Dog walking seems simple, but getting the perfect trip can take effort. There are many tips and tricks that you may not know to keep your dog safe and disciplined, like what types of dog leads to avoid and how hot it is to take them out. If you're curious, click on to see how to get the most out of your next dog walk. Without further ado, here are the best tips for walking your pet.
Do: Get a front clip harness.
If your furry friend always pulls on the leash, try a front-clip harness. These harnesses help train your dog to stop pulling.
Do: Let your dogs sniff around.
Dog walks aren't just about exercising and getting your dog to explore the world through smell. Let them sniff around a bit.
Granted, letting your dog sniff everything and anything on the way is unrealistic. However, having a few minutes to stop and smell goes a long way, and dogs get information and stimulation from the things around them.
Remember the water.
When you walk, remember to bring a bottle of water. Next time, get some water for your dog too.
Hydrating your pet is an integral part of the walk. Dogs sweat through panting and need to be hydrated. Drinking water also helps dogs avoid overheating on hot days.
Do: Pick up their poop.
Surely you don't need to be told to pick up your dog's poop. However, there are some essential points that dog walkers need to know.
Poop that isn't picked up can cause health concerns for pets and humans, and harmful organisms can spread quickly. Even local water supplies can be affected when the soil soaks up diseases and bacteria.
Don't: Walk where it's too hot.
Hot pavement can be a dog's worst enemy, especially in summer. To test the pavement's temperature, place a bare foot or hand on the surface for five seconds.
Is it too hot for you? Then it's too hot for your dog, whose paws can be injured in the sizzling heat. Try walking on grass or dirt on the hottest of days, or even invest in some footwear.
Do: Update their ID
You may be able to pick your pet from a lineup or at Rufus and Rusty, but making your dog wear ID tags is very important. Dogs get lost, after all.
Update your dog's tags with the correct address and phone number. It would help if you also talked to your vet about a microchip, which must be updated (it is mandatory in many countries and regions).
Don't Approach every dog.
Not every dog encounter is loving and cute. Some dogs aren't friendly, so try asking an owner's permission before initiating an encounter.
Some dogs don't do well during on-the-leash encounters, while others struggle with reactive problems. There are many ways to calm a reactive dog, such as keeping walks unpredictable to hold their attention.
Do: Invest in top treats.
There are many ways to invest in your dog, like buying top treats to hold their attention on long walks.
Whether it's a fellow dog or even a stray squirrel, whatever the distraction, you can keep your dog's attention with high-quality dog treats. Are you strapped for cash? DIY with fruits and vegetables or chopped-up meat.
Don't Let them drag you.
We tend to see dogs leading humans when walking. However, leading your dog is best, establishing yourself as the pack leader.
You should take the first step out the door and the first one in. Professionals recommend you walk beside a dog or in front of them.
Do: Use reflective gear.
Wearing reflective clothing is very important when travelling at night. The same's said while you're dog-walking to keep you both safe.
If your neighbourhood doesn't have pavements or sidewalks, help drivers by wearing reflective clothing to catch their attention. You can also get one for your dog to be extra safe.
Don't Let them beat you into the house.
It's essential to lead your dog in the house, especially after a dog walk. For example, you can allow your dog to wait while you put away its accessories. This helps keep your dog disciplined, and the dynamics established during the walk are carried through into the house.
Do: Set a schedule
After a long day, you might want to take 10 minutes to walk the dog. However, you are advised to take the right time for your pet.
Dogs are like humans; they're diurnal, meaning they live during the day. Morning walks are recommended, with 30 minutes to an hour being ideal. Talk to a vet if you're curious about your dog's needs.
Don't Take them in too early.
If your dog has the right mindset, keep them in that positive space by rewarding them with extra time during the walk. Don't rush them while they relieve themselves, for example.
An essential part of this point is deciding when "reward time" is over. For example, it should be shorter than the time spent on the walk.
Do: Cook them meals
One way to reward your dog in the house is to prepare a good meal. This effective reward shows your pet that they have earned something special for their hard work.
Home-cooked dog food diets include lean turkey, cubed beef, or even whole-cooked grains like brown rice. Check with a vet to see what foods your dog is comfortable with.
