Pet Bucket Blog

Image credit Cats are known for their independence, but that does not mean they do not enjoy companionship. If you are away from home for long stretches of time, your solo cat could get lonely and depressed. Introducing a new cat into the household can alleviate that boredom and give your cat more social interaction.    While the long-term benefits of having two cats are clear, it is not always easy to convince a resident cat to accept the newcomer. It is important to exercise caution when introducing a new kitten or adult cat to your existing pet. The following tips can help ensure the introduction is positive and that your new pet gets off to a great start.   Keep the cats separated at the beginning. Set up a dedicated space for your new cat and allow it to become acclimated before beginning the introduction. Give the cat a few days to get used to all the new sights, sounds and smells before introducing the resident cat.   Set up food dishes on each side of the isolation room door so the two cats can smell and hear one another. Feeding the cats in this manner will also help them associate those sounds and smells with a positive experience.    Have the two cats switch places by placing the resident cat in the isolation room and letting the new cat explore the home. This will get the two cats used to each others' scents and give the new cat more time to become comfortable with its surroundings.    Take a new towel and use it to groom both cats. Let the new cat use the towel as a bed for a day or two, then let the resident cat use it in the same way. This will help the cats get used to each others' smells.    Play with each of your cats near the door of the isolation room. Cuddle both cats and let them play with their favorite toys. This will help build positive associations in both animals.    Use a see-through barrier if you can so the cats can see one another but not touch. A baby gate works well for this purpose. Be ready at the barrier and make sure neither cat can jump over it.    Leave the food dishes in their existing positions, as close to the barrier door as possible. Allow the cats to eat and watch one another. If one or both cats seems uncomfortable and is hesitant to eat, move the food dish a bit further away. Continue this process until both cats are comfortable eating and watching one another.    Open the barrier and allow the cats to interact with one another in a supervised area. Be prepared to intervene if things get violent, but give the cats space to feel each other out and get used to one another.     These tips should help your new cat get off to a good start. Before you know it, the newcomer and the resident cat will be cuddling together, playing together and entertaining one another while you are away.     

If you are looking for a new four-legged family member, there are many reasons to head to the local animal shelter instead of the local breeder. Owning a shelter dog can be very rewarding for you and the animal. Animal shelters and pet rescue organizations do great work and they rely on the support of the community to continue doing what they do best. Image credit   Some would-be dog owners are concerned about adopting a dog from the shelter. Both government-run shelters and private non-profit animal rescue organizations have made great strides, but some myths about shelter animals still persists. Some people fear that shelter dogs are poorly socialized, and that they will not readily adapt to life at home. Others worry that shelter dogs were surrendered by their former owners for temperament or behavioural issues, and that those problems will re-emerge once the dog is in their home.   Image credit   While it is important to evaluate each animal carefully, the above concerns are largely myths. Responsible animal rescue organizations and animal shelters take great pains to evaluate the temperament of every incoming animal, and they strive to match dogs and families carefully. The best organizations will take a number of factors into account to make the right match, from the size of your home to the makeup of your family.   If you are dealing with a reputable animal rescue organization, for instance, the staff may not allow you to adopt a large dog if you live in a tiny apartment. Instead, they may direct you to a smaller animal that will be comfortable laying on your lap and playing in the local dog park. By taking these steps, a good animal rescue organization helps ensure that every pet they adopt will have a long and happy life and a permanent loving home.      Adopting a pet from an shelter or animal rescue organization obviously has benefits for the animal, but it has many benefits for owners as well. When you adopt your next dog from a shelter, you get the satisfaction of saving a life and giving a pet a loving home. Even if you adopt from a no-kill shelter, you are freeing up space for the next dog to be rescued from a bad situation.    You also get a dog that has been carefully evaluated for both health and temperament issues. The staff members of these organizations develop a real feel for the animals they care for, and they learn to spot potential behaviour problems early, when they are easiest to work with. Many animal rescue organizations work with a wide network of pet professionals, from training facilities to veterinary clinics. This network allows them to find underlying health problems and make it easier for the new owners to keep their pets healthy and happy.     Image credit   If you do decide that a shelter dog is the right choice for you, it is important to evaluate the organization carefully. Animal rescue organizations run the gamut in terms of quality and responsibility, from professionally-run groups to places that barely meet the minimum standards. Talking to other pet owners, veterinary clinics and dog trainers can give you a real feel for which organizations deserve your support and which ones are best ignored.    You can expect to complete a thorough application and pay an adoption fee before bringing your new family member home. Many animal rescue organizations also conduct interviews and home visits to make sure you can provide a safe and loving home. While this may seem over the top at first, it is done for the welfare of the pet and the adoptive family. The best organizations work very hard to match pets and people, and their goal is to secure permanent loving homes for every animal they receive.     

Anthrozoologist Dr. John Bradshaw has spent years studying the domestic house cat to discover more about their habits and psychology. According to the University of Bristol cat behaviour expert, our furry feline friends view us as versions of themselves – we are just large, clumsy cats that walk on our back paws.  Image credit   Dr. Bradshaw recently penned the book Cat Sense: How the New Feline Science can Make you a Better Friend to Your Pet, sharing his insights into the cat mind. One of his more interesting conclusions is that cats just don’t ‘get us’ like dogs do.    Extensive research over the years has revealed man’s best friend views us as very different animals to themselves. Their behaviour noticeably shifts when a human enters the room. The way two dogs play together is very different to how they play with one of us.    Image credit   This distinction just isn’t evident when it comes to cats. No sign has been observed which indicates cats see us as anything other than cats much larger than themselves. They socialise with people in exactly the same manner they engage with others of their own kind. The attention they show us, such as rubbing against our legs and sitting beside us is indistinguishable from cat-on-cat affection.     Image credit   The belief cats are haughty creatures that see themselves as better than their human servants is very likely false according to Dr. Bradshaw’s studies. Cats don’t desire to rub up against cats that they believe are of inferior status. If your cat nuzzles against your leg, chances are it views you as an equal, or even as a superior.     Image credit   Dr. Bradshaw used a variety of methods to produce his results. He spent a lot of time watching groups of cats interact in all sorts of environments, including in feral colonies and shelters. He also examined how cats play with toys and designed tests administered at different times of day to see if there were varying results. He further extensively interviewed owners to discover how they perceived their cats and the relationship they shared with them.    Surprisingly little research has been done into cats and Dr. Bradshaw insists a lot more is required. He believes it is important we take the time to consider how our cat’s minds work, rather than projecting human emotions onto them. Unravelling the mysteries of cat world, in his opinion, will only lead to happier pets.    Image credit   You can read more about Bradshaw’s work and his new book here.   

Leaving behind your little bundle of fur even for a few hours is unpleasant, but for your puppy it can be a devastating experience. After being separated from their mother and siblings, many dogs will worry that their owner has also left them forever every time they are alone- even for a short time. This anxiety will often be displayed through barking, howling, whining, panting, scratching furniture and even urinating in the house. As well as driving your neighbours crazy, this behavior can become extremely expensive over time if your dog decides to take out their frustration on your home and possessions. Dealing with separation anxiety early on is critical to ensure the problem doesn't spiral out of control and become a lifelong habit. Image credit   Exercise  One of the best ways to get your dog to be calm and relaxed whenever you leave the home is also the easiest. Like people, bored dogs will find unhealthy activities to occupy their time, such as scattering the contents of the garbage can all over the house or even biting and licking themselves obsessively. Take your dog for a long walk or run in the park just before you leave the house. Try to challenge them mentally as well as physically by playing games such as fetch, hide and seek and practicing basic training techniques. Once your dog is worn out, they'll be far more likely to sleep soundly during your absence.     Distraction  If your dog is crazy about their food, giving them a toy stuffed with a treat may make them oblivious to the fact that you have even left the house. Try filling a Kong or other sturdy toys with peanut butter or pate and placing it in the freezer overnight. You can also buy specially designed toys that you can fill with treats so your dog has to work to get them out. Some owners find that leaving the TV or radio on when they go out helps to comfort stressed-out pups, or you could even try playing a recording of your voice whenever you leave the house.     Discipline  Letting your dog know that you and your family are the leaders of the pack will allow them to settle into life as a pack member and develop their own self-confidence. By demonstrating that you are in control at all times, will help your dog to become less nervous and more accepting of different situations. Never reward your dog's bad behavior with attention as even a negative reaction from you is better than no reaction at all. Instead, always wait until they are calm and in control before giving them praise and affection. Disregard As you enter and exit your home, avoid overexciting your dog by making a fuss of them and speaking in a high-pitched voice. Instead, simply leave your home without speaking to your dog and then refuse to acknowledge them when you return until they are calm. Many owners find it difficult to ignore their dog when they ask for attention, but doing so will help them to grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult.     

While Burmese cats have attracted less attention than some other similar breeds (most notably Siamese), those who have owned one will often say that it is hard to transition to any other breed once you have enjoyed the love of a Burmese. Here are some reasons why these cats can make truly wonderful pets. Image credit   1. Your Burmese will love to have conversations with you. These vocal cats have an opinion about everything and enjoy expressing these opinions at every possible opportunity. Burmese cats tend to speak up when they want something (whether it's a toy, a bowl of food or a cuddle), and some are also quite responsive to vocal commands. This is one of the traits that lead some owners to comment that their Burmese is dog-like in some respects.   2. They can also be taught to fetch, especially if you start training them at a young age. They will retrieve toys, and you might also find that they deliver 'presents' when you least expect it. When your Burmese is looking for attention, they might appear at your feet carrying one of your objects in their mouth (such as a comb, a glove or a sock).   Image credit   3. If you're looking for a cat that is good with small children, a Burmese is one of the best choices. They usually have relaxed dispositions and adore affection. Young children are unlikely to find these cats to be aggressive or timid, and older children will love playing games with a Burmese.   4. Burmese cats are visually stunning. Whether you opt for the round-faced American Burmese or prefer the more angular British Burmese, you will have the chance to choose between many beautiful colours. Common colours are brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, red and cream. These colors appear at their darkest around the cat's 'points' (i.e. the face, ears, feet and tail).   5. If you want to live in a multi-cat household, you will find it advantageous to have a Burmese in the mix. These cats are friendly, adaptable creatures and will typically enjoy the company of other cats. Indeed, it is worth noting that a single Burmese can become bored and lonely if the owner is out for most of the day and there are no other felines around.   Image credit   6. Burmese cats are highly intelligent. While this means you may need to be more careful about locking important doors, it also means that your cat can enjoy puzzle-based toys and will seem to experience a more sophisticated range of emotions.   7. The average Burmese will live for more than fifteen years. Indeed, it is common to see 18-20 year old Burmese cats. As a bonus, this breed is famous for remaining kitten-like well into old age. Even when your cat qualifies as geriatric, you can still expect to see them play and display curiosity (though they will of course need to sleep more between these sessions).     

Your dog is a cherished member of your family. Therefore, you usually have to treat your pet as you would handle a young child. The summer months typically entail more outdoor social activities, so you need to protect your animals from sun exposure and other risks, on holidays and every day.   Here are some of the most common risks and how to avoid them.   Sunscreen and Bug Repellent If your dog will be spending a lot of time outdoors, you'll want to protect him from the elements, namely insects and the sun. Keep your own health and beauty products out of your pet's reach, however. Do not use sunscreen intended for humans on your dog, since you risk skin irritation or even poisoning if he licks it off. Check with your vet to find an appropriate sun protection product for your pet. Likewise, there are shampoos and other skin treatments that also function as insect repellents. Be sure to use only those products recommended by your vet.   Alcohol Under no circumstances should you allow dogs to ingest alcohol. It is poisonous to them, and the consequences of letting them drink alcohol can range from minor illness and behavioral changes to unconsciousness and even death. If you're hosting friends and family for a summer get-together, be sure that guests do not leave any form of alcohol within your dog's reach.   Certain Foods Summer picnics and parties usually feature a range of tasty options...for humans. Do not be tempted to feed your dog scraps from the grill or any other foods not meant for their consumption. There are a number of foods that are toxic to domestic animals. You may be aware of some commonly-cited items like chocolate and onions. To be safe, however, don't offer them anything that is not dog food. Even minor deviations from their regular diet, including the sudden introduction of a new type of pet food, can cause an upset stomach and should be avoided.   Firecrackers and Fireworks Displays Dogs are naturally curious, so they should not have access to fireworks, even when they're unlit. Many contain toxic substances such as arsenic and potassium nitrate. Avoid burns and other injuries by keeping your dog away from lit fireworks and sparklers. Furthermore, even the most  well-adjusted, well-behaved, and extroverted pets should not be exposed to loud events such as public fireworks displays. The noise is  bothersome to their sensitive hearing, and they could become anxious being in a loud, crowded environment.   Matches, Lighter Fluid, Citronella Candles Essentially, anything that has to do with fire is best kept away from your pet. In addition to the risk of being burned by fire, pets can face respiratory problems from the chemicals in matches and lighter fluid, for instance. Citronella and other oils can cause respiratory and stomach problems. Ingesting any of these materials can also result in severe damage to the animal's nervous system.   For more information, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to  Animals (ASPCA) issues detailed safety guidelines, including tips for major holidays like the Fourth of July.   You've heard of the dog days of summer? Although you may grow tired of the sultry heat by July or August, but by following these simple safety tips, you and your four-legged friend can relax and enjoy the entire season. Image Credit. 

Humans have been training dogs for thousands of years.  So naturally, you might assume that we would have it down to a science by now.  But all too often, new dog owners contribute to canine misbehavior by making honest mistakes that send mixed signals to their four-footed companions.  Unfortunately, these mistakes can lead to long periods of frustration and strained canine/human relations.  Here are a few of the most common mistakes that people make when trying to get their pets trained. Broken Record Syndrome Oftentimes, dog owners repeat a command like “sit” over and over again thinking that repetition will bring results.  Professional dog trainers say, however, that a dog will become desensitized to continuous repetition and will basically learn to ignore the command.  And there are other psychological reasons that a dog doesn’t respond.  For example, strong-willed dogs do not like to lie down because it is an act of submission.  Similarly, submissive dogs may feel unsafe when they are told to lie down.  One of the best things a dog owner can do to elicit proper behavior from their dog is to spend time with them.  Take them for walks.  Play with them.  And make sure you are the one who feeds them.  When a dog feels bonded with its owner, it will respond more readily to commands – even those that they don’t like. Confusing Language A dog owner that is attempting to train their pet should understand a few principles of dog psychology before they get too far into the process.  One of those principles is how dogs understand our words.  Remember, they do not know English, Spanish, or French.  They simply learn to associate a word with an action.  So when you use different phrases for the same command like “sit” and “sit down,” your dog will become confused.  They aren’t cognitively able to understand that “come” and “come here” mean the same thing.  The same goes for non-verbal language as well.  For example, you are sending mixed signals if you pat your leg to get your dog to come to you one day and snap your fingers the next day.  For the best results when it comes to dog training, stick with simple one-word commands where possible and be consistent with your physical hand signals.  Training Session Length Dog training is a process that takes time and patience.  Some dog owners become frustrated because it doesn’t seem that their dog is responding.  It’s important to understand that a new behavior will take several sessions to establish and several more sessions of practice to perfect.  And impatient dog owners who want to get it all done at once are in danger of compromising any progress that may have already been made.  A training session should be fairly short and goal-oriented.  As soon as you observe an obvious behavior result, reward your dog and end the session. Image credit Using Too Much Emotion You might be able to coerce your kids into doing something by displaying anger or acting irritated, but dogs don’t operate that way.  One of the best ways to confuse your dog is to let emotions enter the training session.  Flying off the handle will not lead to positive results and your training session will turn into a confusing torture session for your dog.  Calmness is the best countenance to adopt during your training sessions in order to get things done.  When your dog does not respond correctly, simply regroup and try again. Consistency Not being consistent is one of the most common mistakes that people make when training their dogs.  For example, if you are calm and collected during one training session and overly excited or frustrated the next session, your dog will not be able to predict your response and will live in a state of confusion.  And this makes training much more difficult if not impossible.  You must remember that dogs act in a predictable manner towards other dogs and this consistency is how a dog learns to build trust and rapport with its owner. Save yourself a lot of frustration when it comes to training your dog by getting on the same page that he is on.  Follow these simple guidelines to avoid sending mixed signals to your dog.

It's one of the indisputable laws of nature: what goes in one end must come out the other. It's the question of when and where it comes out that causes problems for the owner of a new puppy. Potty training a new dog is one of the first things you'll want to do, and life will be much more pleasant for everyone once your puppy has mastered this skill.   When your dog is a puppy, he doesn't possess the muscle control of his bowels and bladder to be able to decide when to empty them. He also doesn't understand the language that you will be using to try and teach him the rights and wrongs of when and where to do his business. It's important to remember this - your puppy will need to wee and poo, and there's no point in scolding him if he does it in the wrong place. No dog is a mind reader, and it is your duty, as the owner and pack leader, to communicate how you want things done. Luckily, just by following a few simple rules, you can teach your puppy where it's appropriate to do his business, and hopefully avoid too many unpleasant accidents along the way.   Potty Training Your Puppy - Step 1: Confinement When puppies are newly born, their mother licks them to stimulate them to excrete. After they have finished doing their business, she licks the puppies again, to clean them up.  This means that, as the puppies grow, they develop the desire to want to sleep somewhere that isn't covered in wee and poo. Given a choice, a puppy will instinctively keep their bed area clean. As such, some form of confinement will help your puppy develop the control he needs for successful potty training. The best way to start the confinement stage of potty training is by using a crate.  The crate shouldn't be too big, or else the puppy will be tempted to use one end as a toilet, and the other for sleeping.  If your puppy is going to grow to a big size within a few months, and you don't want to be buying several crates, it is possible to get one that's partitioned, enabling you to increase the area as the puppy grows, whilst still being able to keep it the right size for potty training. Potty Training Your Puppy - Step 2: Training and Praise Many dog trainers use a leash or a lead when potty training puppies. Making use of a leash ensures that you can keep the dog close to you, which will give you control over where your dog will eliminate.  It's best to use a slip-type lead for ease and speed of putting it on; even if your puppy is still a bit young to be lead trained, you can still slip it over his head and carry him outside.  Young dogs are easily distracted and can mentally stray from the job in hand, so a little tug on the leash will help refocus their mind.   Pick a suitable area of your garden as the potty corner, behind the shed, for example. With your puppy on a leash, guide him down there every time you feel he is ready to do his duty, and before long, he will go there of his own accord. The words you use whilst your puppy is doing his business are also important, as they help reinforce the potty training effort.  Be consistent, and make sure it's easy to say, because whatever phrase you choose, you'll be using it a lot! "Go potty" for wee, and "Go poop" for poo are effective, although you can use whatever words you feel most comfortable with. The most important word you need to teach your puppy is 'Outside'.  Every time you take your puppy outside, use it repeatedly, in a bright and cheery tone. Dogs love to be outside, as they associate it with freedom and playtime. Eventually, just saying the word 'outside' will have your puppy running for the door in excitement. Once you are outside, put your puppy down and change the emphasis to the 'go potty' or' go poop' command, whichever you have chosen.  Let your puppy have a sniff around the area and move about until they feel settled, but keep them within the space you have decided to make their potty area.  Use a little nudge on the lead if he gets distracted, and repeat the 'go potty' command.  Make sure you say the command in a friendly and encouraging tone; you don't want to sound firm or angry, nor do you want to be pleading for him to do it. Then, when he starts to do his business, give him verbal encouragement in a happy and pleasant tone of voice.   Be sure to only use verbal praise, as any physical petting can disturb the motion in progress.  Dogs will usually wee first then poo, but you will quickly learn your own dog's routine, and be able to encourage him to wee or poop appropriately. Image credit Potty Training Your Puppy - Step 3: Timing As your puppy learns the rules of elimination, they will start to earn themselves freedom from the crate. The best time to allow your puppy out is when he's just done his business, but he will still need to be closely supervised.  The key is to be constantly observant of your dog's behavior and body language, so you can anticipate what's going to happen.  All puppies and dogs will have their own idiosyncratic behavior which signals that they need to go potty.  These may include circling, sniffing, stopping an activity abruptly, or running out of the room. If you spot these signs, take your puppy outside and follow the procedure for having them poop in the right place. Your dog will also need to go outside if there's a change in circumstances, for example, after a walk, a sleep or eating. A rule of thumb is that the age of the dog, in months, is the time, in hours, that the puppy can cope between potty breaks. For example, a one month old puppy can cope for one hour, but a four month puppy can cope for four hours. This is true up to around seven months in age, by which point, hopefully your puppy will be fully potty trained. Potty Training Your Puppy - Step 4: Accidents There will still be accidents whilst you're potty training your puppy. If you should catch him whilst he's doing his business, a loud hand clap to distract him, and a firm, low voice to communicate your displeasure will be enough to drive the message home. You don't want to terrify him, but you do want him to know you're unhappy.  Quickly scoot him outside with your friendly and encouraging 'outside' voice.  Then, if he continues what he started, heap on lots of praise. There is no point whatsoever in punishing your puppy when he has weed or pooped in the wrong place at the wrong time. The message your puppy will receive from such a punishment is that they should only wee or poop when you're not around, which will only cause even more problems.  Think of such an accident as an opportunity to teach your puppy how to do things correctly. As with every lesson in life, the more it is repeated, the quicker it is learned.

Bringing a new dog or puppy home is an exciting and joyful time for families, but the furry newcomer may not be a welcome addition for every family member; namely, the resident cat. Cats don't always take well to change, and when a new pet enters their domain, their stress levels can rise. The good news is, cats and dogs can and do live together in peace and can even become the best of friends. What's important is to make sure the cat is properly acclimated to the new family member. Here's how: Give the cat a space of her own. Cats need a place where they can feel safe from outside stressors. A separate room where the new dog or puppy can't go works well. Or, block off the upstairs so the cat can roam freely on a different level of the house. Be careful not to isolate the cat completely, though; instead, allow the cat to view the new pet from a distance and to become familiar with its scent.  Show that the new dog isn't a threat. Have the cat observe your behavior with the new dog to prove that the newcomer is not a threat. By watching and listening to your gentle interaction while you're training the puppy or just quietly bonding, the cat will associate positive feelings with the new animal. Crating the new dog at night or when you are not home also helps alleviate threat issues for cats. Supervise the cat and dog during early introductions. Always supervise the cat and new dog while they are getting acquainted to avoid harm to either animal. It's a good idea to keep the new dog on a leash during early introductions, too, so that you can restrain the dog if it gets too rambunctious or tries to chase the cat. Praise and offer treats to both pets for good behavior.   Image credit Keep cat routines the same. Showing resident cats that nothing concerning them has changed, despite the new dog, helps them feel secure. Keep the cat's feeding schedule the same, continue daily play sessions, and let the cat spend time snuggling with you--even if this means separating yourself from the new dog. If you have other pets, let the cat spend time with them too, away from the new pup. Expect the cat to hiss. Cats often hiss at new pets. It's a natural defense mechanism and a way to show seniority.  A resident cat's hissing or batting at a new dog or puppy may actually be a good thing because it helps avert further negative behavior; most dogs will back away when a cat offers this type of warning. Be sure to intervene if the dog or cat shows signs of aggression. Don't force the relationship. Forcing a cat to like a new pet before the cat is ready could backfire. Give the cat opportunities to get comfortably close to the new dog, and don't worry if the process is slow. Some cats adjust quickly to change while others take a long time. The cat will eventually realize that the dog is here to stay and will adjust. If you're bringing a new dog into the home, take the time and effort to acclimate the newcomer to the family cat. Doing so is key to a happy, stress-free environment for your pets--and you.

It doesn’t matter if you’re walking just one dog or 10 at a time; you can keep them in line if you’ve established yourself as the pack leader. Here are six tips for walking your dog in a way that establishes your authority. 1. Use a short leash Using a short leash gives you more control, which is essential for establishing yourself as the pack leader. Attach the leash to the top of the dog’s neck; this will allow you to more easily guide your dog. 2. Stay in front If your dog has a sense of control during the walk, he will see himself as the pack leader. But your dog will see you as the pack leader when you walk in front of it. This starts from the moment you leave the house. Make sure you walk through the door first. The dog can walk behind you or beside you. 3. Walk for a minimum of 30 minutes in the morning Don’t end the walk as soon as your dog relieves itself. Set aside at least 30 minutes for walks, and go for as many as 60 minutes if possible. The needs of each dog breed are different. Consult your veterinarian, and monitor your dog’s behavior to ensure its needs are being fulfilled.   Image credit 4. Reward your dog on your terms After your dog has relieved himself, allow him to wander about sniffing around.  However, you will need to dictate the beginning and the end of “reward” time. If he resists your tug on the leash, tug a bit harder until he obeys your “command” to start walking. Never yank your dog around. Gentle tugs on the leash should be sufficient enough for him to follow your lead. 5. Stay in the lead Stay in the lead even after you’re done walking. Make your dog wait as you remove her leash and/or remove your shoes. 6. Reward her after the walk By giving your dog a meal or snacks after you walk, she will realize that she has to “work” for food. These are just some tips to get you started on the road to becoming your dog’s clear pack leader. There are some important reasons to establish this leadership role. The only way you can successfully do it is to be consistent and disciplined in your approach.