by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: December 27, 2008

Walking a dog safely should be of utmost importance for responsible dog ownership. Nothing is more scary than a 100 pound dog out of control pulling his owner about. Dealing with an uncontrollable dog is a safety hazard for the dog, the owner and others in the area. Ensuring your dog is under control at all times allows priceless peace of mind and is proof of a well behaved dog and an owner demonstrating leadership.

10 Commandments of Dog Walking Safety

1) Leash and collar

These two elements must always be on your dog. Off leash walking should only take place in specific permitted areas. There are various types of collars available from simple buckle collars to more elaborate training collars such as chain or prong collars. The choice depends on the size and over all obedience and disposition of the dog.

2) Obedience training

Have a trainer teach your dog to always stay by your side. A dog pulling uncontrollably may injure you, himself and other people or animals around you. Dog trainers may teach your dog how to heel by your side allowing better control. The use of prong or choke collars should be used only for a limited time and for training purposes.

3) Keep away

Not all people will enjoy your dog jumping on them or licking them. If your dog is eager to meet new people or other dogs try to teach him to stay by your side. Your dog may be the sweetest thing on earth but not everybody thinks the same, and this applies to both people and dogs.

4) Sit command

Train your dog to sit at intersections. Some dogs may suddenly lunge towards cars at intersections. By allowing your dog to sit it will be less likely for him to suddenly jerk or pull forward.

5) Ice melt

Always clean your dog's paws when coming home from a walk on ice melt. Some dogs tend to lick their paws and ingest some ice melt. While not all ice melts are toxic, you do not want to take any chances.

6) Dog waste

Do not allow your puppy or dog to get too close to other dog's waste. Parasites and diseases as dangerous as Parvo may be found in a dog's poop. This applies in particular to dogs that tend to eat other dog's stools or insist on sniffing them. Also, always pick up behind your dog, this should be always done and should be part of a dog owner's etiquette.

7) Id tags

Always keep ID tags and proof of Rabies vaccination attached to your dog's collar. They are very helpful should your dog somehow escape. Make sure Rabies vaccinations are always kept up to date.

8) Leave it

Teach your dog the "leave it' command and the 'drop it' command. Both are essential should your dog become interested with something along the street like a dead animal or a left over candy bar. While 'leave it' prevents your dog from taking something, 'drop it' is for dogs that already got a hold of the the object of their interest in their mouth. They should drop the object on command.

9) Weather issues

Avoid peak heat hours such as from noon to four in the summer and avoid frigid cold hours in the winter like very early morning or evening unless your dog can be protected properly. This applies in particular to puppies and toy dogs that are particularly sensitive to cold.

10) Illuminated gear

If you are going for a night walk protect yourself and your dog with protective illuminated gear. Also, please be careful about your surroundings even if your own a large protective dog. Bad neighborhoods should be avoided no matter what.

Walking safely should by a dog owner's main concern. There is nothing better than taking a nice leisurely stroll in safety. Priceless peace of mind is surely worth every penny.

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