For dogs, a walk is not just an event meant for going to the toilet. Outdoors, there is a whole other world full of exciting things that your dog would not experience at home. For example the smell of grass, the smell of concrete, other dogs, cars, and bicycles. There may even be a big truck or motorcycle speeding by startling your dog with their loud engine noise.

Exposure to any of these stimulants is a precious new experience for your pet, and must be taken advantage of as a good socialization tool.

When taking your dog outside, be sure to put on a leash (two if possible; one on the collar and one on the harness), and to not let him/her stray too far. Carrying your dog when walking through unfamiliar places may also help. There will be many things that your dog will display an interest in outdoors, but the trick is to try to get your dog to focus on you (the owner) as much as possible so that accidents such as your dog running out onto the road suddenly or eating strange things of the ground may be avoided. For training purposes, having a treat in your hand that you use only when going outside, is a good idea. Hold the treat in your left hand and let your dog have a sniff as you walk. After walking a few meters, stop, give your dog a command “sit” “wait” and then give him/her the treat when he/she obeys. If there is something on your walk route that your dog always reacts to (barks at, or is afraid of), using this treat technique specifically at these spots will help your dog overcome any anxieties.

For dogs that tend to pull on the leash and try to take you in the direction they want to go, the trick is to not let them lead you, but to pull your dog in the direction you want to go, to make sure he/she knows that you are in charge.

By taking it one step at a time, and helping your dog learn, he/she will come to naturally acquire the ability to adapt to his/her surroundings in any situation.