Newark Dog Walking

Real advice for dog walkers

Not sure if you are keeping your dog happy? We can help by offering our expert advice, for free!

Dogs mean so much to us as our closest family and our best friends. It's important that we return their kindness and love by making sure they get sufficient exercise and outside exposure. It's good for their physical and mental health. And the best way to do this is by giving them a great walk every day, whether it be in the park or on the road. If you are unsure whether or not your dog is happy on walks, here are a few things you can do.

• Make sure they are comfy - if it's cold, it's important that you put a coat on you dog. Also, if they pull, it's a good idea to invest in a harness rather than using a collar or a choker. A harness will make sure that the dog's throat and neck aren't strained.
  
• Let them be dogs - Canines are meant to explore using their keen senses. Using their noses to interact with the world is like second nature to them. If we impede their ability to do this, the dog's happiness could deteriorate. So when they want to go sniff a mailbox, let them!
  
• Don't walk too far - if you own a small dog or an elderly one, it's important that you don't walk to far and tire them out. Exercise is great for dogs regardless of their age or size, but it's possible to push them too hard and strain them.
  
• Make sure they are polite with other dogs - it's very common to see other dogs on a walk. The dog-to-dog interaction is very healthy, but make sure your dog is not aggressive or hostile with other animals. Here are some signs that your dog is feeling threatened:
  
  • showing teeth
    
  • fur on the dog's back spikes up
    
  • growling/snarling