Sharing the sidewalk with your pup can be an amazing experience. It is an opportunity to bond with your pooch and provide exercise.
To make sure everyone involved enjoys a safe and pleasant walk, let’s take a look at basic dog walking etiquette. Whether you are a seasoned owner or a first-time pet parent, let’s revisit some guidelines for dog walking.
Why Should You Walk Your Dog?
For dogs, hanging out in their backyard every day is like reading the same book again and again. Or having the same meal every day.
Imagine having pizza for lunch every day.. No matter how many different flavors you try, pizza will eventually get boring.
Taking your dog for a long walk provides opportunities for bonding. After all, that is why we get a dog, right? We want a companion by our side with whom we can share activities and interests.
Dogs are faithful animals and they cherish the moments you spend together. Think of walking as quality one-on-one time. Your dog loves your companionship and will associate walks with beautiful memories.
When is it Safe to Walk a Puppy?
Young puppies have a lot more energy than an adult dog. They are always curious, ready to explore and burn their pent-up energy.
Most pet parents get their puppies after the full vaccination process. Usually, puppies are fully vaccinated by 16 weeks.
After 16 weeks, it is typically safe to expose your puppy to the environment and other animals. Without a full series of vaccines, you put your puppy at risk of parvo and other viruses.
You also have to be mindful of the weather. Unlike adult dogs, puppies cannot regulate their body temperature. In the summer, beware of walking puppies on hot asphalt. In the winter, do not go out if it is freezing. Instead, schedule quick potty breaks.
The Do’s of Walking Etiquette
Do Cut Your Dog Some Slack
Remember why you are taking your dog out. Yes, walking in a heel position from start to finish is awesome. But your dog needs an outlet to burn some of that energy. Get to a safe zone, and give your dog an opportunity to sniff, explore, and roam.
While walking through crowds, keep your dog on a shorter lead. But cut him some slack once you hit the open space.
Do Train Your Dog the “Leave It” Command
Every pet parent has had to go through it. Young puppies will pick up things from the ground and try to eat them. The sooner you teach “leave it”, the better. Train your dog that treats and food come from you, not from the floor/ground.
Do Practice Road Safety
If you live in a busy area, teaching your dog to stop when approaching the curb is crucial. You should use the verbal command “wait”. Walk for a few steps, say “wait”, and then stop. When your dog turns around and looks at you, praise with “yes” and give a treat. Repeat several times during your walk so that your dog grasps the concept.
Do Pay Attention to Your Pup When Meeting People
Expect that there will be people who want to stroke your dog. Be polite and ask them to offer their hand first. If your dog approaches them, they can stroke him. Alternatively, if your dog shows anxiety and stress in front of strangers, tell them not to force any interaction. It is fine to tell people they cannot stroke your dog.
When there are children who want to interact with your dog, kindly explain to them about reading your dog’s body language and remove your dog if he/she feels stressed out or angry.
Do Be Mindful of Other Animals
Remember that not all dogs are as friendly or sociable as your pup. And that your dog cannot love everyone. Even a Labrador Retriever doesn’t love every dog; same as humans. Do you like everyone you meet?
When meeting other dogs, always approach them from the side. Dogs do not like someone approaching them head-on. If you notice signs of anxiety in your pup, act as a physical barrier. Stand between you and the other pup.
When meeting other dogs, check with the owner. Once you get an invitation, let the dogs sniff, say hello, and then continue.
Do Bring Poop Bags
Always bring a poop bag when going for a walk. Even if your dog pooped a few hours ago. You can never be sure. You do not want people pointing at you and thinking, “What an idiot, he let his dog poop and didn’t collect it”.
Do Use Positive Reinforcement
Never underestimate the power of positive reinforcement. Praise your dog at every chance you get. It builds up his confidence and makes him happy. Here is an extra tip. Make sure praise comes from all family members. A small change can make a ton of difference. If you are the only one praising, tell your kids and spouse to do it as well. That “good boy” will be different!
The Don’ts of Walking Etiquette
Don’t Get Distracted
The purpose of the walk is to engage with your puppy and build up your relationship. Do not let things distract you from walking your pooch.
Sure, a daily stroll around the block might give you some time to do walking meditation. But do not zone out during the walk.
If you are engaged in the walk, your dog will be happier. He will love walking with you. He will love training with you. Instead of showing anxiety before a walk, your dog will cherish it.
Be mindful, and keep an eye on your pooch. Prevent him from picking up dangerous objects.
Don’t Let Your Dog Pull
Every dog will try to pull. It is a habit they learn as puppies. You can try different strategies to prevent pulling.
For example, stop walking and stand completely still. Wait for your dog to come back to you and then continue walking. This method teaches your dog that pulling stops the walk.
Another option is to change direction. The moment your dog starts to pull, change direction and continue walking that route.
Don’t Let Your Dog Bark Through a Fence
If you go for a quick walk around the block, be wary of dogs barking through a fence. Try to avoid these areas. Do not let your dog bark at them. You are encouraging reactivity in your pup.
Don’t Use a Short Leash
Think of walks as an opportunity for your pup to stretch its legs and sniff around. Dogs need room to make their mark. Using a lead under 3 feet encourages your dog to pull. With a shorter leash, your dog will have to pull to explore anything or go potty.
We recommend using a 6-foot leash for dog walking. It provides safety and gives your dog space to explore.
Don’t Use a Retractable Leash
Retractable leashes make it hard to control your pup. They also encourage pulling. On a retractable leash, your dog learns that pulling provides more space to run and roam.
Don’t Walk the Same Route
We talked about the pizza example, right? Yes, dogs thrive on routine. But variety is the spice of walks. Even walking on a parallel street is enough change of pace. Or you can reverse the direction and start from where you end up.
Our dogs give us endless affection. The least we can do is provide variety in their daily walks and give them room to explore.
Don’t Talk on the Phone
Sure, you can bring your phone with you on the walk as you never know who might call. But try to keep it in your pocket while you walk your pooch.
Think of it this way, your dog gets to see you for 15 to 20 minutes during the day. Do you want to spend those minutes with your pooch or scrolling through your Instagram feed? Let’s not forget that talking on the phone and having only one free hand can be dangerous.
Additional Benefits of Dog Walking
- Provides mental stimulation and physical activity for your puppy. Without proper exercise, dogs can resort to destructive behavior.
- Helps with socialization. Dogs who go outside and explore new environments will meet new people, and animals, and explore new places, scents, and more. During walks, canines engage and interact with the environment.
- Increases your dog’s confidence. Build up your dog’s confidence. Every new exposure provides a different environment for engagement and interaction. Trying new things and staying active helps your dog feel confident in new situations.
- Reduces the risk of weight gain. It is good for your dog’s health. Sedentary puppies gain weight. Extra weight puts pressure on your dog’s body and brings an array of potential health problems. Even if your dog is active at home, he still needs an outlet for his energy.
- Provides training opportunities. No dog knows everything. No dog was born to walk on a leash. You will have to tTrain your dog how to walk properly and start. Start with commands like sit and stay.
Final Words
These tips serve to improve your daily walks, provide your dog enrichment and keep you and others safe. Remember that not all animals are as friendly and sociable as your dog and it’s your responsibility to keep your dog under control. Do not let him approach others without an invitation.
Also, be sure to pick up waste immediately, and check your dog’s paws after coming home. Most importantly, enjoy, have fun and get out there!