All healthy dogs like going on walks because it allows them to learn about the world around them, recognise their instincts, and just have fun. Before going out for the first time, it is vital to complete all activities (vaccination, socialisation), as well as follow the age regimen, which includes limiting psychological and physical stress. Click here for the top ten suggestions for walking your dog safely.
Until the puppy is three months old, it is best to take him for walks in areas where there is no active traffic, away from large businesses and masses of people. Increase the dosage gradually, pausing regularly to let the dog to rest and look about.
Increase the amount of time you spend walking and gradually broaden your circle of acquaintances to include other people and their pets. Lead your dog on a leash or harness, and only let go of the leash in a peaceful, ideally an area with a dog fence. Begin training while walking – the child should not be afraid of transportation, should not jump out onto the road, and should not fight with other dogs.
Long hikes are beneficial, but if you are realistic about your dog’s physical capabilities, you will need to stop from time to time. Before beginning on such a voyage, you must train your dog to accept commands without hesitation, as there will be many surprises along the way. Combining walks with jogging and progressively increasing the weight is beneficial.
At the same time, you’d be astonished at how many injuries pet owners sustain as a result of their failure to observe simple safety regulations while walking their dog. Let’s look at the top ten reasons behind this.
- Wrap the leash around your wrist.
Many owners mistakenly feel that by tying a leash over their wrist, they can control their dog. In reality, especially if the dog is large, there is a high chance of injury to oneself. You never know when your pet will suddenly want to chase down a cat or a passing car.
- Leash-free walking
In the yard or in peaceful places, the leash should ideally be unfastened (in dog-walking areas, for example). It’s important to remember that the street has hundreds of smells and sounds for a pet; young dogs might become so engrossed or engaged in something that they forget about the rest of the world.
As a result, the pet may become hurt or even become separated from its owner. If your dog becomes nervous, keep an eye on it and attempt to get it away from the source of the anxiety (cat, dog, car, etc.).
- A number of leashes
If you’re going for a stroll with many dogs, you shouldn’t use multiple leashes. The hitch is much easier to use because the leashes will get in the way, and if they are excessively long, they will twist around your legs, causing you to trip and fall.
- The walk should stay just that: a walk.
Even the busiest people may go an hour without answering the phone or sending a text message. Typing texts while walking your dog, like driving your dog, might be dangerous to your health. Owners may twist or break their limb as a result of stumbling over a dog or failing to look at the road. So it’s possible that leaving your phone at home is a good idea?
- Hands that are occupied.
We enjoy going on a walk and doing several things at once, such as shopping, purchasing a large glass of coffee, and drinking it on the way home. However, it is unlikely that you will pay enough attention to your pet on such a walk.
You can very easily burn yourself or lose your purchases if you drink too much coffee. That is why, when walking your dog outside, leave your books and tablet at home; there are more soothing pastimes available, but jogging will not injure you or your four-legged companion.
- Take care of the dog.
Train your dog to walk behind you, close to your leg, and not forward. You may or may not notice how the pet abruptly comes to a halt, making it easier to manage its movement.
- Selecting a side.
We’ve already mentioned that the dog should walk with you, but not to the side. This can be harmful since even adult dogs, when scared, would jump to the side or hide behind the human, causing the owner to become tangled in the leash. Teach your pet to stick to one side and to obey the order “To the leg!”
- Use a leash.
Encourage your pet not to pull away from the leash; you could fall and be wounded. If the dog is torn, you should not stroke it in an attempt to calm it down; the dog will see this as a reward. Slow down, draw the leash closer to you, and issue the order. It is you who is bringing the pet on a stroll, not the other way around. Furthermore, being dragged by a dog that weighs more than 50 kg is dangerous.
- Automobiles, dogs, and birds.
Nobody can take away a dog’s natural hunting impulses, so if you observe one in your pet, don’t let it off the leash. Attempts to dash or abandon the road without your consent must come to a halt. All commands must be obeyed immediately; it is preferable not to irritate the dog again, and to avoid walking near the road or in congested areas.
- The health of your pet.
Some owners believe their pets do not freeze because they have a coat. Many breeds, in fact, have extremely sensitive paws, causing them to quickly freeze.
You can’t go for long walks if it’s extremely hot or there’s a frost below 10 degrees. In nice weather, on the other hand, you should not sit still: you can perform team research, exercising, jogging, playing games, and so on.
