Mention the word “walk” to most dogs and they’ll go ballistic. They love it. It’s a wonderful pastime with the added benefit of bonding with your dogs and exercise for both of you. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you walk your dogs.
SAFETY FIRST
There are some concerns of safety when walking dogs in a neighbourhood –
- First, plan your route by walking the route without your dogs. Choose a route which has secure gates on houses you will pass to ensure dogs can’t get out.
- Microchip your dog in case it gets loose.
- Check your harness or collar and lead. Any signs of fraying or wear and tear can very quickly cause a lead or collar to come apart. Try not to use a retractable lead; if you should drop the handle, it will frighten your dog and cause him to run away from it, and because it’s attached, he can never get away from it. Retractable leashes have been known to injure people as well. If the dog is moving and you try to gain more control by taking hold of the lead, it can burn your hands. Ensure that the harness or collar is fitted correctly. Some dogs learn to back out of a collar; if It’s loose around the neck, the dog will get out of it.
- If walking at night, choose reflective gear and shoes to enhance your visibility to motorists.
- Walk with a hiking stick or spare leash. Should a dog get out of the yard, you have something you can try to use to protect yourself or your dog. A spare leash can come in handy by swinging it like a helicopter above your head. It can scare off a would-be attacking dog.
SNIFF TIME
Not only does a walk provide exercise for your dog, but it also provides mental stimulation for them when they’re out. Sniffing is an important part of a dog’s life – they get to catch up on the happenings in the neighbourhood by sniffing lampposts, trees and bushes. Dogs leave urine as a means of communication to other dogs. As dogs have superior smelling ability they pick up on many things when smelling the urine or faeces left behind by other dogs. They can pick up on the sex of the dog, their health, whether or not they are spayed or neutered, and probably other things that we are unaware of.
THE WORLD IS NOT SUCH A SCARY PLACE
When dogs are left in the yard, day in and day out, their ability to cope with the outside world can diminish, which can lead to reactivity. When walking them often, they continue to develop a sense of knowing the world and that the big garbage truck that just passed by isn’t a threat – it’s just very noisy. The lady with a pram is just that. When we get dogs, we should be aware of the responsibility we have to them, and walking them is part and parcel of that responsibility.
WATER AND POOP PACKETS
In our hot summers dogs can get thirsty very quickly, so take a water bottle with you. One that attaches to your belt is best, as your hands are free. Be aware of the breed of your dog. Short-muzzled dogs such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Pekingese and Pugs, for example, are prone to overheating very quickly, as are some longhaired dogs. Walking when it’s cooler, or doing shorter distances, is better.
Clean up your dog’s poop! Nuff said!
TIMING
Choosing a time of day to walk is something to take into consideration. At midday, the surface of the road can soar. If it’s 25 degrees outside, the asphalt temperature can soar to 50 degrees. These temperatures can severely burn your dog’s feet. Keep your hand on the tar for at least 10 seconds. If your hand can’t handle the heat, neither can your dog’s feet. When owners are home, dogs tend to bark less at passersby. So, walking after p.m. or early in the morning can allow for a pleasant walk.
TRAINING
So many of us don’t know how to walk our dogs. When dogs pull (especially large ones), it can create an unpleasant walking experience. The rule that I follow is to stop when the dog pulls. When the leash slackens, continue walking. This method can take time; however, coupled with breaking the walk into smaller bits such as changing direction often, stopping, starting, and training basic obedience on the walk, it will help to improve your dog’s leash walking skills.
Carry treats with you to reward your dog for walking nicely. Training focus exercises help you to manage your dog better. For example, your dog might bark at the dog passing by on the other side of the road. If you’ve trained him to sit and watch you, you can divert his attention to you instead of him possibly lunging out at another dog.