attitude that actually encourages your dog to follow you. This means being fully present for your dog. The walk isn’t a time for texting or chatting on your phone.

Your dog must also be present for you. Sniffing and peeing are rewards your dog needs to earn ‘ so during first part of the walk, keep in constant motion, mimicking the forward movement of the pack in search of food. After establishing a good balance of leadership (you) and calm, submissive walking (your dog), you can relax a bit and let your dog sniff or mark the landscape.

Be Aware of Other Dogs and Walkers

Another skill for mastering the walk is reading other dog walkers from a distance. If their dog is out in front and pulling, and the person’s energy seems anxious with weak and uncertain body language, it’s possible their dog could exhibit some undesired behavior should you meet. It’s better for you and your dog to avoid such encounters.

The walk is the perfect way to give your dog exercise, discipline, and some affection, as well as to establish rules. When you master it, you will have discovered the most rewarding and productive way to improve your relationship with your dog.

The post Pack Leadership Technique 4: Master The Walk appeared first on Cesar's Way.