10 dog walking tips if you’re a novice or professional

10 dog walking tips if you’re a novice or professional

1. Use a front clip dog harness if your dog pulls on the leash.

If the dog you’re walking constantly pulls on the leash, then try using a front clip harness. Dog collars and back clip harness promotes unnecessary pulling. When you’re looking to buy one, make sure the harness has a clip on the front – as the back clip might be more popular in pet stores. This might not solve the full problem, but it should help. If the issue persists and/or worsens, training might be a good option.

2. Letting your dog sniff around helps with mental stimulation.

For dogs, walks aren’t just for exercise, it’s also for exploring and stimulating the brain – which they might not necessarily get a lot at home. Smelling around helps the dog keep track of what’s happening in the neighbourhood.

Read more about our dog walking insurance cover on our page.

3. Swap the retractable leash for a traditional leash.

Retractable leashes can cause lots of different unnecessary hazards, so it’s usually best to stick to a traditional leash.

A retractable leash makes it difficult to maintain control of the dog, especially in densely populated areas. Not only can it harm the dog, but it can also cause harm to the walker. Grabbing the leash to get more support when the dog is running will cause nasty burns, and once there is no more leash it can cause injury to the dog as it’s made to stop with force.

4. Always pick up the dogs’ poo.

Not only is it gross and untidy looking when someone doesn’t pick up their dogs poo, but it can also carry harmful organisms such as, E. coli, roundworms and salmonella, that can spread to other animals and humans.

Not picking up your dogs’ poo can also leave you with a fine – more reason to pick the poop up!

5. Bring plenty of water.

If you’re deciding to go on a walk longer than half an hour, or in the hot weather, bring plenty of water for yourself and the dog! Dogs can overheat easily as they can’t regulate their body temperature.

6. Make sure the dog has proper identification.

Before you leave the house, make sure the dog has a collar with identification on and is also microchipped – accidents can happen and a dog can run off, which means having identification is the easiest way to bring it back home and safe.

7. Watch out for hot pavement in summer.

Your dogs’ paws are just as sensitive as our hands and feet. So to check if it’s too hot for them to walk on the pavement, use the back of your hand or your bare feet and place on the pavement for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot or uncomfortable, then it’s too hot for your dog. You can walk them on grassy areas, or the woods, or maybe there is a lake nearby where they can cool down!

8. Keep your dogs focused by bringing their favourite treats.

Wherever you walk, there’s going to be distractions. Bringing along their favourite treats will bring their attention back to you, especially in uncertain moments.

9. Always ask the owner before approaching their dog.

Your dog/dogs may be friendly and love playing with others, but other dogs may not be. So to avoid any risk, always ask the owners permission before petting another dog, or letting your dog’s play with them.

10. Always wear reflective clothes when walking in the evening.

For the safety of you and your dog, always wear something reflective and get the dog a reflective/light up collar/lead, so that both you and the dog can be seen in the dark – because it’s not always visible when someone is walking at night near a road!

British Pet Insurance Services offers a range of pet business cover levels, insuring; dog walkers, pet sitters, pet home boarders, pet groomers, pet trainers, and pet taxis. Public liability up to £5 million plus optional extras — select the level of cover to suit.