My dog always runs away when we go on walks together—how can I get her to stay by my side?

 

"Why does my dog always run away when we go on walks together?"

If you're asking yourself this question, don't worry - you're not alone. Many dog owners have struggled with this issue at one time or another.

There are a number of possible reasons why your dog might be running away from you on walks. It could be that they're simply not used to walking on a leash, or they may be trying to chase after something that caught their attention. Whatever the reason, it's important to try to figure out why your dog is running away so you can address the issue and make sure it doesn't happen again.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your dog from running away on walks:

 

Use a body harness instead of a traditional collar.

If you're having trouble getting your dog to stay by your side during walks, it might be time to consider using a body harness instead of a traditional collar. Here's why:

1. A body harness provides more control. When your dog is wearing a traditional collar, she can easily slip out of it and run away. With a body harness, you can keep a better grip on your dog and prevent her from running off.

2. A body harness is more comfortable for your dog. A traditional collar can rub and irritate your dog's skin, especially if it's tight. A body harness is much more comfortable and won't cause your dog any discomfort.

3. A body harness can help you train your dog. If you're having trouble teaching your dog to walk calmly by your side, a body harness can help. With a harness, you can gently guide your dog and help her learn to stay by your side.

4. A body harness is safer for your dog. If your dog is a puller, a body harness can help prevent her from injuring herself. A harness will distribute the force of her pulling evenly across her body, instead of concentrating it on her neck.

5. A body harness is more versatile. You can use a body harness for a variety of activities, such as hiking, running, or even sledding. And, if you have more than one dog, you can use a harness with a leash attachment to walk them both at the same time.

If you're looking for a way to get your dog to stay by your side during walks, a body harness is a great option. It's more comfortable for your dog, it provides more control, and it's safer and more versatile than a traditional collar. So, why not give it a try?

 

Use a small length of rope to tie your dog's leash to your belt loop instead of holding it.

If you have a dog that likes to run away when you go on walks, you can use a small length of rope to tie the dog's leash to your belt loop instead of holding it. This will help to keep your dog close to you and prevent them from running off.

When choosing a rope to use, make sure that it is strong and durable so that it can withstand being pulled on by your dog. You also want to make sure that the rope is not too long, as this could cause your dog to get tangled up.

Once you have chosen a rope, simply tie it around your dog's leash and then to your belt loop. Make sure that the knot is tight and secure so that your dog cannot slip out of it.

If you find that your dog is still able to run away, you can try using a longer rope or even a leash with a clip. This will help to keep your dog close to you and make it more difficult for them to escape.

Remember, the best way to keep your dog from running away is to prevent them from getting the opportunity to do so in the first place. By using a small length of rope to tie their leash to your belt loop, you can help to keep your dog close to you and make it more difficult for them to run away.

 

Choose the right leash for your dog.

When it comes to choosing the right leash for your dog, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. The first thing you need to think about is what type of leash is best for your dog. There are two main types of leashes, the retractable leash and the standard leash. The retractable leash is a great option for dogs who like to explore and run around. This type of leash gives your dog the freedom to roam around while still being under your control. The only downside to this type of leash is that it can be dangerous if your dog gets tangled in it or if it breaks.

The standard leash is a good option for dogs that are well behaved and stay close to their owner. This type of leash is also a good choice for dogs that are not very active. The only downside to this type of leash is that it can be difficult to keep track of your dog if they wander off.

Once you have decided on the type of leash, the next thing you need to think about is the size. The size of the leash should be based on the size of your dog. If you have a small dog, you will want to get a leash that is shorter so they cannot get tangled in it. If you have a large dog, you will want to get a leash that is longer so they can explore more.

The last thing you need to think about when choosing the right leash for your dog is the material. The most common materials for leashes are nylon and leather. Nylon leashes are more durable and are less likely to break, but they can be more difficult to clean. Leather leashes are more comfortable for your dog and are easier to clean, but they are not as durable.

Once you have considered all of these factors, you should be able to choose the right leash for your dog. If you are still unsure, you can always consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

 

Train your dog to heel on Leash.

I'm sure all of us have seen those TV shows where the dogs are running away and the person is desperately trying to catch them. Well, that's not how it has to be! You can train your dog to heel on leash so that you can enjoy walks together without all the drama. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Start with a short leash. You don't want your dog to feel restricted, but a longer leash will give them more freedom to wander and make it harder for you to keep them close.

2. Use treats or toys to motivate your dog. Every time they walk by your side, give them a treat or let them play with their favorite toy.

3. Be consistent. If you only require your dog to heel sometimes, they're going to get confused and it will be harder to train them. Every time you go for a walk, make sure they heel the entire time.

4. Be patient. Like with any training, this is going to take some time and patience on your part. But if you stick with it, eventually your dog will get the hang of it and you'll be able to enjoy walks together.

 

Try the "Leash-Free" method.

I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out. This method is based on the principle that dogs are pack animals and they crave leadership. By giving them the freedom to roam, they'll naturally follow you and stay by your side.

It's not as easy as it sounds, though. You have to be very patient and consistent with this method. But if you're willing to put in the work, it can be incredibly effective.

Here's how it works:

1. Start by walking your dog on a long leash, giving them plenty of space to roam.

2. As they walk ahead of you, keep your body relaxed and your voice calm.

3. If they start to pull ahead, simply stop and wait for them to catch up.

4. When they reach your side, praise them calmly and continue walking.

5. If they wander off again, repeat the process.

It's important to be patient and consistent with this method. It takes time for dogs to learn that they can't just run off whenever they want. But if you're persistent, they will eventually learn to stay by your side.

The leash-free method is a great way to build a stronger bond with your dog. It requires patience and consistency, but it's worth it. Give it a try and see for yourself!

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However, there are many other methods that can be just as effective, if not more so. One method is to keep your dog on a long lead. This allows you to have more control over your dog and keep them close to you. If they do start to run away, you can easily reel them back in. Another method is to use a head collar. This type of collar goes around the dog's head and muzzle, and gives you more control over them.

If you have a dog that is particularly prone to running away, you may want to consider using a GPS tracking device. These devices can be attached to your dog's collar and will allow you to track their location. This can be a great way to find your dog if they do get lost.

No matter what method you use to keep your dog from running away, the most important thing is to be consistent. If you only use one method sometimes, your dog will eventually learn that they can get away with it. Always use the same method, and be sure to praise your dog when they stay close to you.

 

Don't make walking time anything other than a walk.

Walking your dog should be a peaceful and enjoyable experience for both of you. But if your dog is constantly running away, it can be frustrating and even dangerous.

There are a few things you can do to help your dog stay by your side on walks. The most important thing is to remain calm and confident. Dogs are very good at picking up on our emotions, so if we're stressed or angry, they will likely mirror that.

It's also important to keep walks interesting for your dog. If they know that walking time is just a chance to run around and explore, they're much more likely to stay by your side. Make sure to vary your route and let them sniff around as much as they want.

If your dog is still running away, there may be a deeper issue at play. Dogs often run away because they're afraid or anxious. If this is the case, it's important to seek professional help to address the root of the problem.

In the meantime, keep up your regular walks and don't give up. With a little patience and effort, you and your dog can enjoy peaceful walks together.

 

Takeaway: Try these suggestions if you want your dog to stay by your side while you walk together.

If you want your dog to stay by your side while you walk together, try these suggestions. First, keep your dog on a short leash so he can't wander off. Second, use a treats to reward your dog for staying close to you. Finally, be patient and keep your walks short at first, gradually increasing the length of time you spend walking together. With a little patience and perseverance, you and your dog can enjoy walks together.

 

Conclusion

I hope this post has helped you to understand why your dog always runs away when we go on walks together, and how you can correct the behavior. Remember: it's important to be patient and consistent with your dog!