Get the Most Out of Your Walks with Your Furry Best Friend

When it’s time to take your dog for a walk, some people love it and some people hate it. While it could be due to the time of the day, the current season, or another random factor, many of the times the negativity has to do with your dog’s behavior during this routine. This time that’s supposed to be beneficial for both you and your pet, whether it’s for bonding or exercise or both, can be more exhausting than anything.

With the help of your vet in Jacksonville, we want you and your dog to get the most out of these walks! January is “Walk Your Dog” month, which is why we’re diving into ways that these daily adventures can be more enjoyable for both of you.

Be in Charge!
When you’re walking your dog, let them know that you’re the one who’s in charge. This means you shouldn’t let your dog yank or drag you along, staying in front of you the entire time. It’s important to keep your dog walking right beside you or slightly behind you. If they do go ahead of you or there is an aggressive manner to their walk, don’t yell at them! That will only scare them, and it won’t reward the good behavior of them listening to you. If your dog is walking beside you, reinforce that good behavior by rewarding them with small treats or calm, verbal notes that they will associate with something good.

Bring Everything You Need
Sometimes, the point of a walk for your dog is so they can relieve themselves, so be sure to bring the proper bags for cleaning up and disposing of their waste.  Not only can it be a hazard, but it can also be a violation!

Besides the obvious, you may want to bring some other necessities for your walk, like water, a bowl, and bite-size treats, depending on how long the walk is, as well as what the weather could be like.

Know Your Limits
Every dog is different, so it’s important to know how far your dog can go before exhaustion gets the best of them. Sometimes, your dog could love nothing more than going for an extended walk, but even they don’t always know their own limits. If your dog is panting heavily and slowing down with each and every step, it’s time to head back home. Always keep an eye on your dog while you’re going for a walk. If their walking style has changed drastically, be sure to bring it to our attention with as much detail as possible.

Looking for other ways to get the most out of your walks with your furry best friend? Call your vet in Jacksonville today at (904) 731-5341 and we’ll be happy to give you some helpful tips!