Kat's Corner: Keeping Up with Leash Manners

Why Consistency is Key

As a pet sitter, I’ve had the pleasure of walking many wonderful dogs while their families are away on vacation. One thing I’ve noticed is that leash manners often need a little refresher at the beginning of each stay. It’s completely normal—if a dog isn’t practicing good leash habits regularly, they can get a bit rusty!

Why Leash Manners Fade

Dogs thrive on consistency. If leash training isn’t reinforced regularly, they may start pulling, zigzagging, or stopping frequently on walks. It’s not that they’ve forgotten entirely; they just need a reminder of what’s expected. When I walk vacation pups, I find that I often have to reteach leash manners at the start of each visit.

The Good News? Dogs Are Quick Learners!

The great thing is that dogs pick up on patterns fast. By the end of a weekend, most of my vacation pups are walking like pros, remembering to keep a loose leash and follow my lead. My approach is always gentle—no force, no harsh corrections. I simply stop immediately when there’s tension on the leash and move forward again when the leash is slack. This method teaches them that pulling won’t get them where they want to go, but a loose leash will.

How to Keep Your Dog’s Leash Manners Sharp

If you’ve noticed your pup pulling on walks or needing reminders every time you go out, there’s an easy solution—regular practice! Scheduling daily or even weekly walks between vacations can help reinforce good habits, making every walk smoother and more enjoyable.

If you’d like to keep your dog’s leash skills sharp, I’d love to help! Regular walks with a consistent approach can make all the difference, so when you go on vacation, your pup is already in the groove. Let’s work together to keep those tails wagging and those leashes loose!

🐾 Want to schedule regular walks for your pup? Let’s chat! 🐾

https://www.thehousekatpetsitting.com/dog-walking-drop-ins