1. Dog Training
Opt for formal classes, if they are available
and affordable. Start while the dog is a puppy,
and continue until the dog can be trusted off
leash. Your dog can earn the AKC Canine Good
Citizen certificate, which indicates a level of
obedience and training attained. If attending
classes is not possible, you may want to try
training books, such as Carol Lea Benjamin's
Mother Knows Best, Surviving Your Dog's
Adolescence, or Dog Training in 10
Minutes. The end result of good training is
a dog that is a pleasure to walk with -- one
that will sit, down and heel on command, as
necessary. You really don't want to be towed
into the sunset at about 60 MPH!
2. Walking Your Dog on a Leash
If your dog is on a leash, it can't get away and
cause problems. Consider using a pinch collar
while walking your dog, if he is a puller, to
increase your control and comfort. Some walkers
use a harness, and others find retractable
leashes to be the best way to give the dog a
little more slack, then reel them in as needed.
3. Are Dogs Allowed Where You Plan to
Walk?
Check with the organizers of walking events you
plan to attend. If walking in a park, call ahead
to check to see if there are any restrictions.
Note that dogs are sometimes allowed on trails,
but not in shuttle buses or visitors' centers.
4. Carry a Pooper Scooper
If you don't have (or want to purchase) the
actual tool, try a plastic bag. Many carry the
plastic bags that newspapers sometimes come in.
When the bag is placed over the hand, you can
pick up what you have to, turn the bag inside
out, and tie the end closed. Dispose of it
properly. Zip-closure storage bags are another
secure option.
5. Water
Carry water for both you and your pet. You can
use your hand as a water dish for him. Some
walkers suggest using collapsible cups,
inflatable water dishes, and zip-closure bags,
as well.
6. Taking Time for Rest
Find a shady spot and take ten. Play with the
dog, talk to other walkers, and cool down a bit.
Dogs can't sweat. They keep cool by panting,
finding shady spots, walking in water, and
drinking lots of water. If you are walking near
water in the summer, find a safe place (not
public beaches) and let your dog go swimming. If
you drove to your walking spot, be sure not to
leave your dog in a vehicle unattended if it's
warm out and you're making stops on your way
home.
7. Identification
Every dog should have a couple of forms of
identification. Name tags and collars get lost.
Tattoos and embedded micro-chips will back up
the name tag. You should carry a clear photo of
the dog, which can aid in recovery, should such
a situation arise. Also, some areas of the
country require you to carry your dog's rabies
certificate with you.
8. Is Your Dog Ready?
Before taking a dog on a six-mile walk, consider
if the dog is healthy enough, has the desire,
and is trained enough to walk the distance at
your side. You should get an OK from your
veterinarian if your pooch has any sort of
medical problem, is overweight, etc. Work up to
the longer distances with him by doing the
shorter distances first.
9. Trails
Dog walkers I've spoken to generally prefer
country walks and trails that have sidewalks, or
paths that are well off the road.
10. Dangers
While you may want to let your dog roam at will
on a long leash or even off-leash, this has
risks. You won't be able to control your dog if
you encounter an aggressive dog. You won't be
able to prevent your dog from chasing other
animals (skunks!) or approaching people. One of
the biggest dangers is that your dog may run out
into traffic. Proper dog training and walking on
a leash with good control are the best ways of
keeping your dog safe.