You don't need a lot of equipment to walk a dog. A collar and simple rope lead is usually enough unless you have an exceptionally strong dog then maybe you need a chain lead to ensure the dog doesn't break loose in an excited moment.
One essential tool for rehabilitating an unpredictable or aggressive dog is a good fitting muzzle it keeps everyone safe. Your dog is extremely sensitive to your state of mind. If you become nervous so will he therefore it's essential you stay relaxed.
That's a tall order when you live in fear of what might happen in an emergency. Your fear of a serious injury to your dog or another dog or child will keep you tense and you cannot rehabilitate a nervous dog unless you remain calm.
Owners often look at me in panic when I suggest muzzling their dog as if it's a confession of defeat but it's exactly the opposite. It's the start of rehabilitation.
Once you know the worst your dog can do is bump into another dog you will feel a lot more relaxed and that relaxation will go straight through to your dog.
Remember an unbalanced dog has to draw reassurance from a calm source and you can't supply that if you are as unbalanced as he is. You will be amazed the difference a slack lead and a calm owner can make to a nervous dog.
That muzzle is going to free both you and your dog from unwanted stress and with stress levels subsiding rehabilitation is inevitable.
If you need help with you dog you can join one of my classes at www.vicbarlow.com or text me on 07590-560012 for details.
