In honor of Walk Your Dog Month, we share several tips to help you master your next dog walk.
On some winter days in Maryland, dog walks can feel more of a chore than a good time. That’s kind of the point behind Walk Your Dog Month in January. During these coldest days of the year, we all need an excuse to spruce up the daily stroll with our pups, and it’s an excellent New Year’s resolution, too! In honor of Walk Your Dog Month, we share several tips to help you master your next dog walk.
Sharpen Your Dog-Walking Form
Do you need the challenge to get moving this month? This can be your chance to master your walking form. An ideal walk is seeing your pet walking beside or slightly behind you without pulling or tugging. However, it takes some work to get there! An excellent place to start for heavy pullers is a no-pull harness. They are designed to make it hard for your pet to tug on the leash with force. Once you’ve managed your dog’s movements, start practicing positive reinforcement. Always ensure you reward your doggo with a treat when they’re walking by your side, and don’t yell or yank the leash if your dog breaks form.
In addition, having a leash you love can impact the quality of your walks. Consider using a hands-free option so you can bring your morning coffee. Or a waterproof collar and leash combo if you dread the mildew smell of a wet leash. You may also focus on practicing good form with your new leash to discourage your pet from wandering.
Set Fun Exercise Goals with Your Pet
Setting fun activity goals isn’t for everyone. Perhaps you’re hoping to tire an energetic dog to cut back on the chaos around your home, or you’d like to help an overweight dog lose a little weight. Either way, tracking your progress against fixed goals can provide motivation when the weather is dreary.
Waterproof Yourself and Your Pet
It’s hard to say whether the damp or cold of January is worse. Although not all dogs need clothes, small and senior dogs need an extra layer for a rainy outing. We recommend dog rain jackets for reducing post-walk drying and cleanup since they keep the mud off your dog’s belly and sides.
Change Up Your Usual Route
To make walks more fun for you and your dog, this Walk Your Dog Month, be adventurous and travel off the usual route. Go to cool places like a friend’s home or the dog park. However, you do it, walking your dog is one of the easiest ways to bond with your pet!
Support Your Pet’s Wellness at Alexander Animal Hospital
Alexander Animal Hospital is a full-service animal hospital located in Severna Park, Maryland, serving the Severna Park, Pasadena, and Arnold Areas. Our goal is educating clients on the needs of their pets and understanding the importance of individualized veterinary care in order to strengthen the human-animal bond between owners and their pets.
We understand you have a choice when deciding on the care for your pets, and we strive to provide you with unparalleled services including wellness exams, vaccines, lost pet microchip ID, dental care, surgical services, digital radiography, and in-hospital laboratory services and diagnostics. Other highlights of Alexander Animal Hospital are the separate cat and dog waiting and exam rooms, as well as after-hours on-call emergency services.
Please take a look around our website and then give us a call at 410-777-8678 to set up an appointment.
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