10,000 Productive Steps with Your Dog

                                                                                                            Slip Leash                                                                            Flexi Leash

I am thrilled to see many people out walking their dogs now that the weather is warmer.  One thing I notice is the leash they are using.  There are many types available but using two specific leashes concurrently can give you and your dog the best walking experience.  They have different purposes and enable your dog to explore and relax or walk with manners.  And since walking 10,000 human steps per day is our recommended daily amount then why not maximize the moment.  Sounds like a win win for both of you doesn’t it?

So, what leashes am I referring to?  The simple slip lead and flexi leash.  The slip lead is the ‘best manners’ leash and the flexi leash is the ‘explore leash’.  I recommend utilizing both leashes during the same walk to provide relaxation and review of skills for your dog.  It’s a great match up of multi-tasking, and because so many dog owners have tight schedules, it makes even more sense.  The slip lead gives you the most control of your dog during the manners portion of the walk.  It enables you to easily keep the dog next to you.  Switching to the flexi leash during explore time gives your dog the benefit of covering more distance.  They walk in a windshield wiper path and that allows them to cover more ground and get more exercise than you probably need or have time for.  My dogs are in the working breed category and need lots of exercise on a daily basis.  I couldn’t possibly exercise each of them sufficiently without using a flexi leash!  It’s quite easy to use and with a little practice you will have the hang of using it.

How does it look to use two leashes on one walk?  I prefer to start out on the flexi leash so the dog can sniff, explore, do ‘business’ and get some of the wiggles out.  After 1-2 blocks stop and have him/her Sit.  Calmly switch to the slip lead, then stand next to your dog and give the command to Heel.  During this time, you two are ‘working’ so no stopping to sniff.  The slip lead keeps your dog at your side without constant tugging. Manners walk for about a block and during that time you might stop and give the Down or Sit command. You might pivot and reverse for a few steps.  Or command Sit and shake hands/paw.  Just a short review of skill and manners.  After a block or so it’s time to command Sit again and calmly switch leashes.  When the flexi leash is back on you can give the command to go forward and not ask him/her to Heel.  They will explore and windshield wiper walk again for a couple more blocks.  You might feel like only doing a manners walk once or twice during the walk and that’s ok.  It’s enough to let your dog know that sometimes we walk one way and sometimes another way, but whichever way depends on your choice.

I hope you will try this with your dog and let me know how it goes in the comment area below.  You can also ask questions and I will respond.  Hopefully this will keep walking more enjoyable  and fun for both of you as you cover many miles together this spring/summer.

Happy Trails!

Julie