Taking your dog out for a walk is not always the ideal, leisurely, and enjoyable experience it has often been cracked up to be. Dog personalities differ, as much as moods and temperaments differ. Temperaments are even more pronounced with active and athletic dog breeds. Although most dogs would want an outside walk most of the time, there will be occasions when the dog would rather stay at home. Barring that the dog is ill; you could make every walk in the park as enjoyable an experience for both you and the dog.

Set the pace. Start slowly. Dogs will always be excited during their first time out. Dogs, especially when still untrained, gets easily distracted. It could be a squirrel, pigeons, other dogs, people, no matter; the dog’s attention has to be controlled.

During the initial walks outside, be mindful that the dog is naturally inclined to chase and play. It is often not recommendable to let the dog set the pace, because more often than not, it is hard to keep up with them. The dog will pull and will try to run and just love to romp. It will exert pressure on the leash. This is the more reason why the dog will tire easy. Set the pace. A fifteen minutes walk will already be enough during the first time out.

This could be increased gradually but the dog should be allowed to rest whether it wants it or not. Another reason for this is because of the excitement, the dog will pull hard at the leash that could injure his neck. Even so, the dog will keep on tugging. When the dog is panting hard and the eyes are getting red, it is a sign that the dog is exerting too much pressure on his neck. Rest for a while. If the dog refuses, take him back to your yard to prevent injury.

On subsequent walks, if you notice that your dog gets very excited at the site of other dogs, cats, squirrels, rest, and sit for a while. Calm the dog down. When the dog has calmed, resume the walk. You may be doing this several times but eventually the dog will catch on. When there is no place to sit, just stop walking. The dog will try to tug, get his attention and give the dog a treat or verbal assurances and resume walking.

If you have a particularly energetic pup like a boxer or a retriever, you may want to tire the pup first before introducing him outside. Highly energetic games, for example a game of fetch, would be good to release extra energy, just do not play tug of war with the pup. Playing tug of war will teach your pup to compete with you. Introduce games where you are in control over the pups activities.

If you chose to adopt an energetic/athletic dog, chances are you are athletic as well and love the outdoors. If so, maintain a brisk pace once outside your yard with the puppy. This way, distractions are minimized and tugging at the leash will become less often.

Check out some great recipes:

Canine Meat and Grain Menu

Canine Meat and Grain Menu 2 cups cooked brown rice 2/3 cup Lean beef 2 teaspoons lard — or veggie oil 1/4 cup vegetables — no onion* Supplements Mix the above. You can cook the meat if you want to, use your judgment. Serve slightly warm.*For... [Read more]

BARF Dinner (med size dog)

BARF Dinner (med size dog) 3/4 pound Raw Meat — *see Note 1 egg — raw 1/2 clove garlic — chopped 2 tablespoons yogurt 1 teaspoon honey 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon flax seed oil — *see Note 1 teaspoon kelp seaweed... [Read more]

Beef Twists

Beef Twists 3 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose 1 cup cornmeal 1 package unflavored gelatin 1/4 cup milk 1 egg 1/4 cup corn oil 1 jar Baby food, meat, beef, strained 1 beef bouillon cube 3/4 cup boiling water — or beef stock Dissolve bouillon cube in... [Read more]

Boo’s Biscuits

Boo’s Biscuits 3 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 2 cup Quaker oats 1 cup milk 1/2 cup hot water 2 beef or chicken bouillon cubes 1/2 cup meat drippings Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water. Add milk and drippings and beat. In a separate bowl, mix flour... [Read more]

Corgi Crumpets

Corgi Crumpets 2 1/2 cups cornmeal 1 1/2 cups cake flour 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 egg 2/3 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1 small apple 1 1/3 cups water 1/2 cup rolled oats Preheat oven to 350. In a... [Read more]

Flea Hater’s Dog Biscuits

Ingredients: 1 cup flour 1/4 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup brewer’s yeast (available at health-food stores) 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 clove garlic, chopped medium, or 1 teaspoon powdered garlic (optional**) 1/2 cup chicken... [Read more]

Carob Cornered Crunchies

Carob Cornered Crunchies 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour 1 egg 1/4 cup applesauce 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 beef bouillon — or chicken 1/2 cup hot water1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon molasses 1 cup carob bar — about Mix all ingredients together... [Read more]

Baby Food Doggie Cookies

Baby Food Doggie Cookies 3 jars baby food, meat, beef, strained — *see Note 1/4 cup cream of wheat — *see Note 1/4 cup dry milk Combine ingredients in bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on well-greased cookie sheet. Flatten... [Read more]

Birthday Cake for Pups

Birthday Cake for Pups 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 cup soft butter 1/2 cup corn oil 1 jar baby food, meat, beef, strained 4 eggs 2 strips beef jerky — (2 to 3) Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour an 8x5x3... [Read more]

Bone Bonanza

Bone Bonanza 1/2 pound ground beef — uncooked 1/4 cup chicken broth 1/3 cup black beans, cooked — mashed 1/3 cup cottage cheese 1 teaspoon soy sauce Combine ground meat and chicken broth in a bowl. Add the black beans and cottage cheese. Add... [Read more]