Dog Walking in Autumn

Dog Walking in Autumn

Well, it’s almost time for those long walks in mild autumn weather through d elicious-smelling woods and piles of leaves for your dog to kick around. Or alternatively, to brave the wind and wet and muddy sludge on the paths, coming home to cleaning a dirty dog. Take your pick for the British autumn we love. Juliet Abrahamson explains more

Here are a few doggy and owner hints and tips – nothing you probably don’t already know, but worth restating.

Dogs do not, in the main, need coats, unless it is below freezing and they have very short hair like greyhounds or are very small breeds. Your vet will be able to tell you if your dog should wear a coat in cold weather, but commonsense should say that a dog has hair for the purpose, and fancy coats are not really healthy for most dogs, who may overheat or lose some ability to regulate their own temperature. But there are some very good waterproof coats available for those dogs who do need them, and ones that are not too hot for the generally mild UK winters.

Coats are optional, but it is worth considering whether your dog would benefit from a harness instead of a plain lead. There are so many types of harness available now that it is very difficult to choose, but when we went from an ordinary collar to a shoulder leash for our dog we realized how much more comfortable he was and how much easier and gentler to restrain him on a walk. It’s worth doing some research at your local pet store or online to find the right one for your dog, because the good and bad points will be pointed out and the harness rated. Watch that the harness is comfortable on the chest (possibly padded), not tight under the armpits, and easy to put on.

Some people disapprove of the extendable

leash which can cause problems if the dog is uncontrolled – burns or cuts from the cord for instance – but we have never found that to be the case and think dogs enjoy the greater freedom that an extendable leash gives, while it is also easy to lock at a shorter length if needed.

Now you have your coat, collar and leash it’s off to the fields or woods! Bear in mind that in the summer and at this time of the year – harvest time – there may be lots of seeds around that your dog may pick up in his paw, ears or nose, and they can be quite a problem, particularly if you don’t notice until it becomes one. Grass seeds have pointy ends that can trapped in the skin or hair. It’s a good idea to have a quick check of the paws, particularly with a long-haired breed, after your walk. A dog will shake her head quite a bit if one gets in her ear, and she may constantly lick her toes, sneeze if one is in her nose, or paw at her eyes to indicate discomfort. Ticks may also be a problem in autumn, so keep an eye out for these nasty little bugs too.

Put a couple of toys in your pocket, or training treats if appropriate. Most dogs will have a truly wonderful sniff and explore, but finding a place on your walk that your dog can be off the leash and be encouraged to race around will give you both lots of exercise. A squeaky ball is great, with or with

Well, it’s almost time for those long walks in mild autumn weather through delicious-smelling woods and piles of leaves for your dog to kick around. Or alternatively, to brave the wind and wet and muddy sludge on the paths, coming home to cleaning a dirty dog. Take your pick for the British autumn we love. Juliet Abrahamson explains more

Here are a few doggy and owner hints and tips – nothing you probably don’t already know, but worth restating. Dogs do not, in the main, need coats, unless it is below freezing and they have very short hair like greyhounds or are very small breeds. Your vet will be able to tell you if your dog should wear a coat in cold weather, but commonsense should say that a dog has hair for the purpose, and fancy coats are not really healthy for most dogs, who may overheat or lose some ability to regulate their own temperature. But there are some very good waterproof coats available for those dogs who do need them, and ones that are not too hot for the generally mild UK winters. Coats are optional, but it is worth considering whether your dog would benefit from a harness instead of a plain lead. There are so many types of harness available now that it is very difficult to choose, but when we went from an ordinary collar to a shoulder leash for our dog we realized how much more comfortable he was and how much easier and gentler to restrain him on a walk. It’s worth doing some research at your local pet store or online to find the right one for your dog, because the good and bad points will be pointed out and the harness rated. Watch that the harness is comfortable on the chest (possibly padded), not tight under the armpits, and easy to put on. Some people disapprove of the extendable

leash which can cause problems if the dog is uncontrolled – burns or cuts from the cord for instance – but we have never found that to be the case and think dogs enjoy the greater freedom that an extendable leash gives, while it is also easy to lock at a shorter length if needed. Now you have your coat, collar and leash it’s off to the fields or woods! Bear in mind that in the summer and at this time of the year – harvest time – there may be lots of seeds around that your dog may pick up in his paw, ears or nose, and they can be quite a problem, particularly if you don’t notice until it becomes one. Grass seeds have pointy ends that can trapped in the skin or hair. It’s a good idea to have a quick check of the paws, particularly with a long-haired breed, after your walk. A dog will shake her head quite a bit if one gets in her ear, and she may constantly lick her toes, sneeze if one is in her nose, or paw at her eyes to indicate discomfort. Ticks may also be a problem in autumn, so keep an eye out for these nasty little bugs too. Put a couple of toys in your pocket, or training treats if appropriate. Most dogs will have a truly wonderful sniff and explore, but finding a place on your walk that your dog can be off the leash and be encouraged to race around will give you both lots of exercise. A squeaky ball is great, with or with-