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Part of responsible dog ownerships is exercise, and one of the best exercises for a dog on a daily basis is walking. It's a great exercise for owners as well, although what many owners forget is safety.

There is so much that can happen that is beyond your control when you step out of the environment of safety that your homes offers you.

IN THE COUNTRY

If you live in the country, the dangers are every bit as real as they are in the town. People near nature forget the basic safety issues concerning dog walking, and the biggest threat here is that a dog without a leash can react differently to his/her normal behavior in a situation in which they feel threatened.

Whilst walking a dog in the countryside can be a very agreeable walk, countryside roads may be narrow and being aware of the sounds around you, and how your dog will react is vital. In a snap second, a car can corner a road and become a vital killing machine to an unwary and unsuspecting dog and owner. Owners should teach their dog to sit still off the road, and if the dog seems excitable, hold it by the collar until the danger has passed.

Cars are not the only danger in the countryside. There are other animals whose natural habitat is the country, and a dog's curiosity can be perked by seeing cats, squirrels, birds and other creatures. It is important to be able to control your dog and respect the environment that you are enjoying, making it enjoyable and safe for others.

In places that are open, always be aware of how your dog reacts to other dogs. If you have a small dog or untrained puppy, for example, keeping it on a lead has an advantage that helps the safety of your dog because you are able to pick the dog up if other dogs threaten it. Larger dog owners often forget that their dogs may be frightening to children, and it really is better to know the attitude of your dog towards people before taking them into public spaces where they can become excitable and uncontrollable.

Night walking with dogs in the countryside, do take a torch and be particularly careful to have your dog on a lead. The night is very different in the countryside and this is the time when rabbits and wild creatures come out thinking they are safe. Respect the environment, and look after not only the dog that needs exercise, but the animals there too.

IN THE CITY

The hazards that are there for dog owners within the heart of a city are many and varied. The dangers of traffic don't just affect the safety of your dog, but the safety of all

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