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Walks and other outings are always a happy moment for most dogs. This is the time they get to experience the outside world with their human caregiver.
Walks also provide a convenient moment for both of you to bond and get that needed physical workout.
Since going for walks should be a fun activity for dogs, it’s essential to maintain proper etiquette when out in public.
That’s why you need to familiarize yourself with a few walking with dogs tips to make these strolls easier for both of you.
When To Walk Your Dog
One of the most challenging aspects of walking dogs is scheduling the right time. When you’re busy with family, work, or school, you may not see the time slipping away from you.
Regardless, walking your dog is important. You need to do your best and slot in some time for this activity.
Always show up excited when preparing for any form of exercise, and your furry friend will be glad to join you.
When it comes to scheduling walks with your dog, try to walk them at least once a day. Your dog’s age and breed will determine their exact exercise needs.
Most healthy dogs can do with five or more 30-minute walks or longer walks each week. The duration and intensity of the walk are also dependent on the dog breed.
It’s best to walk your dog early in the morning when the sun is not too hot, and early in the evening when the sun is about to set.
We don’t recommend walking dogs during the hot afternoon sun, unless the weather permits it on that day.
Exposing your furry friend to excessive sunlight can cause several conditions, including sunburns and heatstroke in extreme cases.
Dog Walking Essentials Checklist
It’s a good idea to plan for what you’ll need with a simple dog walking checklist. This will make the activity more enjoyable for both of you.
A leash, collar, and harness are the most essential items you need. These accessories should be comfortable for your dog. They should not feel cramped when wearing them.
The leash handle should also be comfortable for you to use. An ideal leash should be approximately 4 to 6 feet long. Be sure to have some ID tag or microchip information in case your dog gets loose.
Although a dog collar does the job, we recommend getting a good harness, especially if you need more control.
Water is more important than many people think, especially on a warm day or when going on a long walk.
Carry fresh water and a collapsible bowl or dog-specific water bottle so your walking buddy has access to clean, cool water.
We also recommend packing a few of your dog’s favorite treats during any outdoor adventure, including simple walks. You can use them to reinforce good behavior when need be.
A responsible pet parent leaves no trace of their dog when walking them. We are talking about cleaning after your dog.
Always carry enough waste bags for picking up after your pooch. Rather than leaving that poop behind, make sure you bring extras, just in case you need them.
Don’t allow your dog to eliminate on people’s property. If they do, be sure to pick it up promptly.
It can also be useful to have a small, fully equipped first aid kit to address minor scrapes, cuts, or paw injuries until you can get to a vet if needed.
Reflective gear, such as reflective collars and reflective leashes, is essential when walking in low-light or high-traffic areas where it’s more challenging for drivers and cyclists to spot you and your pup.
Remember to get a good pouch or small bag to store treats, keys, your phone, and other essentials, which will keep your hands free and make your walk more pleasant.
Finally, make sure to dress for the weather. Ensure you have the appropriate clothing for both you and your walking buddy.
Consult with your veterinarian or a certified trainer if your dog has any medical conditions or behavioral issues before walking in extreme or heavily trafficked areas.
Read Also: 17 Essential Service Dog Gear Picks for Handlers
How To Prepare for Dog Walks
You need to prepare before heading out the door for walks. This can involve both practical and behavioral preparation.
First, check your equipment. Ensure your dog’s collar or harness fits comfortably, neither too tight nor too loose, and that it won’t fall off.
One of the best leash walking tips for dogs that trainers will give you is to inspect the leash and clip to make sure they are in good condition.
You’ll also want to consider the weather and length of your route before you leave. This will help you determine if water is needed or if your outing should be shorter.
Walking With Dogs Tips
Always pay attention to your surroundings when walking your dog. You need to control your dog to guarantee the safety of everyone.
When walking your canine friend in an area with many people or other animals, it’s best to keep them close to you using a short leash.
In most cases, you should always have the dog by your side and never allow them to wander off a few meters ahead of you.
Do your best to minimize any form of distraction. These could be birds, cars, other pets, or humans.
It doesn’t hurt to have your dog sit down for a moment and watch the distraction pass.
Another helpful tip is to never assume everyone wants to greet your dog. It’s recommended to ask people for permission before allowing your dog to go near them.
You’ll also want to ensure your dog is well-socialized before allowing them to meet new people.
Never allow your dog to wander away into private property. Always keep your pooch on the sidewalks.
The weather conditions can dictate the tips you adopt when walking your dog. Here are some of our walking dog tips and tricks for different seasons:
Dog Walking Tips in Summer
While the general rules for a good walk still apply, the summer heat can be dangerous if you aren’t careful.
The most obvious change is when to take a walk. Plan your walks for early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is not directly overhead and the temperature is cooler.
Pavement and asphalt can get extremely hot. Avoid walking your dog on asphalt during the summertime, because it can burn their paw pads.
If the pavement is too hot for your feet, then surely, it must be exceedingly hot for your furry friend.
Consider walking your dog in green grass parks during the summer. You’ll also want to keep a bottle of fresh water nearby to quench your dog’s thirst.
You may also need to get dog-specific sunscreen and apply it to the exposed areas, especially for short-coated breeds.
Remember, senior dogs and puppies have more difficulty regulating their body temperature. If you are unsure whether your dog can handle the heat, consult your veterinarian.
Dog Walking Tips for Spring
With the nice spring weather comes new challenges. Snowmelt and spring rains can often make for muddy trails, so consider keeping a towel and paw wipes handy.
The longer days also bring increased activity in pests such as ticks and fleas. Be sure that your dog is up to date on their preventative medications.
Other important pet walking tips for beginners during the spring include being vigilant for new plant growth.
Flowers and plants can be toxic, and grass awns, such as foxtails, can become very dangerous if they become embedded in a dog’s ears, nose, or paws.
Wildlife is also more active during the spring, which is another good reason to keep your dog on a leash.
If your dog has environmental allergies, they may start to experience itching and discomfort. If you notice these signs, contact your veterinarian.
Pet Walking Tips in Fall
In the fall, cooler weather typically makes walking more comfortable, but shorter daylight hours raise concerns about visibility.
Reflective collars, leash clips, or small LED lights make dogs easier to spot on dim streets or trails.
Fallen leaves can be slippery after rain, and they may conceal debris or holes, so exercise caution with your footing.
Fall is also allergy season for many dogs. Ragweed, moldy leaves, or dust can irritate sensitive pets, causing itching or excessive paw licking.
Wiping paws and coats after a walk can help reduce irritation. This season often brings hunting activity in rural areas, so bright vests or harnesses will make your dog safer in wooded spaces.
Dog Walking in Bad Weather Tips
Sometimes the weather can be so unfavorable that it’s not ideal for a walk, but you have to take one.
During those times of bad weather, whether it’s lots of wind and rain or something else, the aim is to make it a short, safe, and functional one.
Some dogs don’t like the wind blowing on them, and strong winds can whip up all sorts of debris, so be extra aware of what’s going on around you.
Other important puppy walking tips for beginners in bad weather include having a good-quality, waterproof coat that fits well to keep your dog comfortable and dry.
Be sure to towel-dry your dog thoroughly when you return home after a wet walk. Pay extra attention to drying their paws and ears, which can get really irritated.
On days when it’s truly unsafe to even think of going for a walk, we strongly recommend providing fun indoor enrichment instead of risking it all.
Urban Dog Walking Tips
Walking in an urban setting is different from other walks. There are numerous sights, sounds, and smells that can distract and overwhelm your dog.
You’ll need to train your dog to walk calmly on a loose leash and to sit or stand quietly at crosswalks while you check for traffic.
You may also need to use a shorter leash so you can easily control your dog and avoid tripping other pedestrians with your dog’s leash.
The “leave it” command is an important tip because it helps direct your dog away from littered food and other tempting distractions.
If your dog is nervous about traffic, sirens, or pedestrians, consider working with a certified trainer to help your dog become more confident through desensitization and counter-conditioning.
Dog Walking Tips for City
Walking in the city involves many of the same skills as in other urban areas, but there are a few caveats to add.
Apartment building hallways, lobbies, and elevators are all tight spaces where your dog needs to be comfortable and calm around new people in close quarters.
Don’t forget to bring several poop bags because most city blocks may not have a grassy patch in sight.
Use good manners and “curb your dog” in public areas to keep them clean for everyone.
Pay extra close attention to what is on the ground in the city, where broken glass, chemical spills, and other debris can cut or burn your dog’s paws.
Find a couple of safe, relatively quiet green spaces or local parks where your dog can decompress and sniff after walking on concrete for a while.
Dog Walking Tips for Beaches
A beach walk can be a wonderful activity for people living along the coastlines. However, it does require some preparation.
Be sure to check local rules beforehand, as many beaches have strict regulations regarding when and where dogs are allowed, as well as whether they must be leashed.
Be careful of hot sand, which can burn paw pads. Before walking on sand, test it with the back of your hand.
It is also very important to prevent your dog from drinking saltwater, because it can cause serious digestive problems and dehydration.
Bring enough fresh water for your dog to drink. You’ll also want to check the tides and avoid strong currents.
Sand and salty water can irritate your dog’s paws and coat, so make sure to give your dog a good rinse with fresh water after your walk.
Dog Walking in Snow Tips
Walking your dog on snow requires special attention, particularly in protecting your dog’s paws. Ice can cut, and deicers commonly spread on sidewalks and roads can burn.
Chemicals that melt ice can irritate or even burn your dog’s paw pads, and those that do so can be toxic if licked off.
One of the best dog walking in snowy weather tips is to invest in dog booties. They are ideal because they fully protect paws from both chemicals and cutting ice.
Booties can also prevent the formation of painful ice balls between your dog’s toes, a common problem caused by snow clumping in fur.
If your dog objects to wearing booties, apply paw balm before walks to create a protective layer that can help repel salt and ice.
Whichever method you use, be sure to clean and dry your dog’s paws after each walk to remove any residue, and inspect them for cracks or cuts.
Dog Walking in Rain Ideas
Ideally, you won’t need to walk your dog in the rain. If the conditions are truly miserable, don’t feel bad about canceling it and rescheduling an indoor play instead.
If you do need to walk your dog in the rain, a few simple precautions can make it easier for both of you.
A waterproof dog raincoat can keep your pup drier (especially if they have a short or thin coat) and spare you a good bit of cleanup when you get back inside.
Rain also makes it harder for drivers to see you, so you and your dog both should wear something bright or reflective.
Try to avoid puddles, as they can conceal hazards such as sharp objects or runoff from a leaky car. Walking in a puddle may expose your dog to potentially toxic chemicals, such as antifreeze.
Pavement and metal grates can also be slippery when wet during rain, so take care with your footing.
Walking Two Dogs Tips
Walking two dogs is far easier if both are already trained to walk politely on a loose leash separately.
Before attempting to walk two dogs at once, be sure that they are both reliably walking nicely beside you.
When each dog has mastered that, you can then start working on walking them both together.
Some pet parents use a leash coupler to connect two leashes together, allowing them to walk with one. However, many people find it is easier to simply hold a leash in each hand.
It also decreases tangling and allows you to give more direct feedback to each dog.
Staying alert, avoiding distractions, and rewarding calm, controlled behavior are the keys to success when walking two dogs at once.
If they are continually pulling in opposite directions or getting tangled up, you may need to stop trying to walk them together and consult a trainer.
Walking Small Dogs Tips
Walking a small dog is all about getting down to their level and focusing on what they need to have the best experience.
First, a lightweight, properly fitted harness will ensure that their fragile neck and trachea are safe.
They are better at hiding injuries, so be cautious when they’re near large, noisy dogs or other potential hazards.
Make sure to use a non-retractable leash and give them plenty of voice-protecting distance when in doubt.
Don’t forget that those short legs and lungs need shorter walks and slower paces, and always keep an eye on the weather.
Reward Your Dog After the Walk
Returning home from a walk is the ideal opportunity to show your dog that their hard work is appreciated.
Instead of allowing them to roam off immediately, we recommend you spend a couple of minutes grooming and cleaning them.
Brushing loose hair and wiping paws with a wet cloth will remove allergens and dirt, and will also allow you to inspect for tiny cuts or debris lodged between toes.
After they’re settled, give your dog a reward to strengthen the positive association with walking.
A little healthy treat, a favorite toy, or a brief play session will show your furry friend that good behavior is rewarded.
Add verbal praise and gentle affection to their reward to further the bond you have and calm your dog after exercise.
Conclusion
One of the best walking with dogs tips to take home is to always consider the safety of both yourself and your dog before heading out.
Proper preparation can make all the difference. We recommend investing in the proper dog walking gear and a few more accessories to make your outings safe and fun.
When you follow these tips, you’ll be the type of walking partner your pup thinks about when they take a nap.
Remember, nobody’s perfect. Even the most well-behaved pups can get sidetracked by squirrels. So, don’t punish your dog if they stray on walks.
Justus is the lead author at Furs'n'Paws. He is not only a passionate animal lover but also an experienced pet writer and editor with several years of expertise in the field. With a keen understanding of animal behavior and a talent for interpreting the puzzling body movements of pets, he has developed a deep passion for sharing his insights and experience with his readers. Justus is experienced in researching and reviewing pet products, and putting together product reviews and buying guides. He is dedicated to helping pet owners provide the best for their furry companions. His wealth of knowledge and love for animals make him a trusted resource in the pet community.
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