Dog walking is great exercise for you and your dog. A study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine highlighted the health benefits for you and showed that the idea of walking the dog prompted more people to start exercising. But you need to do it safely, for you and for your dog.
Pay Attention to Your Dog
The best tip for walking your dog in a public place is basic: Pay attention to your dog and what heโs doing. You need to be able to anticipate whatโs going to happen next, so you can reward him if heโs good, correct him before heโs bad, and keep him safe.
Donโt Text and Walk
Walking your dog is not the time to be talking on the phone or, worse, testing someone. Talking and texting divert your attention from what your dog is doing. And if you suddenly need two handsโbecause your dog is doing something he shouldnโt or because heโs being attackedโone hand is already holding the phone.
Sides Donโt Matter
Dog trainers say it doesnโt matter which side of you the dog is walking on, as long as heโs not pulling and disturbing other people or dogs. Hunting dogs and show dogs are expected to walk on the left side of their handler, unless asked to do otherwise.
On Leash
Keep your dog on a leash, unless you are in an enclosed area where itโs permissible (and no strange dogs are there, too). Walking on a leash isnโt something dogs do naturally. They normally run around, sniffing, eating what they find, urinating on other things.
Walking is a modern, man-made convention, and dogs must be trained to do it properly. If you canโt do it yourself, donโt be ashamed. Find a fear-free trainer, a dog club that offers classes, or maybe a Cooperative Extension office that offers canine-education courses.ย Donโt feel bad. Most humans need to be taught the right way to do it too.
If youโre walking at dark, dawn, or dusk, be sure both you and your dog are visible. Wear bright clothing and/or one of the many commercial light apparatuses that help you stand out.
Ifย youโre running with your dog, be sure that your dog is physically fit to run with you and that you find a surface that wonโt injure his pads.
Itโs extremely important to be prepared to pick up poop. Leaving the poop there is not only rude, it can be dangerous if someone slips in it, and (in some areas) you may be fined.
Poop bags are not expensive, and not only are there a countless number of brands available, but you can also get special holders to put the bags in while youโre walking, in case youโre concerned about the smell or simply uncomfortable carrying the bag.
Note: Some public walking paths have poop containers, so you donโt have to carry it with you, and often provide poop bags. The downside of not having the bag with you at that correct moment is going back and trying to find the pile.
