In the first two articles of You and your Dog, a very brief outline on the laws regarding the behaviour of dogs in public places was explained, these laws apply at ALL times.
The walk should be enjoyable for both you and your dog, but if you have an uncontrollable mutt, it could be frustrating for both dog and owner. Let us take a look at how a walk should be handled in order to make it a pleasant experience.
BEFORE you leave home
You should check your dog carefully for any type of limp, and see if his eyes are clear. If your dog appears lethargic do not walk him – make an appointment with the vet for a health check. Do not feed him before taking him on his walk.
Your dog should sit calmly while you attach his leash to his collar. Do not leave home until the dog is calm – an excited dog will become even more excited as your walk progresses, until you cannot control him at all.
Take note of the weather. If you feel hot and lethargic, your dog will be feeling the same. Never exercise your dog in the heat – it can cause your dog to get heatstroke. Some dogs such as border collies are so driven to work that they will, regardless of the weather conditions, work until they are exhausted. By then it could be too late and the dog could die of heat stroke or heart failure due to over-exercise from for example throwing a frisbee or playing ball. (This has happened in the past). All exercise in moderation and under the correct conditions.
The following items should be taken on the walk: plastic packets to pick up dog poop, a whistle or any item that can be used to make a loud noise (a tin can with a few stones inside), some water and a dish for the dog, a ball or toy to use for playing on the beach or in the park.
Some of the hazards you might encounter on the walk
Why the whistle or the tin of stones? The whistle will alert another owner whose dog is not on leash and is running in an uncontrolled manner towards your dog. The tin of stones if rattled at the oncoming dog might frighten it away. Your dog is on leash and under your control. If all owners took heed of the laws regarding dogs to be kept on leashes in public places, situations such as this would not arise.
NEVER allow your dog to drink from puddles of water on the roadside or pavement
The water could be contaminated with all types of bacteria. A disease carried by rats, leptospirosis, affects both humans and animals. Water contaminated with leptospirosis could affect your dog and if he contracts the disease, he could die.
Noisy trucks, cars and motorcycles are scary to some of our dogs, and handling fearful dogs during a walk will be dealt with in the next article.
Take care, until next time, HAPPY WALKIES.
Yvonne Eland
ACDIPCBM (UK) with distinction
