Tips for Better Dog Walks

Do you have to spell WALK to keep your pup from bouncing off walls? In that case, it’s probably safe to say that the walk is the best part of your dog’s day! To take this daily treat to the next level, take a look at our top seven tips for better walks with your dog.

Use a halter to stop pulling

If your dog pulls excessively on his leash, perhaps to the point of hurting you or himself, rest assured that you are not alone. Excessive leash pulling is a common problem that has a simple solution: lead halters. Instead of attaching his leash directly to his collar, you can attach him to a halter that goes around his muzzle and secures behind his ears. Halters are a great training device because when they begin to pull, the harness tightens around their muzzle, allowing you to gently redirect your dog’s movement. When they stop pulling, the harness loosens again. If you want to try a head harness, two popular brands are Stop and sweet chef.

Avoid using a retractable leash

Another tip for better walks with your dog is to replace your retractable leash with a short, non-retractable one. Dogs tend to be more difficult to manage on retractable leashes because the further away they are from you, the less control you have. They can also increase pulling behavior as the retractable feature encourages your pup to pull for more freedom. Retractable leashes can also cause serious injury to you and your pup, such as:

• Neck injuries if your dog suddenly reaches the end of the leash

Replacing retractable leashes with a short, non-retractable one makes it easier for you to guide and communicate with your pup during the walk, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone!

Help them stay hydrated

Feeding your dog a naturally moisture-rich food, like one of our Freshpet recipes, is a great way to keep him at a healthy hydration baseline, but some days he will need a little more. After strenuous activity, such as a walk or playtime, or on days when the temperature is high, it is important that you encourage your dog to drink more water. The amount of water your dog needs to stay hydrated is calculated by multiplying 60ml by the number of kilograms of body weight. In other words, for every 10 pounds of body weight, a dog should be getting just over a cup of water or 9 ounces. To help your pup meet — or exceed — that intake, try carrying a walkable water bowl, like this one from MalsiPree when you leave the house. For more tips on how you can get your dog to drink more water, check out the blog we wrote for National Pet Hydration Awareness Month.

Determine the best way to help your dog avoid distractions

If you have a dog that is easily distracted on a walk, you know it can be hard for him to get enough exercise when he stops every few yards. To make sure your dog gets the exercise he needs, you’ll want to figure out the best way to help your dog stay focused on the task at hand. Three popular options include:

• Increase your distance: If you know of specific things that distract your dog, like garbage on the street or other animals, keep a wide bed.

• Increase your speed: If you maintain a brisk pace throughout the walk, your pup may not have time to notice potential distractions.

• Redirect their attention: If you notice a potential distraction, use a high value treat like our Dog Joy or Dog Nation treats to redirect your dog’s attention. If he gets over the distraction with no problem, you can reward him with a tasty snack.

Increase your visibility

If you walk at night or when it’s raining, visibility is significantly reduced, making it harder for you and your pup to be seen by cars, bikes, or other types of traffic. To avoid an accident, it is essential that you find ways to stand out, such as:

• Wear reflective gear: Reflective vests and armbands can easily be worn over your jacket and your dog can wear a reflective harness and leash.

• Using a light collar: There are a number of rechargeable LED collars, like this one by Towards Illium which provide exceptional visibility.

• Bring a flashlight: Not only can rain and darkness prevent others from seeing you, it can also prevent you from seeing! Carrying a flashlight will allow you to see the road safely.

To see all of our rain walking essentials, check out this blog.

Protect your puppy’s paws

If the floor is too hot or too cold, it can be uncomfortable for your dog’s sensitive paws. To protect their paws and ensure a more enjoyable walk, opt for either a pair of boots or a paw wax. Two brands we recommend are:

• Muttlux: With their soft rubber soles, exceptional grip and choice of fleece, mesh or waterproof lining, they have a perfect pair for all seasons and weather conditions.

• The secret of the musher: If your dog doesn’t wear boots, Musher’s Secret is a great alternative. Made from an all-natural, human-grade wax, it creates a barrier that rolls water right off your pet’s paw. It also gives them a layer of protection against hot pavement and sand in the warmer months!

Don’t forget your compostable poop bags

Our final tip for better walks with your dog is also good for the planet. Instead of using your usual plastic poop bags, try switching to a more eco-friendly option. Compostable poop bags are made from natural plant starch and contain no toxic materials – just make sure the packaging is labeled as “fully compostable” and not “biodegradable”. Unfortunately, the term “biodegradable” is a bit misleading, because in order for these types of bags to decompose, they require specific conditions that are often not met in landfills.

Going for a walk provides both mental and physical benefits to you and your dog. We hope these tips for better walks with your dog will help you maximize the impact of your pup’s favorite daily activity!