In celebration of Be Kind to Animals Week, May 1-7, K9 Kindness is launching our efforts to promote rewarding training for every dog in our community.  Humane, pain free methods of training your dog are easy, effective and fun.   We’re going to feature some ways to bring a more rewarding training method into your dog’s life:

For walking your dog, use leashes and collars that are gentle and effective, such as front clip body harnesses like the Sensation, Easy Walk, or Walk in Sync.  These harnesses are comfortable for your dog, get pressure off their necks (the main reason why most dogs pull on leash), and give you more influence.

Use a simple six foot leash, instead of a retractable leash.  Retractable leashes teach your dog to walk away from you, instead of with you, limiting your influence on walks, and they can cause rope burns to dogs and humans.

These simple tips can make for a more enjoyable walk on both ends of the leash.

Learn more about reward based training and about Be Kind To Animals Week by visiting the American Humane Association.