How to have a successful walk with your dog?

Contrary to what one might think, a walk with your dog must be prepared and must follow certain behaviors during it. It's a moment of sharing, socializing, discovering the outside world but above all it's a moment that your dog spends by your side!

1.     Why walk my dog?

Like humans, a dog needs to maintain physical shape, and it is not by staying on the sofa that he will be able to do it! In France, 30% of dogs are affected by obesity, so to prevent rather than cure, we grab the leash and put on your sneakers.

More than an activity, it is a crucial moment for him. Yes, he lets off steam, sees other doggies, develops his nose but above all he can do his business peacefully. Also, a tired and relaxed dog will be less likely to exhibit destructive or agitated behavior at home. so to summarize, the walks will let off steam for your dog (he will sniff and exercise), they allow him to live better and longer and finally, these walks will make your dog much calmer at home.

2.     How often ?

It all depends on the dog and your accommodation. Here's the lowdown: a puppy doesn't have a great holding capacity, so he has to go out after each meal and between meals, while an adult dog can hold it a little longer. A puppy should be taken out about 7-8 times a day, for about 5-10 minutes each time, as they become exhausted quickly. On the other hand, an adult dog will need longer outings of at least 20 minutes 3 times a day. For an old grandfather, opt for more frequent but shorter walks to adapt to his pace.

It also depends on where you live, if you live in an apartment you must take your dog out in the morning, at midday, or in the afternoon and evening, that is to say two to three times a day. If you live in a house with a garden you can reduce it to once or twice a day, but not less! Your dog will quickly go around the area, he needs more space to explore!

3.     Be well equipped before going out

We don't let ourselves be fooled by the unexpected because we tell you everything you need to remember to do. So taking your dog is a good start 😊. Okay, enough laughing, let's get down to business: you will need at least a leash and a collar, because in France, keeping your doggie on a leash is obligatory in public spaces and since 2024, also in woods and forests. from April 15 to June 30 in order to preserve the reproduction of wildlife. We know it can be frustrating for him, so we try to let him free from time to time, but it's crucial to teach him to heel and come back when you call him, especially if there are people around. around. Remember, your dog bites which engages your responsibility, worse, it can go very far for the dog: any bite must be declared and the dog must undergo a behavioral evaluation (evaluation at your expense). Then 15 days after the bite, the veterinarian checks the dog's state of health and gives its owner three copies of the surveillance certificate each time. This is best case scenario, worst case scenario your pooch may end up impounded or euthanized if your dog is considered too dangerous. Therefore, safety standards should not be taken lightly.

This parenthesis closed, let's return to the basic equipment :) You can start with a short leash to teach him the basics. But be careful, don't be too demanding about walking, he doesn't have the same pace as you and needs to let off some steam!

For doggies who pull a little, some trainers recommend walking with a collar for learning because it is much less pleasant than a harness for a dog who pulls and therefore he will learn more quickly. But quickly after a little education, we recommend classic harnesses or anti-pull harnesses, this allows the force to be concentrated at the torso and not at the neck which could strangle it. Then, depending on the season, check the ground: in winter, icy or salty ground can be painful for Medor's paws, and in summer, the ground can be hot, so plan socks or morning and night walks or adapt your outing times to avoid frozen ground or scorching ground.

If the walk is long, it's always better to go out with something to hydrate your four-legged friend and some treats if you take advantage of the walks for learning. In addition, avoid taking your dog out just after a large meal; it is advisable to wait at least thirty minutes afterwards so that your dog is not uncomfortable when going out.

4.     Ride

It's all good, you're out and ready for anything. Well… not so much? No worries, we'll give you some tips for a perfect walk. Ideally, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city center a bit. But if that's not possible, don't panic! Your pooch is already excited to go out and spend time with you. If you have the chance, head to the forest, a field, or to the edge of a lake...

If you have to take the car with your dog, you must put him in the back and have something to tie him up for his safety and yours. After all, they're just like us, passengers. If your dog is a little rambunctious, there are transport crates that allow for a safe journey.

Nature walks allow dogs to develop their sense of smell, move more freely and strengthen their immune system. A good walk like these will let off steam more your dog and will ask to go out less often because he knows that his outings are qualitative and long.

Being out of town doesn't exclude that other masters had the same idea as you. If you see a dog in the distance, call yours back and try to calm it down. Even if your dog is adorable and sociable, you don't know if it's reciprocated face to face. Contrary to what one might think, no it is not up to the dog to decide to sniff his friend, a meeting between dogs must come from a human and mutual agreement!

5.     Play

Like children, a dog needs to play with you. He loves his special moments together, so if you also play a little, it's the jackpot. This will create strong bonds between you and it also allows him to exercise. Yes, some dogs run all over the place on their own and others are a little calmer. For the latter, it is sometimes necessary to encourage them to run a little to keep up their height. In short, walks are quality moments for your dog, it keeps him in good physical and mental health. So hop on, sneakers on, leash in hand and off we go.