{"id":1152,"date":"2015-08-23T09:33:00","date_gmt":"2015-08-23T09:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=1152"},"modified":"2015-08-23T09:33:00","modified_gmt":"2015-08-23T09:33:00","slug":"teddy-demonstrates-safe-dog-walking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/bostonzest.com\/?p=1152","title":{"rendered":"Teddy Demonstrates Safe Dog Walking"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n

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This is Teddy, a Boston Terrier<\/a> who offered to demonstrate safe walking for us.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Take What You Need<\/strong><\/p>\n

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<\/a>\"\".<\/p>\n

Here's our favorite small water bottle for Poppy<\/a>\"\". The cover is a drinking bowl for her.<\/p>\n

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Stick Together<\/strong><\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Keep a Look Out<\/strong><\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Take care of one another and be safe out there on the busy city streets.<\/p>\n

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon<\/a>\"\" from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.<\/em><\/p>\n