All dogs, regardless of size or breed, need to be taken on daily walks, jogs, runs, bike rides, rollerblading, any means you have to get your dog moving. Taking your dog for a walk is an important ritual in keeping your dog mentally stable. A dog, as an animal, is a walker by instinct. Packs of dogs get up in the morning and walk. The most important thing to remember is this, you walk the dog, do not let your dog walk you.
Walk at a good pace, keeping your shoulders held high. Dogs can sense tension or lack of confidence. Walk proud, like you are a strong leader. A dog will respond to this, they will sense it. There should be no tension on the lead and the collar up high on the neck.
When getting ready to walk your dog, call the dog to you, do not go to the dog to put the lead on. After the dog comes to you make him or her sit calmly before snapping on the lead or slipping on the collar. Retractable leashes are not recommended, as they give the handler less control. The way you leave your house and property is also important. Your dog has to go out the door after you. If you put the leash on the dog and or leave the house while the dog is excited and leading you, you will be setting the mood for the rest of the walk to an excited state.
Take your dog to the front door and open the door. Make the dog sit quietly, do not allow the dog to bolt out the door. The dog needs to see you are the one deciding when it is time to leave. As soon as your dog is sitting quietly at the exit it is time to leave. Be sure you exit the house before the dog, even if it is just a step before the dog.
The collar should be far up on the neck, giving you more control over the dog. A body harness is not recommended for walking dogs. Harnesses were designed for pulling. Weight pulling, sled pulling etc.. The harness goes around the strongest point on the dogs body making it difficult to control the dog. Keeping the lead high up on the neck the same way they do in dog shows gives you more control with less effort. There should be no tension in the lead. Do not allow the dog to pull and do not constantly pull on your dog, just relax.
The lead should be short and hang loose. If the dog starts to pull, quickly tug the lead up and to the side throwing him off balance, then hold the lead loosely again. If the dog starts getting too excited and you are not keeping him beside or behind you, stop and make the dog sit. Wait until he is calm than start again. Do not call to the dog when you start walking again, just start walking. Pack leaders do not call the pack to come with them, the pack instinctually follows. The dog needs to learn he is following you, and tune into the person walking the dog. Do not praise your dog for walking calmly. This only creates excitement and you are more likely to pull your dog out of his calm, submissive mind.
The dog is not to sniff the ground and relieve themselves where they please. They are to concentrate on following their handler while walking. The person walking the dog decides when the dog is allowed to sniff or pee, not the dog. It is ok to allow your dog to sniff around and do his business, however, only when you decide it is ok. The dog needs to see you are leading him, he is not leading you.