For our dogs, a long walk full of sniffing and playing is the highlight of the day, and for us as owners it’s a great way to relax – but with a few small mistakes, it can quickly become a misery for both parties.
But with a few tips below, they can be easily avoided and you can enjoy every walk with your pet.They can help you decide when to call your vet or go to the emergency room.
The walk also need to learn
Puppies aren’t born with “Come to puppy” and other such commands in their mouths, they have to be taught them all.
Practise walking with a loose leash in a calm environment at home first, and praise and reward your dog when he walks correctly with you.
And if your dog starts pulling on the leash while you’re out walking because of the energy and the interesting smells, don’t pull or tug on it, because that will only result in more pulling.
Rather, stop or turn around and only continue in the original direction if the leash is loose, so the dog learns that pulling will not achieve anything.
An anti-pull harness with a leash attached at the front can also help – unfortunately, most dogs in conventional harnesses will pull their owners with an enthusiasm that puts a sled dog to shame.
Without which don't step out the door
A few key pieces of equipment are needed to make sure all our walks go smoothly.
Essentials include a good quality harness and a sturdy leash, which should be the traditional kind rather than the flexi leash, which can be accident-prone, especially in busy areas. Carry a reward bag filled with a reward wallet or a small bag that can be hung on the belt, so that you can always reward your dog for walking nicely and loosely on a lead or for obeying a command.
Our dog’s favourite Frisbee or ball can also join us on the trail, so we can tire him out with a game in the park.
And last but not least, don’t forget the plastic bag at home and always clean up after your dog!
Dog a time
On days when the heat is raging, it is easy for our dogs to overheat.
on a walk.
It’s best to get out early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s a bit cooler.
Avoid the scorching hot tarmac and take your dog on grass, dirt paths and into the woods if you can.
For some dogs, a protective boot on the paw can be a good solution.
Most importantly, always carry fresh water and a foldable drinking bowl, and watch out for the slightest signs of heatstroke!
And in winter, wrap up your short-haired or small dog in a coat and watch out for icy, slippery or slushy roads – protective footwear can be a good solution.
Fragrances everywhere
When our dog walks out the door with us, he smells a veritable cavalcade of scents, and wants to sniff every bush and lamppost.
Let him explore the world through his nose!
For him, walking is not just exercise, it’s mental stimulation, and sniffing teaches him a lot about other dogs, animals and people.
Don’t stick to the “strictly walking only” principle, let your dog follow his instincts to follow the smells, he will enjoy the walk much more and be more relaxed at the end.
If not we have time
Unfortunately, a good number of owners don’t have the time to take their pets for a long walk every day because of work and other commitments.
This can be very hard on the dog, so the best thing to do is to hire a reliable dog walker or sitter who gets on well with your dog.
He can be very helpful if we are at work, a sitter keeps our dog well exercised, so our four-legged friend doesn’t tear the house apart in boredom and is relaxed when we get home.
Bálint Csenge
Illés Annamária