Did you know that the first week of October is National Walk Your Dog Week? Going for a walk with your canine companion is beneficial every day of the year, but this week is a great time to think about how you can make walks with your dog safer and more enjoyable for you both. Proper walking techniques minimize stress, and they make it much easier to get out and enjoy a stroll with your pup. In honor of Walk Your Dog Week, keep reading to discover a few tips for waking your canine companion.
Start with the Right Gear
The right gear makes all the difference when it comes to going on walks with your dog. If you’ve been using a retractable leash, ditch it. As veterinarians, we’ve seen far too many accidents and injuries caused by these leashes. A regular leash that doesn’t exceed six feet in length is a much safer option. While retractable leashes give your dog more freedom, their length also makes controlling your dog more difficult. Plus, the locking mechanisms on these leashes sometimes disengage at the worst possible times — like when a dog is running toward oncoming traffic.
If you have a small dog, pairing the leash with a regular well-fitting collar should work well. Make sure you can fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. If your pup is a puller, try using a harness instead. When fitting your dog for a harness, it should be snug enough that they can’t slip out of it but not tight enough to restrict their airway or limit motion.
Make Sure Your Pup Has Proper Identification
Your dog needs to wear ID tags every time they leave the house. Even if you’re walking in a familiar area or staying on your own property, ensuring that your dog has proper ID boosts your chances of seeing your furry friend again if they get lost.
Since collars and tags can get lost or damaged, consider having your dog microchipped, too. Microchipping provides a permanent form of identification, and we strongly recommend it for our patients. It’s safe, quick, affordable, and can save you and your pet from a lot of heartache if they ever wander off.
Teach Your Dog to Heel
Many dogs try to take the lead when walking. Being dragged down the sidewalk isn’t much fun for you, though, and straining against a collar or harness isn’t good for your dog. When your dog starts pulling ahead, firmly but gently bring them back while giving the “heel” command. Reward them with a treat when they walk calmly at your side. It takes some time and practice, but teaching your dog to heel makes walks more enjoyable for everyone involved
If your dog just doesn’t seem to be getting the hang of walking nicely on a leash, consider consulting with a trainer or behaviorist. Some pups require more instruction than others, but you can train nearly any dog to walk on a loose leash with patience and perseverance.
Be Mindful of Other Dogs
Encountering other dogs is a common occurrence while walking. Meeting a friendly dog is an enjoyable experience, but facing an aggressive one can quickly make your walk take a tragic turn. Before taking your dog to a new location, go for a walk there by yourself and make a note of any potential problems.
Never approach a strange dog without approval from their owner. And keep in mind that dogs are very sensitive to unfamiliar situations. Even if your dog is usually friendly, they may react differently when face-to-face with a strange dog — especially an aggressive one. Keep your canine companion close to you, and when in doubt about how an interaction with another dog might go, avoid coming in contact with them.
Always Pick Up After Your Pup
Picking up after your pup isn’t fun, but it is basic etiquette. No one wants to step in what your dog left behind, and no homeowner wants to find surprises from your canine companion on their lawn. In some places, you could even face a hefty fine if you fail to clean up after your pet. Plus, leaving behind pet waste poses significant health concerns for people and other animals alike.
It’s unpleasant, but picking up after your dog is an essential part of pet parenthood. If cleaning up after your canine companion is something you struggle with, lots of pooper scoopers make the task a bit less gross.
Give Your Dog Time to Sniff
Taking your dog for a walk isn’t just about providing physical activity. It’s also an opportunity to stimulate your dog’s brain. Giving your dog some extra time to sniff around offers mental stimulation and makes walks even more enjoyable for your four-legged best friend.
Decide what areas are safe and appropriate for your dog to explore, and give them a few minutes to soak up all the smells. Sniffing gives your pup a ton of information and helps them keep up with what’s going on in the neighborhood. Believe it or not, a good sniffing session helps your dog burn off excess energy, too. You might be surprised at just how tired your dog is after a good sniffing session compared to a quick walk without any sniff breaks. If you do a brisk walk in the morning to get to work on time, make sure you try and leave time for sniffing in the evening. Your dog will appreciate it!
Seek Advice from Your Dog’s Veterinarian
As veterinarians, we aren’t just here to help with vaccinations or when your dog feels under the weather. We’re also here to help you be the best pet parent possible. Whether you struggle to get your canine companion to walk nicely on a leash, you aren’t sure how much daily exercise your dog needs, or you have any other questions about caring for your dog, we’d be more than happy to help. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment. And, of course, be sure to get out and enjoy National Walk Your Dog Week with your furry best friend.