CBS 3 Pet Project: A Safe Solution To Dog Walking
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- If you're a dog owner it's important to take your pup on walks and ensure they get plenty of exercise. And it's equally important to walk your dog in a way that's safe for you as well as your pet.
If your dog is a "puller" on walks, your reaction may be to pull them back on the leash. But pulling them by their collar can sometimes hurt your pup, especially if you have a smaller dog.
A better solution is to invest in a good "no-pull" harness that will take the stress off of their neck and help dissuade them from leading the walk.
Instead of attaching the leash to the dog's collar, the leash connected to the "no-pull" harness are at the dog's chest, giving owners greater control of their pet.
Another great option is the "gentle leader" harness which goes over the dog's head and may be ideal for a dog who has a habit of jumping or lunging on walks.
A key thing to remember is to ultimately use a harness that is the right size and fits snugly on the animal.
It's also helpful to bring a few treats with you to help train your pup and reward them when they finally get the hang of walking with you.
Click here for more information and to see a list of adoptable pets from the Pennsylvania SPCA.