Healthy Dog Treats Offer Better Walks and Wagging Tails!

Walking your dog should be a bonding experience filled with tail wags, not tug-of-war! But let’s be real here, sometimes your dog’s leash behavior needs a little polishing. Whether you’ve got a curious sniffer, a reactive Rover, or a nervous Nellie, reinforcing good behavior with healthy treats can make every step smoother for you and your dog! Below, Lauri Partanio from Tampa’s own Professional Pets Florida, LLC, offers helpful tips and expertise. 

First, let’s address how long a daily walk should be for the average dog. According to Lauri, “Much like a good belly rub … a daily walk really depends on the dog! I generally recommend a walk of at least 30 minutes to an hour per day to provide sufficient physical exercise and also mental stimulation through sniffing and exploring.” 

But, if your dog is easily stressed, Lauri recommends, “Start with very short walks, 5-10 minutes, and gradually increase the duration as they adjust. And always end the walk on a positive note!”

Real-Life Inspiration

Dog trainer Nicole Wilde shared a touching story about working
with a fearful dog named Sierra. Using treats and 
consistent “exposure therapy,” Sierra went from
panicked to peacefully walking in the park.

Positive reinforcement is always a plus! Let’s explore how treats can be your best friend during the walk!

Treats are Your Best Walking Buddy

Using healthy, high-value treats while walking your dog is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reward and reinforce good behavior. Think of them as little doggie paychecks for a job well done! 

• Reward early and often: Praise your pup and offer a high-value treat when they walk nicely beside you or “look at a trigger without reacting to create a positive association.”  
• Keep it healthy: Choose small, low-calorie treats made from real ingredients. Bonus if they're from a company like Marcy's Pet Kitchen because we make treats for sensitive tummies! 
• Use a treat pouch: Keep it handy so you're always ready when your dog checks in or ignores distractions. Or keep our On-the-Go Dog Treats handy in your pocket! 
  
  
  

On-the-Go Peanut Butter Bites by Marcy's Pet Kitchen®

When Distractions Strike (And They Will!)

Dogs are naturally curious, and the great outdoors is full of interesting things, including squirrels, new smells, people, other dogs, bikes, cars, and more! (Or perhaps your pup is fearful or anxious or leash-reactive.) 

A Small French Bulldog Pulling Toward a Distraction Outside

If your pup gets distracted or overstimulated, remain patient and use positive reinforcement, along with lots of yummy treats, to build positive associations.  

• Use high-value treats: Save the super special snacks (think healthy Marcy’s Pet Kitchen Dog Treats) for the most distracting moments and celebrate even the smallest wins and every end to a walk.
• Start small: Practice in your backyard or on a quiet street. Seek out less busy streets or quiet parks at off-peak hours to help your dog feel their safest. 
• Use redirection: Call their name, make a kissy sound or gently change direction. 
• Be proactive: If you spot a potential trigger, reward your dog before they react. Always use calm encouragement, talk in a soothing voice and reward all positive behaviors!
• Create distance: Cross the street or put space between your dog and the distraction. Lauri reminds us that "it's your job to protect them from overwhelming situations, so don't be afraid to create or ask for space." 

💡 Marcy’s Tip

Use a “Find It” game to break any tension and refocus your pup
by tossing a few treats on the ground to engage their sniffing
instincts and positively distract them!

💡 Lauri's Tip

Or, use the "Look at Me" game when a trigger appears. Ask your dog to make eye contact with you, and then reward them. 

Small White Dog Demonstrating the Look at Me Eye Contact

The Final Bark

Leash manners don’t happen overnight, but with consistency, patience, and a pocket full of healthy and high-value treats your dog can’t ignore, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your dog learns to love their walks by your side. 

“Remember, every dog is an individual, and what works for one might not
work for another. With patience, consistency, and a whole lot of love,
you can help your nervous or reactive dog discover the joy of walks!”
(Lauri Partanio, Professional Pets Florida, LLC)

Whether you're exploring the same sidewalk or sniffing out new paths, remember, every walk is a chance to build trust, encourage calm, and share some joyful bites along the way because good behavior deserves something really tasty for your furry best friend!

 Always Reward Naturally® with our brand-new
On-the-Go Dog Treats from Marcy’s Pet Kitchen, the Friendliest Dog Treat Company!

Our New On-the-Go Dog Treats by Marcy's Pet Kitchen

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Marcy and Barkley of Marcy's Pet Kitchen