January is Walk Your Dog Month

We know it can be difficult in cold winter weather to find the motivation to get out and walk your dog.  But there have many various studies that show that even a brief walk has benefits for both you and your pup!  Rover.com provided this list of dog walking tips to help you get reinvigorated about your walk.

Be the pack leader. Be in charge when you walk your dog. Use confident body language—head up, shoulders back—and don’t let your dog walk in front of you. Your dog should walk beside you or slightly behind. If your dog pulls ahead, shouting won’t get him to return to your side. Reinforce good behavior by rewarding with a treat when he’s walking by your side to keep him in stride with you, and consider a sturdy, no-pull harness to help discourage your dog’s inclination to pull.

Practice leash lessons. Many of us live in cities and neighborhoods where leashes are an absolute must. Choose the right one for you and your dog and your specific circumstances. There are many types of leashes (think multi-dog leashes, hands-free leashes, and the good old-fashioned heavy-duty nylon type), and the one that’s best for you is the one you feel most comfortable holding. Whichever type of leash you use, keep it short, but not too tight. Your dog will be discouraged from bolting, dawdling, or wandering, and you can maintain close communication and control. Have a serial puller? There are lots of safe products on the market to help you train your dog not to pull. Until your dog knows how to walk without pulling, view walks as training sessions, and keep them short, frequent, and low stress. Again, reward your dog with treats when she stays by your side (see our ideas on treat dispensers for walks below).

Bring the necessities. Make the walk pleasant for you and your dog. Always carry bags for cleaning up and disposing of doggie poop—leaving dog waste is not only a health hazard, but in many cities, it’s a code violation (plus, it’s just plain rude). Don’t forget to hydrate, carry water for yourself and your dog, especially in warmer weather. Don’t forget to pack your dog’s favorite bite-size treats for rewarding good behavior away from home.

Change it up. To make walks more fun for you and your dog, rove a little—and travel off the beaten path by taking your dog on different routes, going to cool places like the dog park or a friend’s house (preferably a dog owner!), and taking walks with buddies—borrowing a friend’s dog or asking another owner to join you on your walk.

Know how far to go. How much walking time is enough for your dog? This is a decision you’ll make based on your dog’s breed, age, physical condition, and the time of year. Dogs are most sensitive to exertion at the beginning and end stages of their lives, but they will give you clues as to whether they are comfortable, whether they are ready to head home, or whether they are up for a few more laps. If you have any questions about your dog’s condition and ability, check in with your vet.

However you do it, walking your dog is one of the easiest ways to bond with your pet and get the mutual benefit of exercise, and we hope you enjoy the time together!

Thanks to Rover.com for this inspiring blog!