Walking your dog is a crucial aspect of being a responsible dog owner. Beyond providing much-needed exercise for your furry companion to stay healthy and active, it’s also an enriching experience that allows them to breathe in fresh air and become familiar with the world outside.
Although all dog owners share the same goal of enjoying walks with their beloved pets, a friendly reminder of some ground rules can never hurt. At Maxime, we’re dedicated to helping you and your floof baby have the best life together filled with fun and joy! That’s why we’ve compiled a short list of top dog paw-tocols that will ensure your strolls are hassle-free, fostering positive relationships with other dog owners and neighbors.
Let’s delve into the paw-tocols:
1. Always use a leash.
Using a leash is of utmost importance. Regardless of how well-trained your dog is or how excellent their recall might be, whenever you take your dog outside, keep them on a leash. Even the most obedient dogs can get spooked or react unexpectedly to other animals or people. A leash provides you with control and ensures the safety of others around you. Additionally, while your floof baby might be adorable, not everyone appreciates surprise encounters or unexpected sniffs.
When selecting a leash, choose the length based on your dog’s training level during walks. For starters, a 4-foot leash is suitable for any dog or puppy. Opt for a sturdy material, especially if your dog is large or has a habit of chewing on the leash. Moreover, attaching the leash to a harness is generally more comfortable and secure for your dog than using a collar.
2. Scoop if they poop.
Being a responsible dog paw-rent involves dealing with all aspects, including the not-so-pleasant ones! If your dog poops during your walk, always clean up after them and scoop the poop. Not only is dog feces unsightly, but it can also spread diseases and parasites to other animals and people if left unattended. Plus, being courteous to your neighbors is essential.
3. Respect personal spaces.
Before allowing your dog to interact with other humans or animals, always ask for permission or observe the others’ reactions. As previously mentioned, not everyone may welcome interactions with your dog, no matter how cute or friendly they appear.
When passing by pedestrians, keep your dog close to you. If your dog starts acting unfriendly or behaves disruptively, know when to stop them and calmly walk away.
4. No trespassing.
This one is a no-brainer. Never permit your dog to jump on fences, walk over lawns or gardens, or enter open gates. Avoid letting your dog pee in front of someone’s front yard or snack on their plants and vegetation.
5. Always be alert.
When outside with your dog, maintain full attention on them and never let them out of your sight. You are responsible for your dog’s safety, and you know their behavior best. Prevent them from entangling their leash around objects or people, wandering off into busy streets, or approaching others without consent. Training your dog to sit or stop is an excellent way to help ensure their safety if they ever get loose.
Owning a dog is a significant responsibility that should never be taken lightly. When walking your dog outside, you not only ensure their safety but also that of others around you. Remember these simple paw-tocols for more enjoyable walks with your floof baby while fostering harmony within your community!
Provide your dog with the nourishment they need for walks and other activities by feeding them Maxime! Maxime Dog Food is formulated with high-quality proteins to promote vitality and agility for both puppies and adult dogs, allowing you to unleash the fun and live your best life together!
References:
4 Ground Rules for Good Walking Etiquette, TheWildest.com
Ground Rules: Dog Walking Etiquette 101, BowmanVet.com
