Dog Walking Essentials
Has there been a time where you’ve been out walking your dog (or dogs) and they became distracted by another dog or a wild animal, and in their attempt to go after said distraction, you were twisted this way and that or pulled to the ground? Did it result in a bruise here and there and maybe a couple scratches? Or were your injuries more serious?
According to a Today article written in 2019, a new study “looked at government data on emergency room visits and found hip fractures were the most common injury associated with dog walking, followed by wrist and upper arm fractures. The numbers nationwide jumped from almost 1,700 in 2004 to about 4,400 in 2017.”
Whether you are at a regulated dog park (like Dog Star Ranch) or a public dog park/beach or on a hike or even a walk around the block, we want to make sure that in case of an injury to you or your dog that you are prepared!
An outing with your dog is more than “Leash, collar, and let’s go!”
Leash & Collar: Keep tag information up-to-date. If your dog runs off up-to-date information will make it easier for you to find your way back to each other. Make sure it is securely attached to your dogs collar and make sure that they are wearing it when you go out.
Cell Phone: Make sure your cell phone is fully charged when you leave, the last thing you want in an emergency is a dead battery. If you are on a hike or at the park and an injury occurs where you are in need of assistance, having your cell phone on you will help you be reached.
Poop Bags: Be polite. Pick up after your dog! It’s that easy.
Travel Bowl & H2O: If you are going on a long walk with your dog make sure that you are packing plenty of water for the both of you. If your dog is injured it will also be helpful to help clean any scratches or wounds and better help you to assess the injury.
Treats: If you are at the dog park make sure that you are bringing some high value treats with you. If your dog is choosing to play keep away and practicing select hearing, having high value treats will better help you get them back to you. Remember: make their recall a positive experience, not punishment.
Whistle, Pocket-sized Airhorn or Citronella Spray: A whistle or airhorn are both helpful tools to not only draw attention for yourself in case of an accident or injury, but also if you encounter another dog and a fight breaks out.
Tips for Breaking Up a Fight:
Blow an airhorn or loud whistle or spray Citronella in aggressors face
Stomp feet
Clap loudly
Hit dog with leash
If near a hose or water bucket, dump water on them
Give one big yell to startle the dog (constantly yelling DOES NOT help)
Avoid putting any body parts in between two dogs fighting - they will redirect and you will get bit - instead look for other objects that you can use in place of yourself.
Tips to Avoid a Fall:
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings: Don’t walk distracted! If you know that your dog tends to pull and/or lunge towards distractions, it is important to watch out for what’s ahead and what’s going on around you. For example: If your dog tends to pull and/or lunge at dogs as they pass by, when you are paying attention you can prepare your dog by directing their focus on you and using a combination of “Leave It” and “Let’s Go!” commands.
When distracted you are unable to quickly correct your dog which could lead to a sudden pull that could easily knock you off your balance and have you being spun around or knocked to the ground. This sort of accident could leave you with a couple scraps or more serious injuries.
A well-trained dog is going to be easier to walk on leash, so it is important to invest in training and stay consistent.
Avoid Retractable Leashes: A retractable leash does not give you as much control as a standard leash. The thin cord can break, especially if you have a powerful dog who can pack a pull. Not only that, but the cord is also dangerous for both dogs and humans. If they become tangled up in the leash, it can cause burns and cuts. If your dog pulls after something and reaches the end of the leash, the sudden lock/jerk can cause injury to their neck but could take you down as well.
Hold the Leash Correctly: When held correctly, you lessen your chances of injury! These are three different grips that effectively allow you to have control of your dog while also helping protect yourself from injury.
Thumb Grip
Place thumb through the loop handle of the leash
Gather some of the leash’s slack and loop it over thumb again
Close fist with all layers of leash inside and thumb across the top
Finger Grip
Start by placing thumb through loop handle of leash
Grab some of the leash’s slack and make loop over the first finger
Grip all leash layers in your fist, with thumb on top
Accordion Grip
The loop of the leash can be placed over the thumb or wrapped around the knuckles of the four fingers (as pictured)
Leash is layered back and forth a few times across the palm and gripped in fist
DO NOT:
Wrap the leash around your arm, wrist, or hand
Put your whole hand through the loop
Attach an untrained dog to your waist
These are an invitation to potential minor or major injuries.
So although it can be as easy as “Leash, collar, and let’s go!”, when you are properly prepared you can call for help, as well as have tools to potentially prevent injuries, accidents, and altercations.
Pay attention to your surroundings, engage in proper leash walking and hold the leash in a way that allows you to have control and lessens your risk of injury if they begin to pull/lunge.
Would you like a blog on proper leash walking? Let us know!
