A dog behaviourist has shared the “common mistakes” owners make that cause their pets to play up and ignore them. Will Atherton, who is known on social media as @iamwillatherton, has taken to TikTok to share the biggest issues he notices owners make when walking their dogs on a lead. He says it only teaches the animal to pull harder on the lead each time the mistake is made and “reinforced” through incorrect training.
In the caption, he wrote: “Loose lead heel walking is something I honestly think every owner can achieve and genuinely makes me sad when I see people struggling so badly, and never getting to experience how nice a dog walk should be.”
Sharing the common mistakes, he explains: “The first mistake might seem obvious, but it's just not teaching your dog what heel actually means. We can't be annoyed with them if they're doing something, and we haven't put the hard work in to teach them what it is that we want from them.
“Instead, it could be quite an easy process, and a really fun one that you can do with lots of treats and rewards.”
While acknowledging the second mistake is tougher as it might require some self-reflection, he says your dog needs to see you as a “high level canine leader.”
He says your dog needs to “want to follow your guidance and direction”. Finally, he notes many dog owners use the wrong equipment when walking their dogs, saying it causes their pet to pull harder and harder.
He explains: “Harnesses and flexi leads are the biggest culprit, in my opinion. Once your dog is walking beautifully, and it's not an issue, walk them on whatever you want.
“But, while we're training, make sure you're using the right tools for the job, which for me, nine times out of 10, is a simple slip lead.”
According to the expert, these are the three main things you need to know. It should help to make many pet owners' walking experiences run much more smoothly.
Commenting on his post, one user said: “Really useful tips, thank you! What age can a slip lead be used? We have a five-month-old cocker spaniel.”
Another user added: “My 16-week-old staffie is doing well with walking been off lead past two days a few minutes at a time as training going really well – comes back on call back.”
A third user said: “I have had a behavioural specialist work on my spaniel, but we still cannot get him walking on a lead. I have tried classes and so many ‘guaranteed anti pulling' leads/harnesses. With still no luck!”
One more user added: “My biggest mistake was rescuing a Husky.”
