When preparing for a walk with your dog, consider the following tips to ensure that your walk is safe and healthy for everyone.

1. Be aware of your surroundings.

At all times, you should be aware of what’s going on around you. Whether there’s a squirrel about to run in your dog’s path, or a car that may fail to yield at a stop sign, awareness is extremely important to the safety of you and your dog. This means minimizing distractions, including cell phone use, and constantly surveying what’s around you.

2. Know your route.

Planning your walk out ahead of time can help you ensure a safe walk. Avoiding busy roads and areas that may have aggressive dogs can help you minimize any safety risks to you and your dog. Make sure that you plan your route so that you can avoid any triggers your dog may have as well.

3. Always bring treats.

Most dogs are reinforced positively through the use of treats. Praising your dog and offering him or her a treat when they listen and follow your commands is a great way to reinforce your training. Treats are also great in the unfortunate event that your dog gets off their collar/harness. Treats can help you coax them close enough so that you can reattach their lead.

4. Bring and use proper tools and equipment.

There are a few absolute musts for any dog walk: a properly fitted collar and/or harness, a sturdy leash, plastic or paper bags to clean up dog waste, and treats for rewarding your dog’s positive behavior. Making sure that you have these things with you on your walk will help you maintain a safe, healthy walk with your dog.

5. Wear proper attire.

Supportive walking shoes and loose, comfortable clothing are great attire options for a walk with your dog. Just as you need sturdy shoes to protect your feet, your dog may need to wear booties in extremely hot or cold weather. If the walking surface is too hot for you to put your hand on for 10 seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s bare feet.

6. Always carry ID.

It is important that both you and your dog have identification on for your walk. Make sure that your dog’s collar has an ID tag with his or her name and your phone number on it in case you get separated. In some cases a collar may slip off during a walk. If you are worried about this happening, you can get your dog microchipped so that they always have identification on them. You should also carry your own ID in case anything should happen to you.

Taking the time to plan ahead for your walk is essential to ensuring a safe, healthy walk for you and your dog!