Heading out for a walk is great, not only for our mental and physical health, but for our dogs’ too. But with busy roads and darker nights coming our way as winter approaches, there are more hazards to be aware of. Luckily, by following a few simple steps, you can help to keep your furry friend safe during your strolls.
Keep them on the lead
The easiest way to keep your pooch safe while out walking, especially near roads, is to use a lead. A short lead, attached to a well-fitted collar or harness, will give you more control and keep your pup close by – this is particularly important as the nights grow darker. If you let your pooch off the lead to run around, only do so in a secure, enclosed area so that they can’t run onto nearby roads or become disorientated and lost. It’s also worth making sure that, should the worst happen and you get separated, your pet is wearing a collar and tag and that their microchip details are up to date.
Stop, look & listen
Our four-legged friends won’t automatically be street smart when it comes to avoiding traffic, so teaching them to stop and wait at the curb can help to prevent them rushing onto an unsafe road. To do this you’ll need three separate commands – “sit”, “wait”, and “go”. When approaching a curb, ask your pet to sit and wait while you check the road is clear, rewarding them when they’re calm and sitting. Once the coast is clear, instruct them to cross safely and reward them when they reach the other side. Make sure you do this each time you cross the road, to avoid confusion and help your pet to learn the routine.
Stay visible
It’s always best to walk your dog during daylight hours but, as the days get shorter, this may become trickier, so making sure you and your pup are both visible on your walks is important. Wearing a high visibility jacket is great for this, as is brightly coloured clothing, so that drivers can spot you. You can also use a reflective lead, harness and LED collar for your pooch. Also, remember to take a torch to help keep your surroundings illuminated when you venture out.
Master key commands
It’s a good idea to consider teaching your dog an emergency ‘STOP’ command – as an extra safety precaution. Even if they aren’t let off the lead, being able to control them in an emergency is important for their safety. It only takes something small to spook your dog and for them to run towards the road, so training them to obey this verbal instruction is another safeguard to keep you both happy and safe while out and about.
PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity, there to help pets when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn. Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery helps reach even more pet owners with vital advice and information.
Visit www.pdsa.org.uk for more details.