Safety Tips For Dog Walking

Discussing Some General Safety Tips That Will Make Your Dog Walking Experience Safer & More Enjoyable 

The average dog owner spends about 300 minutes a week walking their dog. This is because dog walks are essential to their overall health and well being. Dogs don’t just want to go on walks, they need to go on walks. Taking your dog for a walk provides them with exercise, mental stimulation, and quality bonding time with their owner. This article will offer some general safety tips to make your dog walking experience safer and more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. 

How To Prepare

The first section of this article will focus on dog walking preparation. The best thing you can do for yourself and your furry friend is to be prepared for a dog walk beforehand. Taking these small, yet important, precautionary measures will make your dog walking experience significantly better for both you and your dog. 

Check The Weather

It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before taking your dog for a walk. We recommend checking at least 6 to 8 hours beforehand. So for morning dog walks, check the night before. For evening dog walks, check that morning. Knowing when and what the weather will be like will help you make a better decision on what to bring. For example, if it’s going to rain, bring an umbrella and/or raincoat. If it’s going to be excessively hot in the late morning, take your dog for a walk in the early morning. 

Choose A Safe Walking Path

When it comes to dog walking, where you walk is just as important as the walk itself. We recommend planning out your walking path beforehand to maximize the overall experience. You ideally want to walk in a place where there is little or no traffic and as few distractions as possible. For example, take your dog to a local park or on a casual hiking trail for a walk. The more nature the better! Dog walks should be an enriching and pleasurable experience where your dog can relax, smell new things, and feel comfortable. 

What To Bring

The second section of this article will discuss the various items and equipment you should bring with you during your dog walks. While these items may not be needed or used for every walk, it’s better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them. What you need will vary depending on where you live and what time of year it is, so plan accordingly. 

Spare Leash

It goes without saying that you should always walk your dog with a leash. However, it’s also a good idea to bring a spare leash with you during your dog walks. Even the best quality leashes can rip, break, or tear eventually. Being far from home with a broken leash is not a good situation to be in. Having a spare leash is a must have for keeping your dog safe and under control should your first leash break. 

Collapsible Water Bowl

Dogs don’t sweat the same way people do and can’t use that as a way to cool off. Combine that with a fur coat they can’t take off, and that’s one hot pooch. Dogs are very susceptible to heat stroke which is why you should always carry water and a collapsible dog bowl with you. Staying well hydrated is the best way to keep your dog happy and avoid heat stroke during those hot summer walks. For a list of the best reviewed collapsible dog bowls go to DogLab.com. 

Flashlight At Night

If you are walking your dog at dusk or in the evening, you should always keep a flashlight with you. This will help you see better during your walk and help others see you as well. This is especially helpful if you’re walking near any traffic as you definitely want them to be able to see you and your dog. You can also invest in a reflective jacket for both you and your furry friend. 

Treats

Most dogs love treats! During your dog walks, treats can be a life saver. They can really help when it comes to encouraging good behavior or distracting your dog from something else like a squirrel or bird. Treats are a great form of incentive for your dog to be on their best behavior. We recommend buying or making treats that are low in carbohydrates and high in protein. 

Staying Safe

There are plenty more things you can do or bring with you on a dog walk to make it more safe and enjoyable, but these were just some of our personal favorites. We hope you found the aforementioned ideas and products useful for your future dog walks. Taking our dogs for walks may be necessary, but it can also be relaxing and therapeutic if you go fully prepared. For more pet safety articles like this, be sure to check out the blog section of the official Top Dog Pet Sitting website.