As a dog owner, knowing how to be a responsible dog walker is essential, even if you aren’t the primary dog walker. In cases of emergency when your primary dog walker isn’t available, you’ll need to be prepared to walk your dog in a safe and responsible manner. Below is an established guide with tips and practices to solidify your ability to walk your dog responsibly.
Understanding Your Dog’s Behaviors
When taking your dog on a walk, it’s critical to understand their behaviors and body language. Some dogs are more social and comfortable around other animals, and some dogs may get tense, anxious, or aggressive in social situations.
One great practice to understand your dog’s behaviors is to do research on their breed. When you research their breed, you’ll be well informed on body language that could indicate their current emotion. For example, if you have a German Shepherd, it’s important to know that body stiffness and snarling around other dogs and people is a strong indication of aggression, which could lead to an attack if not handled appropriately.
Before the Walk
Before you begin your walk, there are a few important steps to ensure the safety of you, your dog, and others that you may encounter outside. First, make sure that your dog is properly hydrated before leaving. If it’s an especially hot day, bring some water with you on the walk.
Next, check if your equipment, such as the collar, leash, and harness (if necessary) is secured to your dog properly. These should fit snugly but not too tight and you should have enough room to fit two fingers underneath.
Lastly, you should have a firm grip on the leash, keeping it short enough to control your dog, but also allowing some slack so they can move around and walk comfortably.
Walking with Caution and Awareness
Once you’ve begun your walk, staying cautious and aware of any potential dangers like cars, other dogs, or people is critical. Avoid distractions such as your phone and keep your eyes on your surroundings. If you know that your dog doesn’t handle social situations well, keep a good distance between the dog and anyone walking past you. If needed, step to the side and wait for others to pass or cross the street if a crosswalk is accessible.
Keep an eye on your dog and don’t allow them to move too close to any streets to avoid the danger of passing cars. Also, monitor your dog for any signs of fatigue, dehydration, distress, etc. If needed, pull to the side of your walking path to take breaks.
Interacting with Others
If your dog is comfortable with social situations, you should be aware of proper practices to avoid potential risks. When approaching other dogs or people, always be cautious of body language. Ask for permission before allowing your dog to approach other dogs and people. If an encounter with another dog begins to seem aggressive, calmly redirect your dog’s attention to the walk and create distance from the encounter.
After the Walk
Once you’ve returned from your walk, give your dog time to cool down. Offer them water and allow them to rest on their own. After that, check your dog’s body and paws for cuts, irritations, and fleas/ticks. Lastly, give your dog a quick wipe down with a towel to remove any dirt, debris, or allergens that they may have accumulated.
By following these steps on a consistent basis, you can make certain that your walks are safe, fun, and beneficial to both you, your dog, and others.
At Baltimore Dog, we follow these steps with each dog that we walk. If you’re looking for a professional dog walker that can ensure the safety of your dog, consider working with Baltimore Dog. Whether it is a quick stroll around the block or a long hike, Baltimore Dog is here to be your best friend’s best friend.