Taking a dog for a walk sounds like such a straightforward thing, doesn’t it? First of all, it’s very rarely a problem encouraging most dogs to go out – they’re usually far more eager to go for a walk than we are! And then the mechanics involved are not exactly rocket science: attach lead to collar, go outside, walk. What more could there be to it?
If only it were that simple! So, how do you walk a dog properly?
This month, the Green Lane Farm team is going to be going through a few dog walking tips that anyone faced with walking a dog for the first time needs to know and be aware of.
Be the boss
Your initial foray into dog walking will go much better if your dog is properly trained. Of course, you may have just acquired an untrained puppy, in which case you need to concentrate on getting it trained as quickly as possible. The most important thing a dog needs to learn – as quickly as possible – is that you are the boss and what you say goes!
Other dogs
Other dogs can be one of the biggest headaches for a dog walker. You never know whether they’ll be interested in making friends with your dog or whether they’ll be aggressive. You should be able to manage the situation if your dog is on its lead, but if it isn’t, it is essential that you stay alert for potentially violent encounters.
When to let go
Many public areas will require you to keep your dog on its lead to keep both it and other members of the public safe. However, dogs love to run about and getting the kind of exercise that only a good run can provide means that you’ll want to allow your dog off its lead when possible. Knowing when it’s the right time and place is essential. Keep an eye out for what other dog owners are doing, and if you walk a regular route, you’ll soon know which areas are safe for you to let your dog off its lead and where extra caution needs to be exercised.
Bribery
Having talked about making sure your dog knows who is in charge, and making sure your dog is under control in potentially dangerous situations, there may well be occasions when you need to do something more to encourage your dog to stop doing something they shouldn’t. Keeping your dog’s favourite treats close at hand is a great way of bringing it to heel in an emergency situation.
When to go
Dogs don’t really run to schedules of their own, so if you’re wondering what time is best to walk a dog, you can generally fit walks in around your other commitments – although a regular routine is no bad thing, as it means they’ll know when they’ll be able to go to the toilet. Having said all that, mornings are usually a good time – particularly for puppies and more elderly dogs, as that is when they are most likely to want to go to the toilet if they’ve been locked in all night. And if you walk them shortly before going to bed, you’re more likely to wear them out, which should help you get a quiet night’s sleep.
Toilet time
One of the most important things any dog walker needs to take responsibility for is the mess their dog leaves behind when it goes to the toilet. It is of course a legal responsibility to clear up after your dog, with fines for those who neglect to do so. Of course, this isn’t just a legal issue – dog mess can be a real health hazard as well as being an eyesore that can ruin our leisure areas. Not having the means to clear up will be no excuse, so before stepping out of the house, make sure you’re well stocked with poop bags to deal with any little accidents that happen en route.
Things to take
Apart from poop bags, you should also always take water for your dog, especially if it’s a hot day and you’re not likely to be going near somewhere it would be able to get a drink. And if you’re going to a park where you’ll be able to let your dog off its lead, take a ball or one of its favourite toys you can throw for it to chase.
At Green Lane Farm Boarding Kennels, we’ve been looking after dogs for customers across the Kingston and Chessington areas of Surrey for over 50 years. We’re experts at managing – and walking! – dogs of all sizes, all ages and all temperaments, so if you’re going away and need somewhere to board your best friend, we’re the ones to trust.
Call us today for more information or to book your pet in for a stay at Green Lane Farm.
