 Whether it’s walking your puppy for the first time, or taking your dog for a daily stroll, the dog walk is a cherished bonding experience for both you and your furry friend. It’s a seemingly straightforward activity and it’s great exercise for dogs, but did you know there’s more to it than meets the eye? Whilst it is seemingly simple, exploring how to walk your dog properly and mastering on and off-leash tips can help keep you, your dog, and others safe, and happy.
Discover our dog walking tips, from the type of equipment you may need, dog walking etiquette and manners, awareness, and training techniques now. The Art Of Dog Walking Whether you walk your dog on a leash or off a leash, there’s a number of things to keep in mind to keep your dog, other dogs, and their owners safe. Here’s what you need to know about how to walk your dog. Finding The Right Leash Particularly with energetic dogs, it can be difficult to keep up, which can be difficult in crowded or busy environments, as well as in big, open spaces. Selecting a leash and collar is the first step to successful on-leash walking and one of our most important dog walking tips. It’s important that you find the right fit for you and your dog. For dogs that pull, try using a front clip harness, as harnesses the clip on the back actually promote more pulling. Larger, more powerful dogs your dog's size, behaviour, and your personal preferences. Once you’ve found the right leash, teaching your dog proper leash manners is essential when learning how to walk your dog properly. This may begin by rewarding your dog for walking beside you without pulling, and using treats, verbal praise, or a clicker to reinforce good behavior. On well-behaved walks, you can gradually increase the duration and distance to build a positive association with walking on a leash. Preparing for Various Conditions Just as finding the right leash is important, when venturing out for walks, it's essential for both you and your dog to prepare for different weather conditions. On a hot day, be sure to bring water and a portable bowl for your dog to prevent dehydration, and heat stroke. If you live in an especially hot environment - particularly in the summer - be careful for hot pavement. For dogs that aren’t a fan of boots, be sure to stick to the grass to prevent injury to your dog’s paws. In cold conditions, and particularly in the snow, depending on the breed of dog you have, consider using a dog coat and boots to protect your furry friend from the elements. Consistency & Attention Consistency is key when learning how to walk your dog on a leash, and this includes everyone who walks your dog, too. By using the same rules and the same commands, this will prevent confusion and help your dog understand the expectations during walks. When walking your dog, it is crucial to stay alert to your surroundings and to monitor your dog's behavior. By keeping an eye out for potential hazards, such as other dogs, traffic, or unfamiliar objects, you can ensure that you, your dog, and others remain safe. Additionally, be mindful of your dog's body language and adjust your pace accordingly to create a comfortable walking experience. Sniffing Allowing your dog to explore and sniff its surroundings is not just an important part of their walk, it’s important for their development and their wellbeing, too. Sniffing is a natural behaviour that provides mental stimulation and helps your dog better understand its environment, so even when you’re in a hurry, think twice before rushing your dog along. You don’t need to stop every time your dog does, but be sure to balance your need for a brisk walk with your dog's need to explore and take in scents. Assess Your Dog's Readiness Before transitioning to off-leash walks, it's essential to evaluate your dog's training level and behaviour. Ensure that your dog responds reliably to basic commands, such as recall, sit, and stay. A strong foundation in obedience training will provide the safety and control needed for off-leash outings, and this can help keep your dog, pets, and other owners safe. When transitioning to off-leash walks, allow your dog off the leash in a secure, enclosed area to assess their behaviour and responsiveness. Practice commands to ensure your dog's reliability, and as your dog becomes more comfortable, gradually introduce them to larger spaces with varying levels of distraction. Identification When you leave the house with your dog, try to make sure that your furry friend is wearing a collar with an ID that is kept up to date. If you have a particularly crafty dog that can wiggle out of its collar, consider talking to your vet about a microchip that can be used to register your contact information. Exercise Walking is a great exercise for dogs, as they help to maintain your dog's physical and mental health. Depending on your dog breed's natural energy levels and age, they may require a different intensity and duration, which is probably something you considered when you chose your dog. High-energy breeds like Border Collies and German Shepherds require more intense exercise and might need to spend a long time at a dog park running around without a leash. Older dogs, on the other hand, may benefit from shorter, gentler walks. Cleaning Up After Your Dog Finally, don’t forget to clean up after your dog. A responsible dog owner always carries waste bags and promptly cleans up after their dog. This is not just dog-walking etiquette, but a prerequisite to ensure that others are considered, as dog waste can carry diseases, pathogens and bacteria that can make their way into the soil and pollute water supply, and also cause harm to people and other pets. Walking your dog, whether on-leash or off-leash, is an opportunity to strengthen your bond and provide essential exercise for your furry companion. By mastering the techniques of both on-leash and off-leash walking - and learning some of our useful dog walking tips and tricks - you can ensure every walk is safe and fun. Every dog is different, so be sure to consider your dogs needs and character, and if you have any questions about how to walk your dog, be sure to reach out to your vet. There are lots of amazing areas to walk your dog in our area. This includes along the picturesque St. Kilda, Elwood and Brighton beaches, gazing out at Port Phillip bay! Ensure you follow the regulations regarding when and where dogs are allowed on or off leash. The team also love the local parks whether it is through the new nature reserve at Elsternwick Park, a lap around Caulfield Park, admiring the latest roses blooming in StKilda Botanical gardens, a stroll through Alma Park or “Pawfield Park” in Caulfield. Did you know you can walk in the Caulfield racecourse when there are no events on? And the beautiful streets in our neighbourhood are also a fun adventure! Why You Should Choose Ripponlea We understand that your dog is like family, so it’s important that you choose the best healthcare possible for your pet. Whatever dog you decide to welcome into your family, at Ripponlea, our team of experienced veterinarians and dedicated staff will provide the best pet care in Melbourne, so be sure to schedule your appointment with us. We can't wait to meet you and your beloved pet! Comments are closed.
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82 Glen Eira Road Ripponlea Vic 3185
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