When you clip a leash on your dog and take to the street for a nice long walk, you may have a hundred things on your mind. However, walking through an urban setting means that you need to take a deep breath and give safety for both you and your canine companion some front-of-mind time.
This is Teddy, a Boston Terrier who offered to demonstrate safe walking for us.
Take What You Need
In summer, our walks always come equipped with cool water for me and for our Westie Poppy. In my backpack, I also have some treats for rewarding good behavior and perhaps sharing with friends. And, of course, I have plenty of pick up bags
Here's our favorite small water bottle for Poppy
Stick Together
Keeping your dog close by your side is never more important than on city sidewalks and in urban parks. Unless you are in an official off-leash area, keep your dog safe with a short, strong lead that keeps her in stride with you. Teddy's person came along when we were looking for a shining example of a great dog walker.
Teddy was allowed to come over and meet Poppy only after we said she was okay with that. Even then, he was kept on a short leash until it was clear that Poppy was really going to be friendly.
If your dog is pulling on a long leash and is feet ahead, you could find your walk interrupted by a trip to the animal hospital with a cut paw, a swallowed bone, or a dog that was attacked by another canine or wild animal before you could gain control of the situation.
Keep a Look Out
As you move along, scan the walkway ahead of you looking for broken glass, discarded food, still burning cigarette butts, uncontrolled dogs, or worrisome people.
In addition, each dog has his own fear factor with some bothered by motorcycles or sirens. Our Poppy is upset by loud noises or the sight of a truck. Our Maggie Mae did not trust any random objects left on the sidewalk.
Knowing and keeping an eye ahead for what will scare your dog and might cause an attempt to run away, can help you react quickly to alleviate that fear.
Take care of one another and be safe out there on the busy city streets.
Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.
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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino (This is adapted from one of our City Paws newspaper columns.
Photos: ©2015 Ed Cherubino
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