Tips for an Enjoyable and Safe Walk with Your Dog

You should follow a few tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable walk with your dog. 

By Guest Blogger, Allena Rissa

Walking your dog is necessary to keep your pet in shape while simultaneously being enjoyable for the owner. While seemingly just a quick stroll, there are a few tips you should follow to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable walk with your dog. 

Use the Right Leash

Leashes come in all shapes and sizes, along with various features. It is vital to pick the correct leash for your situation, and this requires that you do a careful analysis before setting out. 

For starters, make sure you have an appropriate leash for your specific dog breed. Larger dogs will require a much larger set up than smaller dogs, and if you have a larger pet, you can’t just use any old leash.

Also, check the length of the leash. If you’re walking on a busy street or a rural mountain trail, you might need a shorter leash. Longer leashes are great for leisurely walks in parks that are not crowded. 

Dress Appropriately

Many people leave their homes for a walk with their dogs in the wrong clothing, and this can be a big mistake. 

Have athletic shoes on that have good grip and decent support. You never know when your dog will lunge or lurch, and you’ll appreciate having proper foot support. Shoes with good grip will help you throughout your walk.

Next, don’t leave without pockets. If you prefer to wear athletic pants or shorts, make sure to have a pair with pockets. 

Walking without proper footwear can be unsafe, just like having too many items in your hands. Keep your hands free to hold your dog, and you’ll be able to stay safe. 

Know Your Route

Try to plan out the route you’ll be using as best as possible. While there is nothing wrong with the occasional detour, knowing the direction you’re heading will keep you safe and make the walk more enjoyable. 

Even if you’re hiking around your neighborhood, getting lost can put a real damper on an evening walk with your dog. Not to mention, it can be stressful for both of you.

If you’re walking on a trail somewhere, it’s even more critical. Knowing your route prevents you from getting into serious trouble. 

Beyond all that, it’s essential to consider your dog and their needs. For example, dogs don’t wear shoes as we do, and you need to plan out the surfaces that you’ll be traversing to ensure you don’t put your dog in a challenging situation.

Stay Hydrated

This applies to any exercise, but the same is true for walking your dog. Both you and your dog need to stay hydrated.

Prepare in advance by having water, and ensure your dog has hydrated up as well. On the walk, bring a water bottle and a collapsible bowl for your dog to drink from.

When you get back, make sure to check their water bowl and fill it up right away. While they might not drink from it immediately, they’ll need the water at some point. 

Plan Ahead and Come Prepared

It’s so easy to quickly decide to go on a walk with your pet, but this can have adverse effects. Plan ahead and come prepared to ensure this doesn’t happen.

Don’t walk during the heat of the day, when the ground will be scorching for your dog, and the temperatures will cause dehydration. Likewise, don’t be out at night in the cold winter, when freezing temperatures can be dangerous. 

Bring everything necessary to handle any situations that will come on a walk. Make sure you have a few bags to take care of your dog’s poop, for starters. Have water and a bowl along, and perhaps a small first aid kit just in case something happens.

Walking your dog can be the perfect combination of good exercise and meaningful bonding with your dog. Follow these tips to ensure every walk you take is enjoyable and safe.

About the author

Allena Rissa is the editor of TheBetterFit.com, a lifestyle blog that focuses on sharing advice for finding the best clothes for your body type, no matter the occasion.

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