As a conscientious dog owner, you work hard to fit their daily walks into your schedule. It doesn’t matter if you have to get up early or do it after the sun has gone down because it’s about what’s best for your dogs. This attitude is to be applauded, but don’t forget about safety!
A Reliable Leash and Dog Collar
You want to ensure the leash and collar are appropriate for the size and strength of your dog. The last thing you want is for him to break free and try to run across a busy street or go after another dog or a person because the leash snapped or the collar slid off. Check the state of your dog’s collar and leash regularly, inspecting them for any damage or rust on the hardware (D-ring and leash clasp) or rips in the fabric. Replace them at the first hint of possible failure. Also, avoid using variable length leads, and check your local laws. In some jurisdictions, there is a maximum allowed length of the leash. For example, city law in Los Angeles limits leash length to six feet.
Reflective Clothing
If you walk your dog in darkness or inclement weather, you owe it to yourself and your pup to stand out to drivers. One of the best ways to do this is by wearing a reflective running vest, and you may also want to invest in reflective dog clothing.
LED Lights
Not into dressing your dog in reflective clothing? Try something with an LED light. For humans, there are wearable bike and running safety lights. For dogs, Cesar recommends the Bright Light Leash & Collar because it provides an LED light to make your dog visible and position it where it can be seen. Even better for you, the light is solar powered and USB chargeable!
Comfortable Walking Shoes
When our feet hurt, so do the rest of our bodies. So take care of yourself by ensuring the shoes you wear on your dog walks are the correct size and fit — and that they are proper walking shoes, not sandals or heels. Also, ensure they have no-skid soles or a decent tread to reduce the chance of slipping and falling or off your dog suddenly pulling you off your feet.
Of course, dog-walking safety isn’t just about gadgets. Changing your route will confuse anyone trying to keep tabs on you; telling someone where you’re going will alert them to help if you don’t come back, and walking with others can help deter predators.
Plan and your dog walks are much more likely to be peaceful and relaxing, helping you maintain a Pack Leader’s calm, assertive energy!
Dog Walking Bag
Are you looking for a way to make dog walking more manageable and efficient? Then you need a dog walking bag! This essential piece of gear can help you carry all the supplies you need while out on a walk, and it’ll make walks much more organized and stress-free. Once you find a bag that works for you, here are some suggested items to include in your walking bag.
Emergency Card
You must always be prepared for an emergency if you’re a dog walker. That means having an emergency card with all your contact information. Suppose something happens to you while walking dogs. Someone will be able to get in touch with your clients quickly. An emergency card can also help if you get lost or stranded somewhere. Information to include on the card is your name, contact information for two people, the number of dogs you are walking, and the dogs’ names. So make sure to carry one with you whenever you’re walking dogs!
Phone
Most people don’t go anywhere without their phones these days. However, you might consider leaving the device home if you take your pup on a quick walk around the block. Having your cellular phone is essential if you need to reach emergency services or get lost. Update your contacts to include ICE (in case of emergency) contact information that EMS personnel can retrieve should anything happen to you.
Spare Leash & Collar
There might be a time when your leash or collar breaks while you’re on a walk. An extra pair in your walking bag will solve your problem quickly. Having a spare leash and collar can also be helpful if you come in contact with a stray dog.
Waste Bag
Carrying a waste bag for your dog should be a no-brainer. Again, even if you’re only going for a quick walk. Respect your community and neighbors and clean up after your furry friend.
Spare Leash & Collar
There might be a time when your leash or collar breaks while you’re on a walk. An extra pair in your walking bag will solve your problem quickly. Having a spare leash and collar can also be helpful if you come in contact with a stray dog.
Waste Bag
Carrying a waste bag for your dog should be a no-brainer. Again, even if you’re only going for a quick walk. Respect your community and neighbors and clean up after your furry friend.
Wet Wipes
There might be a time when your leash or collar breaks while you’re on a walk. An extra pair in your walking bag will solve your problem quickly. Having a spare leash and collar can also be helpful if you come in contact with a stray dog.
Dog Treats
Keep a small bag of your pup’s favorite treats broken into smaller pieces for training and rewards. If you walk several different dogs daily, consider carrying a few kinds of goodies.
Photo Of Dog
There might be a time when your leash or collar breaks while you’re on a walk. An extra pair in your walking bag will solve your problem quickly. Having a spare leash and collar can also be helpful if you come in contact with a stray dog.
Flashlight
A flashlight in your walking bag is helpful for a few reasons. If you start your walk at dusk and are still walking when the sun goes down, a flashlight will help you to see where you’re walking and for others to see you. If there’s an emergency and you’re lost without a cellular signal, you can use the flashlight to alert emergency responders to your location.
Clicker
If you have trained your dog to respond to a clicker device, it would be great to include one in your bag for when you are out and about for a few hours or a few days.
Immunization Records
In the case of an unfortunate incident, it would be helpful to include all updated immunization records, including rabies certification, either on your phone or printed out and kept in a plastic bag. Also, remember that some events and hotels require this information upon check-in.
Water
Some products on the market allow you to carry a water bowl for your pup. Keeping your dog properly hydrated, particularly on hot days, is essential for safety. A collapsible bowl and water bottle are two critical items to keep in your walking bag.
What safety essentials do you always take on the walk?
