If your dogs spend all day in their dog kennels, they’re going to be anxious to get outside as soon as you get home. Walking your furry friends can be an enjoyable time for you to bond with each other and explore the great outdoors. But what you don’t want to do is be “that person” who other dog walkers despise. Here are some basic dog walking protocols to keep you and your dogs liked by everyone you meet.
Don’t let your dog approach other furry friends without asking the owner first. While your dog might be excited to make a new buddy, the other dog could be aggressive or skittish, and it could end very badly if your dog approaches them without warning. For both your dog and any other dog’s safety, always ask before approaching.
If your dog happens to be the aggressive or skittish one, don’t panic when you see another dog approaching. Dogs can sense our feelings and if you’re scared, your dog will be too. Keep calm, and handle the situation without making your dog nervous.
Pay attention to your surroundings. You need to be aware of everything that’s going around you. It can only take one second for your dog to start chasing after a squirrel or have a nasty encounter with another dog. It’s your responsibility to keep your pup safe, so stay alert to what’s happening around you.
Be respectful of other people. Does your dog bark at everything and everyone? Taking them for a walk in the middle of the night might not be the best idea then. Additionally, make sure your dog doesn’t cause harm to anyone’s property and if they do, own up to it and apologize.
Pick up after your dog. Dog waste bags are inexpensive and easy to find, so there’s no excuse to leave your dog’s waste on your neighbor’s lawn. If you happen to forget the dog waste bags, don’t hesitate to ask a neighbor if you can use one of their plastic bags for your clean up. Having a doggy waste station at home will make disposing of the waste quick and easy.
If you take your furry friend to the dog park, always be sure to keep an eye on them. There’s sure to be lots of dog playground equipment that your dog will want to explore, but it’s important to ensure they’re behaving.
If you follow these few simple rules, and don’t forget your dog waste bags, you’re sure to have a pleasant experience walking your dog and you, or your dog, might even make a few friends along the way.
