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Dog Walking Etiquette: 5 Rules to Walk Your Rescue Dog Properly
How to Walk Your Rescue Dog Properly – Dog Walking Etiquette. If you are a dog owner, you know that walks are the highlight of your canine’s day. Walks allow your dog to spend all the energy built up over the day. And allows them the chance to explore their surroundings and get used to meeting (and interacting with) new people and animals.
However, while walks is an essential part of your dog’s health, it’s also important to make sure that you’re following proper etiquette. It’s important to be considerate about the people and pets around you, and following some ground rules can help prevent interpersonal conflicts with neighbors and friends. To help you get out and walk your dog properly we share dog walking etiquette and 5 rules to walk your rescue dog.
1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Your pup may be the friendlies dog in the world – but that doesn’t mean you should let your dog run up to people and animals that you aren’t familiar with.
Remember, you don’t know anything about strangers on the street. The person approaching you may be afraid of or allergic to dogs, and another dog may be aggressive or nervous. Unless someone specifically asks to approach your pet, try to avoid letting them meet people you don’t know.
Additionally, don’t forget that you don’t have to say yes just because someone asks. If you are uncomfortable with the other person approaching your pet or feel your dog would not be comfortable interacting with them, don’t be afraid to say no. Similarly, if another dog-owner asks if you would be okay with allowing your dog to play with their pet, don’t let worry about hurt feelings stop you from saying no – your dog’s comfort should come first at all times.
2. Use a Leash When Walking
We understand that you may feel like you know your dog well enough to trust that he’ll be okay off-leash. However, unless you’re in a designated off-leash spot (like a dog park), it’s essential to make sure your rescue dog is on a leash at all times.
A leash is important for the safety of both your dog and the people around you. While your canine may have a sweet temperament, unexpected sounds and situations may trigger them and render to do something unpredictable.
Similarly, if your dog approaches another person or pet while off-leash, there may be major issues. Especially if the person is allergic or afraid or if the other canine is aggressive.
As far as possible, stick to using a standard, sturdy 4-6 foot leash. Avoid retractable leashes if you can, as using them can be dangerous for your pet, you, and other pedestrians.
If you’re looking for a leash, I would recommend the BAAPet 6 Foot Reflective Dog Leash. The leash is available in a variety of colors, and you can choose your preferred leash width for maximum comfort. Additionally, the padded handle has been designed to be comfortable and easy to grip, and the reflective threading in the leash makes walks in the dark safer for you and your pup.
3. Clean Up After Your Dog
I know this should be a no brainer. But it’s shocking how much poop get left behind. If you have a dog, this is a standard part of being out in public with him – make sure to clean after your pup! Stock up on eco friendly poop bags, the little bags are small and thin so they are easy to pack in a pocket.
You shouldn’t only pick up poo if your dog goes to the bathroom in someone’s yard – you should also be considerate of all public spaces like sidewalks and parks. Don’t forget that other people and pets use these spaces, and no one wants to be greeted with dog poop while out on a walk!
To make carrying poop bags easier, consider investing in a bag holder that you can attach to your pet’s leash. When you fill a bag, deposit it in the nearest public garbage can before continuing your walk. Don’t use someone else’s trash cans! If you can’t find a public bin, wait until you get home to dispose of the bags.
4. Be Aware When Your Walk Your Rescue Dog
Walking a dog shouldn’t be as easy as going for a leisurely stroll .– When you’ve got your dog with you, you’re responsible for both his safety and his actions. Make sure that you’re aware of where your dog is at all times so that you can step in if you feel that there’s a chance of an unpleasant or unsafe situation taking place.
Additionally, respect other people’s property. Don’t allow your pet to damage another person’s lawn or garden, and make sure that they don’t visit the bathroom or someone else’s mailboxes or lawn decorations. After all, you wouldn’t want to be surprised by an unexpected gift when you step into your lawn, so why would anyone else?
You should also make sure you have control over your pup. While a loose leash can help prevent injuries to your dog, you should also be able to prevent them from bolting after a squirrel or running into someone’s backyard. Make sure your dog stays close to you and that you are prepared with ways to redirect their attention if you feel they may try to break away from you.
Another thing you consider is training your pet not to bark. You should also look into ways to redirect his attention if he starts barking at other animals or pets. While your pet may be harmless, barking can startle other people and frighten other pets and animals.
5. Protect Your Dog
Aside from difficult interactions with other people and animals, the environment around you can pose a risk for your rescue dog if you don’t take the right precautions. Ensure that your pet is protected from the weather outside and that you adjust your walk schedule accordingly.
For example, if your area experiences particularly hot summers, you should try to keep walks short to prevent overheating. If you suspect your pet is showing signs of heatstroke, contact a vet immediately.
Your dog’s paws should also be adequately protected against the weather. Hot asphalt can burn the pads on their paws, so consider a walk in the park instead of on the sidewalk on particularly hot days. Remember, if it’s too hot for you to walk on barefoot, it’s too hot for your pet as well!
Depending on how cold winters get, you may also need to protect your pet’s paws from the snow and ice and from salted roads.
Keep an eye out for signs of frostbite on their paws when you take your pet for a walk. Doggy boots can be a helpful solution. However, since they can be relatively unnatural, you will need to give them some time to get used to the boots.
If you’re looking for boots for your dog to wear in the winter, I would recommend the QUMY No Slip Winter Dog Boots. They are available in multiple sizes, so you should be able to find a set that fits your pet. Additionally, they offer anti-slip rubber soles and warm fleece inside each boot, all of which help protect your pup in the cold.
Concluding 5 Etiquette Rules on How to Walk Your Rescue Dog Properly
While walks can be fun for both you and your pet, it’s essential to make sure you follow the guidelines mentioned above. They will ensure that both you and your pet are happy with your walks and will make it easier to make friends with other people and dogs around your neighborhood. Who knows – you may even find that you have a furry friend accompany you and your rescue dog on your next walk!
Sources: Rules for Walking Your Dog
https://www.lankaslabs.com/dog-walking-etiquette-the-rules-of-the-sidewalk/
https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/behavior/etiquette-dog-owners
https://www.bowmanvet.com/blog/ground-rules-dog-walking-etiquette-101/
https://earthbath.com/dog-behavior-2/dog-walking-etiquette-5-easy-rules/
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/ways-you-might-be-ruining-your-dogs-walk/