Dog walking
A dog should have at least one walk every day. The length of the walk is dependent on the dogs age and health. A dog walk is beneficial to dog and owner as it offers a cardiovascular workout and social opportunities. It should generally be a fun time when dog and owner can bond.
A well trained dog provides the most pleasure to walk with. For formal local dog training classes I recommend Imogen Jennings of BarkingMadDTS Flitwick and Ampthill but you can consult your local vet for dog training classes near you. Dog training installs good behaviour through obedience training and is an opportunity for your dog to socialise closely with other dogs. Classes tend to be a combination of training and fun for both dog and owner.
All dogs should be microchipped and wear collars with tags that clearly identify them in case they get lost during a dog walking excursion. For this reason also dog owners should also have a clear and recent photograph of their dog preferably in a digital format and on their phones.
Plan your walk in advance. A daily local walk may be a regular route around a local country footpath but be sure to obey local signage relating to dogs and dog walking. Take care of walking in fields where animals graze. A small local walk may be a walk around Flitton Moor, Flitton or MIllenium Green in Silsoe. A more eventful walk may include a car drive to one of the following in Bedfordshire; Priory Marina, Dunstable Downs, Danish Camp Willington, Rushmore Country Park, Maulden woods, or the Forrest Centre Marston Mortaine.
Carry dog waste bags with you and worm your dogs regularly. Dogs muck can carry diseases for both humans and other animals. Clearing up your dogs muck is often a local requirement and makes walking dogs more pleasurable event. Let’s face it nobody likes to stand in a pile of dog poo!
Bring with you dog treats. During your walk encourage the dog to practice skills and tricks that have been taught in dog training classes. This can include anything as basic as a sit to a recall command. Also practice social walking with the dog, where the dog is able to sniff and stop freely, and walking to heal.
Always praise your dog and reward your dog for positive behaviour during your walk. Don’t just acknowledge their bad behaviours as this may enforce them.
Walking on a dog lead offers good control of a dog. Do not let dogs off leash until the dog obeys a good recall command. Be aware of the dangers such as other aggressive dogs and traffic when letting dogs of leash.
Dog walks should be fun and stimulating for a dog. Take time to have fun and praise your dog. Where possible take a favourite toy or ball to play with.
On hot days carry water for both owner and dog. Collapsible water bowls or dog water carriers can be found easily on Amazon.
At the end of a walk reward your dog by feeding it and rewarding it with praise and treats.