Keys to Walking Your Dog

Walks serve many purposes that are beneficial for a dog and ultimately also for a dog's owner. Dogs receive socialization opportunities while on a walk, as well as mental and physical stimulation. Walking your dog for an extended distance once a day and shorter distances a couple more times a day makes for a happy, well-balanced dog.

  1. Training

    • It is essential that you walk the dog and the dog not walk you. A properly trained dog, traditionally, walks beside you or behind you; the dog should never be allowed to pull you, but achieving this may require formal training. Meanwhile, a regular collar and leash may not be enough to control every dog, especially large ones. A harness can give more control over the body, and a muzzle leash can control the movements of the dog's head and, as a consequence, the body. A backpack can weigh down a dog, giving it a purpose and making it easier to control. If your dog begins to pull, stop and position the dog correctly before moving on. This may take a bit of patience, as you must consistently stop and start every single time the dog pulls to correct the behavior. You can use treats as reward for walking correctly which conditions the dog to repeat the behavior. Read about dog training and the "heel" command to learn how to commit a dog to this behavior. It will take commitment of your own.

    Supplies

    • A walk can become strenuous for a dog and even dangerous without water. Water is the No. 1 supply needed on a dog walk to ensure that your dog does not overheat or become dehydrated. You might want to apply a sweater, booties or a coat in cold or wet weather for some dogs. Carry poop bags to pick up your dog's feces; cleaning up after your dog is a courtesy, and it's the law in many communities.

    Route

    • The route of a dog's walk should include stimulating sights, varied surfaces and other dogs. The more your dog gets to see and experience, the happier it will be. The walk is a time for your dog to experience new sounds, sights and smells and to socialize with people and other dogs. Changing the route often is a way to keep the walk fresh and exciting for your dog.

    Frequency

    • An apartment dog should have walks as often as four times a day. While two or three may be short walks to go to the bathroom, at least one should be 30 minutes. The longer the walk, the happier, more tired and well-behaved a dog will be in the home. A dog that has a backyard or place to roam will do with two walks a day, but one walk a day should last at least 30 minutes. A dog needs to walk with its owner every day, without exception.