Spring is Here and My Dog Forgot How to Listen Outside

tan fluffy dog in field of white flowers

Unfortunately, many dog and even some cat owners find that over the winter their companion has forgotten how to behave outside on a leash.  There are many reasons for this common occurrence.  Unless you have been dedicated and the weather stayed warm enough to safely walk, your pet is out of practice.  We get a little rusty when we don’t practice things we know, so do our furry friends.  Those who were able to get out safely and walk in the winter had far fewer other people and dogs also out and about.

Distractions on walks are extremely more prevalent in the spring than they are in the winter.  Birds have come back and are singing.  Bunnies, gophers, and squirrels are more active.  Everyone who has been cooped up all winter wants to get out and enjoy the sunshine.  Dogs are spending more time on walks or out in their yards.  On top of all these visual and auditory distractions, dogs and cats experience a far more colorful world of scent than we do.  The melting snow and increased moisture in the air make it easier to smell so many more things.  This adds a layer of distraction that we as humans often don’t consider.

Getting out doesn’t have to be a chaotic experience.  Here are some ideas to help you enjoy this spring with your pet.

  • Practice leash skills in the house frequently. On those days that are still cold or raining, keep up the leash practice by walking in your house and doing training sessions on leash.  This will help you and your pet keep up your skills.
  • Take your walks early or late for a while. Using times when fewer people are going to be out walking will help you have fewer distractions to manage.
  • Train in your yard. This is a great thing to do during times when your neighborhood are most active.  It will allow experience of the auditory distractions and some olfactory distractions while being at a distance from a majority of visual distractions.  It can be a great way to build up to walking at more active times.
  • Give your dog or cat time to smell the roses. Allowing your pets time to enjoy the smells is a great way to enrich their lives.  This also can provide a good mental break and time to decompress.  Teaching a ‘go sniff’ cue can be a good way to manage when it is safe for your dog to be exploring.
  • Bring a variety of reinforcers. Some pets focus well for toy rewards.  Others food works best.  It is good to have options when out and about.  If you use food, having a variety of values is a good idea.  For example, I use my dog’s food and freeze-dried liver as my food options.  I also often carry a toy with me since it works better in some situations.
  • Training aids can sometimes be helpful. Gentle leaders and front clip harnesses can be good options if your dog is significantly stronger than you.  These items should be fitted appropriately, and your dog should enjoy wearing them.  You can teach acceptance of equipment through training.  Cats should always be in a harness not just a collar for safety reasons.

If you are still struggling on walks or would like some one on one coaching to make faster progress, I would be happy to help.

Here is a video discussing getting out this spring with your furry companion.