Did you know that this is Walk Your Dog Week? This is definitely a great week to take a long stroll with your canine pal, and enjoy autumn’s cool breezes and beautiful foliage. Read on for some great safety tips on walking Fido from a local Mondovi, WI vet.
Training
Training is absolutely crucial for safety purposes. Make sure your four-legged friend knows and obeys basic commands, like Sit, Stay, Come, and Heel.
Clothing
Pick footwear with a good tread, so you don’t slip and fall. If you’re going out after dark, wear a light and/or reflective jacket. (Tip: designate a specific jacket for dog-walking, and keep the pockets stocked with baggies, treats, spare keys, and anything else you may need.)
Be Alert
Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings. If you wear earbuds, keep the volume low, so you can hear what’s happening around you.
Doggy Gear
Choosing the right gear for Fido is also important. If your pooch wears a collar, make sure it fits well, and isn’t too tight or too loose. Some dogs need harnesses, rather than collars. If you aren’t sure what type of gear your pet needs, ask your vet.
Traffic
Whenever you walk your dog along the side of a road, keep Fido to the outside, as he’ll be harder for drivers to spot. This will also keep him from veering out into traffic. It’s best to walk towards oncoming traffic, so you can see what’s coming. Finally, don’t let your canine buddy get ahead of you when you cross driveways or intersections.
Footing
Our canine companions love to explore and investigate things. That sense of adventure can get Fido into all sorts of trouble! Avoid potentially dangerous areas, such as riverbanks and frozen bodies of water. Also, steer your pooch around things like broken glass and/or sharp rocks.
Lunging
Does your furry buddy have a habit of lunging after cats, squirrels, or other dogs? This is not only bad petiquette, it can also be dangerous. To break this habit, immediately change direction whenever Fido pulls on the leash. Training can get a bit tiresome, but sooner or later, your frisky pet will figure out that jerking on the leash won’t get him where he wants to go.
Please feel free to contact us, your local Mondovi, WI vet clinic, anytime. We are here to help!
