Firstly consider what sort of lead you require, it is generally accepted that a harness is the kindest
and least damaging way of connecting you to your dog but of course the choice is up to the owner.
It is most important that whatever you use should be correctly fitted and comfortable for the dog,
giving the owner control over the dog. When walking dogs for the RSPCA the dogs have a collar and
a harness with the lead connected to both by a clip at both ends of the lead.
What is the weather going to be like during the walk, when the weather is very hot it is good to
avoid the middle of the day and to carry water with you. This can be with a bottle and bowl or by
one of the combined bottle with built in bowl. In cold weather it may be appropriate to put a coat on
the dog, this is more likely on the smaller breeds.
We should also ensure that we have a good stock of poop bags. It is very important that you clean
up after your dog, not doing so can spread disease to humans and farm animals. Just because we
are out in the country doesn’t mean its ok not to pickup you dogs poop. Being seen not to pick up
after your dog will inevitably lead to you getting a bad reputation.
Keep you dog under control. Not everyone is comfortable with dogs and even experienced dog
owners may not appreciate being run up to by other peoples dogs. Don’t allow your dog to interact
with others without invitation. When approaching others put the dog on the lead or if they have
good recall call them back. 100% reliable recall is well worth training into you animal. At Nose2Tail
we can support with recall training.
Finally when returning home ensure the dog is on a lead as you walk along roads. When arriving
home we should check the dogs paws, in the summer and autumn months the ever present dangers
of grass seed and thorns in paws can be detected and removed, preventing painful paw infections.
Also check you dog for other injuries. If you have access to warm water it’s a good idea to give your
dog and a quick wash. Getting the dog used to these routines helps your dog become used to you
checking them for injuries.
