Multi-tasking gets tough when it involves a baby in a stroller in one hand and a canine in the other. Professional dog trainer Danielle Hodges gives new parents a few quick tips on how to make going on a walk easy, starting from the front door to making it down the street.
1. Teach a good “wait” or “stay” at the front door. This is a lifesaver when you’re trying to get the baby bag, the baby, and all your gear ready to head out on the walk. If your dog is constantly charging out the door and getting underfoot, it can be dangerous and also annoying!
2. Get the right gear. If your dog is a puller, consider a no-pull front harness to take the edge off and prevent him from actually pulling you over.
3. Make sure your leash is the right length. If it’s too tight, it can actually increase pulling, and if it’s too loose, it will get caught in the wheels! Avoid extendable leashes and buy a regular leash that’s under 6 feet long.
4. Don’t clip, tie or fasten the leash to the stroller handle and avoid wrapping it too many times around your hand. It’s tempting to do this when we need to pick up a poop or if our baby has lost a shoe a few feet back, but it can be very dangerous. If you wrap the leash around your hand too many times and your dog suddenly darts out at something, he may actually pull your stroller over because the leash can’t untie itself quickly! Tying around the waist is always a great option.
5. Walk the dog on the “polite side.” A stroller and dog take up a lot of sidewalk space. Walk your dog so that he’s on the opposite side of oncoming people and the stroller is between. The stroller can act as a visual barrier for reactive dogs and also prevents the dog from pulling across the sidewalk where people are trying to walk.
Courtesy Danielle Hodges
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Follow the Leader Inc
followtheleaderinc.com