Dogs make the best companions. Not only are they cute, but they also give you company love and support no matter what.
Now, if you decide to take on responsibility for a dog, you will have to make sure that you’re meeting all of their needs and requirements.
They are sentient beings and deserve to live happy and full lives. One significant aspect of every dog’s life is walking.
Pretty much every dog requires daily exercise, and they aren’t going to be able to get this within the four walls of your home or your garden – that is, unless you have giant, rolling expanses of secure land where they can run to their heart’s content.
Even if you happen to have fields of your own, it’s still a good idea to walk your pooch in other areas where they can enjoy unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells.
So, what can you do to ensure that your pup is ready for his or her walk and gets everything they need from the experience?
Here’s a little information to guide you in the right direction.
Your dog will require a little equipment to make walking safe for them. First, you need to ensure that your pet has a microchip.
Every dog should have one of these fitted when they are a puppy anyway – so if your pup doesn’t have one, now is the time to head to the vet and get one fitted.
This will allow vets with scanners to identify your puppy and contact you if they happen to get away.
For similar purposes, your dog should also have a waterproof dog collar with a tag. The tag should detail their name and your contact details.
Once you have the basics, you should invest in a safety harness. While you can clip a leash directly onto your dog’s collar, this can be uncomfortable for them when they pull.
Instead, a harness distributes pressure more evenly. A harness is also much less likely to slip off, whereas dogs are commonly known to slip from their collars.
If you are heading out in the dark, adding a small light to their collar is also a good idea and putting a reflective dog coat on them. This will alert others to their presence.
Knowing How Far to Walk
Different dogs have different requirements. So make sure you know exactly how far or for how long you should be walking your pet. Don’t make assumptions.
Plenty of small breeds out there require much more exercise than particular larger species. If you’re in doubt, ask your vet for recommendations.
Do Not Let Your Dog Off the Leash
Sure, lots of people let their dogs off the leash. But don’t do this. You never know when something might spook your pet or catch their attention.
No matter how well-trained they may be, there’s a chance they could run off and come to harm. If you want to let your dog roam further from you, invest in a stretch lead. This allows them to wander while enabling you to maintain full control of the situation.
Walks are likely to be the highlight of your canine companion’s day. So, make sure they live up to expectations!