Let's Walk the Dog

By Karen Hammond

It's winter and dog walks can feel more like a chore than a good time. Which is the reason why January is designated as Walk Your Dog Month. Shorter days mean we are walking our pups in the dark and the cold so we might need to look for new ways to liven up the daily adventure and get outside regularly. Walking your pet is also good for you and may help with some of those health-related New Year’s resolutions.

I’ve been a dog mom for the past 20 years. My mom always had a dog or two and we walked them both in the city and the countryside. I currently have three corgis – Rascal, a rescue from the Mayfield Animal Shelter, Hermione, a spoiled pedigree from Hopkinsville, and Gryffin, our 9-month-old from Connecticut. I walk them every day: rain, sun, or snow. Here are some ideas to help liven up your walking routine and develop some good dog-walking behaviors. I’ve also included some pet gear ideas to make your exercise healthy, fun, and safe for both you and your pet.

Get the Right Leash

I’m very fortunate to live near trails and nature reserves where I can get away with walking my trio off-leash. But in most towns and neighborhoods leashes are required. There are many types of leashes, harness leashes, multi-dog leashes, lasso, and good old-fashioned heavy-duty nylon. The one that’s best for you is the one you feel most comfortable holding and your pet walks well on.

Practice and Training

Yep, it’s a Caesar Milan moment! Be in charge when you walk your dog. Use confident body language - head up, shoulders back!

My dog sitter recently asked me how I trained the corgis not to pull. There are lots of safe products on the market to help you train your dog. Until your dog knows how to walk without pulling, view walks as training sessions, and keep them short, frequent, and low stress. In the past choke chains were common but are not considered humane. Now trainers use a sturdy, no-pull harness and give a tiny treat every few feet to encourage the dog to stay by your side and walk in step.

Whichever type of leash you use, keep it short, but not too tight. Position your pup next to your leg and hold the leash across your body in the other hand. Let them feel the movement of your legs through the leash placement – it helps them keep to your pace. Remember, you are in control so do not allow pulling or dawdling.

Corgis (L-R) Gryffin, Rascal, Hermione

Don’t forget…

Please be a responsible pet owner. Always carry bags for cleaning up and disposing of doggie poop. Leaving dog waste is a health hazard and usually a code violation. I like Earth Rates PoopBags – they have a slight scent and are leak proof! Don’t forget to carry water for yourself and your dog, and pack your dog’s favorite bite-size treats for rewarding good behavior away.

Walking after dark? Reflective vests and backpacker's lights are very helpful and make your dog visible to runners and vehicles. There are now leashes that light up and collars that flash! Don’t forget you need to be visible, too – consider a reflective vest or armband and don’t walk your dog in dark clothing on poorly lit areas.

Make it an Adventure.

Walking the same neighborhood sidewalk can get boring for you and your pup. Dena Rowe, owner of FurKidz Pet Hotel, Spa & Daycamp in Paducah agrees.

“The same walk day after day, walk after walk… your pet is probably getting bored, too! After working with animals for many years I have found it very rewarding to not only walk your pet but engage them in some enrichment activities while you are walking. Do they have a favorite toy? Try bringing that along on the walk and play with them. Have you ever tried playing with them using a laser pointer? It’s a great way to play and allows your pet to expend more energy on the walk. This works for cats, too. Remember never to shine it directly into their eyes.”

Instead of a walk, take your pups to the dog park once in a while. Discover local trails and parks you can stroll in. Take your dog on different routes, walk to a friend’s house, or borrow a friend’s dog to join you. Speaking from experience, walking outdoors with friends and their pups is a great way to socialize during a pandemic!

How far is too far?

I have dogs at all stages of life – a senior at 14 years old, a 5-yearold, and a pup of 9 months. Remember to consider your dog’s breed, age, physical condition, and time of year. Dogs are most sensitive to exertion at the beginning and end stages of their lives. Many dogs develop hip and feet issues as they age. If you have any questions about your dog’s condition and ability, always check with your vet.

“As we get into the colder months, it’s important to know when your pet has had enough exercise,” said Rowe. “If they keep sitting or lying down and panting, chances are, they are tired.

However you do it, walking your dog, in January and year-round, is a great way to bond with your pet and get the mutual benefit of exercise.