This is our complete guide to dog walking. Below you can read a wide range of information about dog walking. As a dog owner you are responsible for your dog, so it's important to be aware of the rules when you take your dog out for walkies. Going on dog walks is a big part of being a dog owner as all dogs need regular dog walks to stay healthy. Read on to discover helpful tips and advice.
How often should you walk your dog?
All dogs need some kind of walk on a daily basis unless they are injured or physically cannot go on a walk. You should walk your dog at least once a day but most dog owners tend to do two walks a day. Obviously, the amount of walks your dog needs depends on their breed, age, and size. Some high energy dog breeds require several walks a day whereas others are happy with just one gentle walk. This is something you might want to think about if you are considering which breed of dog to get. Consider much time do you have to dedicate to dog walking and what breed might be most suitable.
Ho To Clean A Dog After A Muddy Walk
When it's been raining for weeks, and the ground is very wet and boggy, dog walks can be a challenge. Dog owners also worry about when they return how they are going to get all that mud off their dog. Some dogs love to roll in the mud, which means they get absolutely covered in the stuff. We tell you how to clean a dog after a muddy walk!
Other dogs have long coats that easily pick up water, mud, dirt and debris from the ground as they walk. Cleaning your dog after muddy dog walks can be a big challenge. Here are some helpful tips to get your dog clean as quickly and as easily as possible.
Be prepared
The last thing you want to do is get back from a dog walk with a filthy dog and have nothing to clean them with. Before you set off for your winter dog walks, make sure you have a towel laid out for when you get back. Get the hose out ready, or a bucket to fill with water.
Rinse the worst of the mud off with a hose
Get the worst of the mudd off by showering your dog with a hose. Just do their paws, legs and underbelly. Don't try and wash your dog all over with the hose outside in the winter as it may be too cold for them. Rinse their feet and stomach so that when they walk inside they don't get mud everywhere.
Towel down outside
After you have washed them with the hose, make sure you towel them down before you let them inside. Give them a good rub with a towel to get most of the moisture out of their coat. Try using an ultra absorbent Easidri Towel. This will prevent them from getting your carpet wet and spreading mud everywhere when they shake.
Use a dog runner mat
Even if you do wash your dog before they come in the house, they might still manage to bring some dirt inside. Use a dog runner mat so that muddy paws are not trailed into the house. They help to protect your carpets and floors from dirty paws.
Head straight up for a bath
If your dog isn't too muddy, you can probably just do the above and leave it at that. However, if they are really dirty or have rolled in something stinky they might need a good scrub and wash. Head straight up to your bathroom and give them a bath.
Make sure you wash your dog thoroughly
Remember to wash hard to reach areas where mud can often build up such as under the armpits, on your dog's belly and under their chest. Use a dog shampoo that is specially designed for really dirty dogs such as Wahl Dirty Beastie, which is excellent for getting rid of dirt and mud. If your dog did roll in something stinky, you might want to also give them a spritz of deodorising spray such as Animology Stink Bomb Spray.
Drying
Remember to dry your dog off properly. Towel drying will not do, especially in the winter. Damp dogs can easily catch a chill so make sure your dog is completely dry after winter dog walks.
4 Signs You Need To Walk Your Dog More
Despite the modern era and our busy working lives, we still love our furry companions more than ever. It seems that nothing can get between man and his best friend, our loyal dogs. We all want what is best our precious baby, sometimes so much that we give up our own luxuries - so they can live like royalty. But have you considered that your dog many not be getting the exercise they need?
Exercise is vital to maintain a dog's health and their mental wellbeing, like us, dogs need to be able to let off pent up steam and burn off those delicious treats. Sometimes, despite our love for our furry friends we can get lazy and not walk our dogs as often as we really should. Without regular exercise that is tailored to your dog's needs, as an energetic Husky will need more frequent and longer walks compared to a sweet little Pomeranian. Your dog may become unhappy and unwell but he will let you know through signs:
1. Have you noticed a bit of extra podge on your dog's tummy?
Like humans, sometimes a few too many treats and not enough exercise can lead to weight gain. Although your sweet furry companion will always be the apple of your eye, despite a bit of chub, it can lead to serious health complications.
Responsible dog owners will be sure to keep up to date with boosters, usually at the appointment the vet will weigh your little friend. If there is concern, they will let you know and can help you to find the right routine and realize any mistakes you may be unknowingly making. It's always best to prevent risk and make time for a daily half an hour walk for a small dog and around and hour for a big dog.
2. Is your little angel becoming more of a little devil?
It is a well-known fact that dogs take a lot more work to look after than cats do. This is because our dogs are a lot less independent than a cat for example. A dog will only ever want to make you happy but they can find it hard to express their needs and we aren't animal whisperers!
If a dog is under-exercised it can take a toll on their mental and physical health and they will make this known, usually through a bit of a tantrum, almost like having a very fluffy toddler. You may see it as a stress to clean up rubbish and fix damaged furniture but you need to ask yourself why, maybe little Freddie just wants to have a good run in the great outdoors? No one likes to be trapped inside all day, after all!
3. Are you finding it hard to get a moments peace?
It can be all too familiar to be woken up to the sound of your dog wanting their breakfast and a morning fuss, our energy efficient alarm clocks. But is your little angel becoming a bit hard to handle? Are you finding it hard to settle them down for bed? Or maybe they look like they are practising to run the London Marathon in your living room. If your dog is way more energetic than usual, maybe it's time to take them to the field and let them have some much-needed running sessions. A worn-out dog is a well-behaved dog!
4. Are you looking after the next Houdini?
Sometimes, dogs want to go outside so bad that they will make every attempt to get there. Really at this point they may have given up on asking for walkies, maybe their lead is getting a bit dusty? But they haven't given up on their desire to chase some birds and stretch those little legs, this can be very dangerous if your dog escapes. So, if they seem to be lurching for the front door every time it's opened, maybe dust off that lead and go on an energising stroll.
How long should each walk last?
Again, this depends on what type of dog you have. Active breeds such as Border Collies, Huskies and Dalmatians will need to be taken out for a few hours at a time. You will be able to judge whether your dog has had a long enough walk when you get home. If they are still very active and restless throughout the day then you probably haven't walked them for long enough. If they crash out as soon as you get home and sleep a lot then you probably walked them for the right amount of time. You also need to be careful not to overdo it. Some dog breeds cannot cope with long or intense walks as it is simply too much for their bodies. Pugs, for example, should not overexert themselves too much as they tend to have breathing problems. Other dog breeds are particularly sensitive to heat and should not be taken out at the hottest times of the day or for too long when it's very warm. You will get to know your dog and what is the perfect length of walk for them.
Different locations for dog walks
Dogs love exploring new locations. Taking your dog to lots of different places is good for you as well as your pooch. You get to see lots of different places and see some beautiful landscapes. Walking on different terrain is also a great challenge for your dog. Try going for walks on beaches by the sea, through sand dunes, in woodland, at your local dog park, and in national parks throughout the UK. The choice of places to go is endless.
Dog walking equipment
There is a huge range of equipment you can get for dog walking. Here are some products you might find useful for dog walking:
- Dog Harness
- Retrieval toys
- Dog towels
- Walking shoes
- Raincoat
- Umbrella
- Wellies
- Trainers
- Treat bag
Dog walking etiquette
When you are walking your dog you need to be mindful of other people. Not just other dog owners but the general public. Make sure you have your dog under control at all times and do not let them off the lead in areas where this is not permitted. Don't allow your dog to run up to dogs that are on a lead as they may not wish to be approached. If you can see another dog is looking uncomfortable, call your dog back and put them on a lead.
Picking up dog mess
You are required by law to pick up your dog's mess. Have poo bags on you any time you go out in public. Excuses such as I didn't have any bags on me or I didn't see them do it won't get you out of a fine if you get caught. Be a responsible dog owner and pick up your dog's mess.
The country code
One of the best things about having a dog is you get to explore the British countryside. The UK has a total of 15 national parks which are ideal for going on dog walks. However, you need to be aware of the and abide by the specific rules for each park. Always have your dog close by so that you can call them back if you need to. Don't let them off the lead unless you are able to keep them under control and they have good recall. Do not under any circumstances allow your dog to chase livestock or wild animals. Take care when you are walking around cattle as they can be dangerous to both you and your dog. Keep your dog on a lead during bird nesting season (March to July) so that they do not disturb any nests on the ground.
Loose Lead Walking - Helpful Tips
Are you tired of getting dragged down the street? Dog walks are never fun if it's your dog taking you for a walk rather than the other way around. The annoying thing about pulling on the lead is that there's no quick fix. It's an issue that requires a lot of persistence. You may be at the end of your tether, and tempted to give up, but don't throw in the towel just yet.
We've got some helpful tips and techniques to try that might help you to work towards your goal. Imagine being able to walk down the road with Fido trotting right by your side, and a lead that just hangs loose. It is possible! Try our top tips and see what a difference you can make.
1. The stop and sit technique
This one requires a whole lotta patience and determination. It can get a little dull getting Fido to sit every two seconds, but if you persist, it does pay off. You simply teach your pooch that they won't go anywhere if they pull on the lead. As soon as they start to pull on the lead, stop and make them do a sit, then continue on your journey. The idea is that gradually you won't have to get the to sit as often, and they start to realise that pulling only delays their walkies.
2. The change direction technique
This is another common technique that dog trainers use. When your dog starts to pull, instead of tugging at their lead or telling them off, simply change direction. When the lead becomes loose, then you can turn around and walk back in the previous direction. The idea here being that your dog realise if they want to walk straight ahead, they can't pull on the lead. This is a good technique to try if you find the above €˜stop and sit' technique is taking too long.
3. Try using a harness or halti
As well as training methods, there's also a few handy products that are made especially for dogs who can't resist pulling on the lead. Most of these products are more of a temporary training aid, rather than a long term solution.
You still need to keep working on getting your dog to walk nicely. Otherwise you will have to rely on these products forever. and Cani collars are a great way to safely control your dog, and reduce pulling. If your dog is particularly strong, then try using a which gives you back the control, and gives your sore arm muscles a bit of a break.
4. Use a shorter lead so you have more control
If you have a dog that loves to pull, then you might want to avoid using a longer lead. Shorter leads can give you more control, and as your dog starts to get better at loose lead walking, you can allow them to enjoy the benefits of a longer lead. E. g. more room to sniff extra stuff venture a little further.
5. Meet your dog's exercise needs
Most dog owners know that dogs tend to pull more at the beginning of a walk. This is because they have bags of energy they need to release, and dogs are always super excited at the start of a walk. If you don't give your dog enough daily exercise, they will be more likely to pull on the lead. Wear your dog out on a daily basis and you will probably find walks a lot more pleasant. It won't stop your dog from pulling of course, but at least they won't have as much energy when they do decide to pull.
6. Off-lead training can help too
It's not just on-lead training that can help dogs to walk nicely. Make sure you spend some time with your dog off the lead, because you it's a great way to teach your dog to stick by you. If your dog doesn't have reliable recall, be sure to do some training in a secure area. Run around with your dog and encourage them to follow you and stay by your side, reward them with treats when they do stay near you. Follow the leader is a great game to play, because it gets your dog to enjoy following you and staying nearby. Doing these kinds of activities can really help to teach Fido that walking right by your side is a good thing to do.
7. Marking the €˜heal' command
Pick a word that represents your dog walking by your side. A lot of people choose to use the word €˜heel'. When your dog walks right next to your feet, and doesn't go any further ahead, give them a reward. Then gradually you can work towards saying €˜heel' and rewarding them when they respond correctly.
8. Positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement tends to work much better than punishing your dog. Yelling at them or tugging fiercely on their lead when they walk too far ahead may not get the results you want. Dogs respond better to positive reinforcement, which means praising them when they do the right thing rather than punishing them when they don't. You want your dog to enjoy walks and respond well to your training, and you can achieve this by trying some of the techniques mentioned in this article.
9. Patience and reinforcement
Remember that all these techniques take time, and you have to be consistent in your training. The minute you give up and let your dog get away with pulling you have lost the battle and may have to start all over again. So, whenever your dog is on the lead, make sure you continue your training. Your hard work and persistence will pay off in the long run, as long as you stick to your training and don't give up!
Recall on dog walks
Before you let your dog off the lead on a dog walk you need to ensure they have perfect recall. For some dogs, this is easier than others. You can teach your dog to come back to you on a long training lead. When you want your dog to come back to you, call them and reward them with a tasty treat if they return to you. If they don't come back you can gently pull them in towards you using the long lead. Keep practising until you feel confident and then try letting your dog off the lead in an enclosed area. Once you are confident they will come back to you then you can gradually try letting them off in other places.
Loose Lead Walking - Helpful Tips
Are you tired of getting dragged down the street? Dog walks are never fun if it's your dog taking you for a walk rather than the other way around. The annoying thing about pulling on the lead is that there's no quick fix. It's an issue that requires a lot of persistence. You may be at the end of your tether, and tempted to give up, but don't throw in the towel just yet.
;We've got some helpful tips and techniques to try that might help you to work towards your goal. Imagine being able to walk down the road with Fido trotting right by your side, and a lead that just hangs loose. It is possible! Try our top tips and see what a difference you can make.
1. The stop and sit technique
This one requires a whole lotta patience and determination. It can get a little dull getting Fido to sit every two seconds, but if you persist, it does pay off. You simply teach your pooch that they won't go anywhere if they pull on the lead. As soon as they start to pull on the lead, stop and make them do a sit, then continue on your journey. The idea is that gradually you won't have to get the to sit as often, and they start to realise that pulling only delays their walkies.
2. The change direction technique
This is another common technique that dog trainers use. When your dog starts to pull, instead of tugging at their lead or telling them off, simply change direction. When the lead becomes loose, then you can turn around and walk back in the previous direction. The idea here being that your dog realise if they want to walk straight ahead, they can't pull on the lead. This is a good technique to try if you find the above 'stop and sit' technique is taking too long.
3. Try using a harness or halti
As well as training methods, there's also a few handy products that are made especially for dogs who can't resist pulling on the lead. Most of these products are more of a temporary training aid, rather than a long term solution.
You still need to keep working on getting your dog to walk nicely. Otherwise you will have to rely on these products forever. and Cani collars are a great way to safely control your dog, and reduce pulling. If your dog is particularly strong, then try using a which gives you back the control, and gives your sore arm muscles a bit of a break.
4. Use a shorter lead so you have more control
If you have a dog that loves to pull, then you might want to avoid using a longer lead. Shorter leads can give you more control, and as your dog starts to get better at loose lead walking, you can allow them to enjoy the benefits of a longer lead. E. g. more room to sniff extra stuff venture a little further.
5. Meet your dog's exercise needs
Most dog owners know that dogs tend to pull more at the beginning of a walk. This is because they have bags of energy they need to release, and dogs are always super excited at the start of a walk. If you don't give your dog enough daily exercise, they will be more likely to pull on the lead. Wear your dog out on a daily basis and you will probably find walks a lot more pleasant. It won't stop your dog from pulling of course, but at least they won't have as much energy when they do decide to pull.
6. Off-lead training can help too
It's not just on-lead training that can help dogs to walk nicely. Make sure you spend some time with your dog off the lead, because you it's a great way to teach your dog to stick by you. If your dog doesn't have reliable recall, be sure to do some training in a secure area. Run around with your dog and encourage them to follow you and stay by your side, reward them with treats when they do stay near you. Follow the leader is a great game to play, because it gets your dog to enjoy following you and staying nearby. Doing these kinds of activities can really help to teach Fido that walking right by your side is a good thing to do.
7. Marking the 'heal' command
Pick a word that represents your dog walking by your side. A lot of people choose to use the word €˜heel'. When your dog walks right next to your feet, and doesn't go any further ahead, give them a reward. Then gradually you can work towards saying €˜heel' and rewarding them when they respond correctly.
8. Positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement tends to work much better than punishing your dog. Yelling at them or tugging fiercely on their lead when they walk too far ahead may not get the results you want. Dogs respond better to positive reinforcement, which means praising them when they do the right thing rather than punishing them when they don't. You want your dog to enjoy walks and respond well to your training, and you can achieve this by trying some of the techniques mentioned in this article.
9. Patience and reinforcement
Remember that all these techniques take time, and you have to be consistent in your training. The minute you give up and let your dog get away with pulling you have lost the battle and may have to start all over again. So, whenever your dog is on the lead, make sure you continue your training. Your hard work and persistence will pay off in the long run, as long as you stick to your training and don't give up!
Tips For Loose Lead Walking
We have all see dog owners being walked by their dog, getting pulled along and struggling to keep their dog under control. Loose lead walking is possibly one of the hardest things to teach your dog. Some dogs pick it up straight away and others take years to master the art of walking nicely on the lead.
Teaching your dog loose lead walking takes a huge amount of patience and dedication. It's definitely worth persisting because then you will have a dog that walks well on the lead for life. No more stressful walks, sore shoulders and getting pulled over. If you want to teach your dog to successfully walk well on the lead then here are a few tips to get you started.
Stop If Your Dog Pulls
One technique to try is to stop every time your dog pulls. As soon as the lead goes tight stop in your tracks. This teaches your dog that pulling means he will be stopped and not allowed to continue his adventure. If you constantly let your dog pull on the lead with no consequences they will think that's the right thing to do. This technique is very time consuming but if you do it properly you should start to notice a difference.
The Pause And Sit Technique
This is similar to the technique above but you get your dog to sit as well as stop. Some dog trainers find this technique works because it breaks the dogs pulling pattern and makes them realise if they pull they have to stop and wait. Dogs will soon realise if they stop pulling the fun can continue. You should also get your dog to do a sit randomly, even if their walking improves so that they know they might have to obey this command at any time.
All Walks Are Training
Remember any time you leave the house and walk your dog on the lead you are training. If you aren't consistent you will undo all your hard work. Make sure that every time you go on a walk you are training your dog to walk nicely on the lead. If you don't have the time to walk your dog properly then get a dog walker to take them or find another way to exercise them.
Exercise Your Dog In Other Ways
When your dog is training to walk properly on the lead they are unlikely to get much exercise. It's a slow process and it's not much fun for your dog. During this period you may want to find other ways to exercise your dog, such as doing a dog sport, letting them run in an enclosed area and playing. This will also help to get rid of some of your dog's energy so that they are more focused when you are training on the lead.
Lure And Reward
Another technique to try is the lure and reward technique. This is where you keep your dog close to your side and encourage them to walk nicely using tasty treats. Hold you hand just in front of their nose and give them treats, they will then hopefully choose to walk close to your hand in order to get more treats. As your dog improves, start increasing the amount of time between treats and praise them when they walk without pulling.
Use High Value Treats
It's important to use high value treats that your dog is really interested in. If they aren't that bothered about the treats they won't focus on what you are asking them to do. Try and find out what their favourite treat is and save it for when you are doing lead training.
Set Aside Enough Time
Never try and squeeze a lead walking training session into a short space of time. You won't give your dog the attention they need and if you rush you could undo all your hard work. Plan your training walks properly and allow yourself plenty of time.
Helpful Walking Equipment
You can also try using helpful walking equipment to assist with your training. Some products are designed specifically to help with loose lead walking such as and
Lead Walking Products To Reduce Pulling
Training your dog to walk correctly on a lead can sometimes be a difficult challenge. It takes a lot of time and patience, loose lead walking isn't something that just happens overnight. You need to go out walking with your dog every day and dedicate some time to training them not to pull. Dog trainers have lots of different ways of doing this, stopping as every time they pull, getting them to sit regularly and luring them to your side with a treat. It depends what your dog responds to and how quickly they progress.
It's difficult when you have a very strong dog that is constantly pulling on the lead. Walking your dog can become very tiring and turn into a stressful experience. Dogs will sometimes pull so hard that they start to choke on their collars, which can be worrying. Thankfully, there are some helpful products you can buy to aid training and stop your dog from pulling.
Halti Headcollar
A Halti headcollar goes over your dog's nose and takes the power away from their body. You control your dog by their head, which gives them a lot less power and puts you in control. They fit comfortably around your dog's nose and reduce pulling. You will notice such a difference when you use a headcollar. It should be used as part of your dog's training. You should aim to take the head collar off or use a harness instead when your dog starts to improve. To view our range of headcollars click here
Harness
Dog Harnesses are also a great product to help reduce pulling. They give you the control and allow you to direct where your dog wants to move. Dogs are controlled by their chest in a safe, comfortable harness. There are lots of different types of harnesses you can get, some with padding and some that are slightly different shapes.
Dog Walking, Sitting & Camera Apps For Dog Owners
From walking and training apps to diet and health apps, there are plenty to choose from. Sometimes dog owners need a helping hand on some aspects of caring for a dog and these apps do just that. Here are some great apps that are made specially for dog owners.
Rover
Rover is the leading pet sitting and dog walking app. It is available via the Apple App Store or Google Play. The Rover app was created for dog people by The Dog PeopleTM. Through this app, you can get cute photo updates and GPS tracking of your dog's walk. It also offers a super easy way to message sitters. This realy is a great app, and worth a .
iCam
You can watch over your dog remotely using this handy camera app. It records live audio and video while so you can keep an eye on your dog and see what they get up to when you are out. It's reassuring to be able to see what your dog is doing and know that they are safe. Some owners also find this very entertaining as dogs can get up to all sorts of mischief while you are out. The webcam feeds from your iPhone, Ipod Touch or Ipad.
Tailster
This is a UK based App and service that has grown rapidly in recent years. You can get access to thousands of trusted dog boarders and sitters.