Walking an anxious pet ? 4 things to consider

Walking an anxious pet is stressful. Your dogs will either be pulling or refuse to leave the house. When you got your dog, you imagined taking long walks after dinner. But unfortunately, your pup prefers the backyard or the small patch of grass at the back of your condominium building. It is never too late for your pup to get into the spirit of walking with you. It will require a lot of patience, but with a few tips and consistency, your dog will love walks in no time.  
 
If your dog hates walks, taking them for a long walk might not be a good idea. Also, a hike or a park visit is not ideal until they embrace this new activity. Understanding your dog’s behavior will help you accomplish this goal. What are your dog’s anxiety triggers?  
 
Here are 4 things to consider when walking an anxious pet: 
 
1. Start Slow 
If you have a backyard, you can start to leash train while your dog is in a familiar place. This method can also work in the small area outside of your condominium or apartment building. Your dog needs to get comfortable with a leash and harness. Leash reactivity is not uncommon for previously leash-free dogs. Maybe your dog is an office dog and only goes out for potty breaks or to enjoy playtime in your backyard? Do not forget to pack a few treats to reward your pet for good behavior. Once you get started, keep the walking route consistent and keep walks short. Try not to make any changes until they have advanced from a timid walker to a confident one.  
 
2. Body Language  
Study your dog’s body language. For example, is your dog pacing, leaning back with its tail tucked or are their ears back? A lowered body posture is also an indicator of discomfort.  
 
3. What are the symptoms of anxiety?  
Your dog might not have anxiety. Before making this assumption, you need to look at the signs closely. How does your dog react to new routines? In other words, dogs like to know their surroundings. Dogs are also creatures of habit who use scent as a marker. New scents can be overwhelming. You have probably noticed that your dog constantly stops and sniffs when walking a new route. They can smell other dogs and animals. For dogs, the sense of smell is a navigation system. It helps them know where they are and how to find their way home. Here are a few anxiety symptoms: depression, excessive barking, panting, destructive chewing and shivering. Your dog will also exhibit these symptoms even when you are not going for a walk.  
 
4. CBD Might Help 
CBD drops or chews may reduce anxiety in dogs. Consider a CBD product for dogs. Some pet owners swear by this and report it has helped them manage their dog’s anxiety symptoms. Give your dog a little CBD for dogs before a walk to help your dog focus better and not get distracted by things that may trigger anxiety.