Hi again. I wanted to talk to you today about walking well with your pet. I’ve already spoken to you about the importance of the ID tag, but there is a lot more to walking your dog than you think.
Walking. It sounds so simple. And most of us do it on a daily basis.
But, we know that when it comes to walking your dog, a large number of you have, shall we say “challenges”.
Sometimes they pull, and sniff, and chase squirrels.
You like to walk straight.
Right.
Like any good relationship, walking your dog involves a bit of preparation, a bit of of compromise, and a bit of perseverance.
Here’s how you start:
1. Start out by finding the right collar and leash for our pooch.
You want a collar that is an appropriate width for size of your dog. You also want a leash that is easy for you to hold on to and handle. Retractable leashes are viewed by many as giving more control; however, they often do the opposite. If your leash isn’t locked, your dog may startle you by taking off after one of those squirrels I mentioned before. You should invest in a sturdy standard leash. You will have better control.
If your dog is a large dog, or one that pulls, you may wish to consider a harness.
I use the Sporn Harness for Diesel (that’s the harness, but not my dog) which has allowed for his walks to be led by my 8-year-old son who weighs approximately 40 pounds less than Diesel. If you have a puller, you really want to check this out. Saved my walks.
2.The next thing you are going to want to do is prepare your dog for the weather.
There is snow on the ground right now. Where there is snow, there is usually salt. You really have to protect your dog’s paws from the salt. There are a number of really easy ways to do that. Boots are a great option. Musher’s Secret or Muttluks Pawstick work really well too. Both of these products are a balm that you put on your dog’s paw pads prior to going outside. Cocotherapy is another great option as you can use that on paw pads too.
You also want to make certain you dog is protected from the wind and cold with a warm coat…especially if you have a toy breed or one without a thick coat.
Yes, it’s true that dogs and wolves have lived for a very long time without wearing coats; however, the breeds of today do not necessarily have the same type of fur coats their ancestors possessed. It’s safe to say that if you are anticipating spending time outdoors with your pet, you should consider investing in a warm winter coat.
3. Next, you’ll want to consider a portable water bottle.
Hydration is key…people normally equate the need during the warmer months; however, it is just as important in winter to stay hydrated.
4. Finally, the last thing you need to consider is poop bags.
Because, let’s face it, it’s just the right thing to do. Nothing puts a damper on a day like an unexpected pile of… well, you know.
I’m going to be showing you some really great options for all of the items I’ve mentioned over the next couple of posts. Feel free to stop by either of our stores and have a team member help you out if you need the information sooner.
Now you are ready to open the door and head out on your first of many walks.
This time of the year is often a time to reflect upon what we’ve accomplished and what we’d like to improve upon. According to a recent question we posted on our Facebook page, the most popular New Year’s resolution (at least among those who answered) is to lose weight or get in better shape. This thought extends to our pets as well. So, in that vein, my next series here is going to be one on fitness and health for your favorite pooch.
So let’s begin with the basics. We all know that exercise and diet are very important to physical fitness. And a great exercise for both you and your pet is walking. All you really need is a leash and you’re off…well, almost. One crucial, and often overlooked necessary piece of equipment is this:
The dog ID tag.
What? The dog ID tag? Yes, the dog ID tag.
Why? No one likes to think about their beloved pet getting away from them; however, it is a reality that we should all be prepared for.
And, It’s simple really. Your dog can’t talk. This tag will do the talking for him.
Even if your pooch is micro-chipped it is wise to invest in one of these. In my experience, I find it easier to approach a stray dog wearing a tag because my automatic assumption is that he is someone’s family pet. Also, I’ve always been able to return the dogs I’ve found who have been wearing an ID tag. It is a simple matter of calling the owner’s number on the tag and waiting for them to come pick up their lost pet. Microchips are wonderful to have; however, ID tags should not be overlooked as a simple and cost effective way of ensuring your pet’s safe return should a separation occur.
Head on over to this page here and check out all the fun designs. There is sure to be one that matches your dog’s personality. It can often be the overlooked items that can aid in success. So here’s to starting the new year off on the right foot. Happy walking!
I hope you came by Yappy Hour last night and enjoyed yourself!
Here is Tip Number 8:
Put your best paw forward and ALWAYS look stylish!
It’s super fun and keeping up with “today” helps keep a gal young.
Right now I am sporting the fun and funky Red Dot collar, leash and harness from Paw Paw and loving it! Don’t I look fabulous?
I love how my whole ensemble matches. It makes me feel so pretty and I can’t wait to go on my walks because the material is just so comfortable. (There is not one bit of skin irritation or, ahem, unsightly chaffing.)
I know my Mom and Dad have a terrific variety of very beautiful (or manly if that is your thing) leashes, collars and harnesses. Stop on in the store to check them out. Or, if you can’t do that, you can
click here and see how cool they are. (My Dad will ship them to you anywhere if you want one!)
Thanks for stopping by today. I am getting so excited about my party. I know my Mom has some wonderful treats (for people and pets) in store, as well as some fun games and prizes. I hope you can make it! I’ll be back tomorrow with tip number 7.
Until then,
~Daisy
I have a confession to make: My little Beamer is not a good walker. In fact, it’s a chore taking him for a walk and goodness knows that he needs his daily walks to burn off that extra puppy energy.
So, this morning as I am being pulled, tangled, and twisted by this little bundle of cute puppiness I had an “Aha” moment: This is ridiculous! Let me start by doing something so insanely smart, it’s bound to be off the IQ charts. Maybe, just maybe I should take my own advice. You know, the advice I repeat over and over again with our wonderful customers on a daily basis.
If you want to enjoy walking with your dog, get him or her UNDER CONTROL. The more enjoyable your walks, the more often you will go on them, resulting in a healthier and more calm dog (and you!).
So, here’s the game plan: I will bring home a Sporn harness tonight after work. This is exactly the advice I would provide at Two Bostons. So, let me take some of my own medicine. I will video tape Little Beamer in all of his pulling a bad walking might in his regular harness. I will then show you how to put the Sporn harness on correctly and then…magic should happen. Let’s hope the “after” video shows a much more polite Beamer walking through our neighborhood!
