Ready for a busy day of dog walking? If you’ve
got waste bags, an extra leash, plenty of yummy treats, and good walking shoes,
you may think you are all set. But you’ll also need to pack your patience and
creative problem-solving skills too, especially if the dog you are walking
won’t go potty.
While it would be pawsome if you could give each and every
dog you walk the right amount of time for them to go potty at their leisure, sometimes
you simply may not have the wiggle room in a busy schedule of back-to-back
appointments. What do you do then?
In this guide, we’ll explore simple tips you can use to
calmly encourage your furry client to relax and go while on a leashed walk. But
first, let’s take a look at why a dog may refuse to go potty.
Whether it’s your first walk with a dog, or the 100th,
it can be quite frustrating when they just won’t go. If you are on a walk with
a dog who won’t go potty, it may be that:
- The dog is nervous. Dogs love consistency, and can be upset by a
change in their environment. If you are walking a dog that has just moved, it’s
your first walk together, or you are exploring a new route, they may not feel comfortable
enough to go.
- The dog dislikes certain surfaces. On a walk,
you could encounter grass, dirt, sand, pavement, gravel, leaves and debris, or rocks
and pebbles. If the dog isn’t used to some of these surfaces, they may not feel
safe enough to potty on them.
- The dog isn’t comfortable on a leash. Some
rescues may not be comfortable with being on a leash yet, or they may associate
it with negative things. Other dogs may simply feel too restrained to do their
normal sniffing around to find the pawfect spot, especially if the leash is
short or held tight to give them no leeway.
- The dog is getting a speed walk rather than a potty walk. A walk that
is too fast or doesn’t allow for any stops won’t give the dog an opportunity to
actually go potty.
- The dog was improperly trained. Sometimes,
a dog can associate a punishment for peeing or pooping indoors with going potty
in front of someone. This can make the dog think that they are not supposed to
go when someone is near them, or watching them. And rescues are often forced to
go potty indoors, which can make them uncomfortable with going outside.
- You are showing your frustration. If you are
acting upset, or trying to hurry the dog along, the dog may misinterpret your
actions as meaning that they shouldn’t go right then. They are simply trying to
make you happy and may think you need them to stop wasting time sniffing
around.
- The dog simply doesn’t have to go potty. At times,
a dog may just not need to go, no matter where you go or how long the walk is.
- The puppy isn’t leash trained yet. While it
is unlikely a puppy won’t need to pee or poop on a walk, it is highly likely
they will get distracted by the leash, or the stuff outside, and simply not get
down to business until they are properly leash trained.
Dog walking can be a lot of fun, but it still takes patience
and a responsible attitude. The pet parent and their dog are counting on you,
so what can you do to help them feel comfortable?
#1 Always Take Potty Walks
Be sure to take an easy-going, relaxed walk that allows the
dog to take plenty of stops to properly find the pawfect spot. No speed walks
here!
#2 Keep the Leash Loose
Keeping the leash loose can help dogs not feel so restrained
and allow them to explore at their leisure. Using a longer leash may help
anxious dogs have a little more space too.
#3 Try a Quiet Route
If noises or crowds are startling the dog, try a route away
from busy roads and sidewalks to give them a chance to relax.
#4 Stay Focused on the Dog
Dog walking all day can seem monotonous, but don’t tune out
or stay glued to your phone! You’ll need to pay attention for physical cues
that the dog you are walking needs to stop to do their business.
#5 Return to Previous Potty Spots
If
there are spots where they have gone potty on other walks, be sure to take them
back there. The familiar surface, area and scents will encourage them to go
there again.
#6 Keep a Positive Attitude
Dogs are highly sensitive to our emotions, so be patient and
positive. Don’t try to hurry them up or stare at them, just quietly give them
plenty of time to do their thing. If you feel frustrated, take a deep breath
and smile, and if the dog still won’t go, head on home.
#7 Give Lots of Treats and Praise
When the dog does go pee or poop for you on a walk, be sure
to reward them with plenty of treats and praise! This will give them a good
feeling about the experience, and encourage them to do it again on their next
walk with you.
#8 Be Patient
With Puppies
You’ll never know
what you’ll get on a walk with a puppy, but keeping in mind that they are still
learning will go a long way! Never lose your temper, and quietly clean up any
inevitable messes.
#9
Communicate with Pet Parents
You should
always let pet parents know if their dog didn’t go potty on your walk. But a
chat with them may also reveal their dog’s favorite potty spots, surfaces they
dislike, and if they know any potty commands that you can use. You’ll also need to relate
leash issues or
scared behavior so that it can be worked on at home between walks.
By keeping a
positive attitude and having lots of patience, you can help the dog you are
walking feel safe and secure, and get down to business!