Outdoor
Fun
by Linda Laun, Director, Happy Tails Obedience School
After spending the cold, gray winter inside, a sunny day outdoors smelling the sweet spring air and stretching our legs is delightful to us and to our best friend. If this happens to be your dog’s first spring or if he hasn’t been out and about since fall, it may take a little time to reintroduce him to the world out there.
Check your equipment. Replace any collar or leash that is frayed or has defective hardware. To prevent your dog from getting loose, make sure that collars are fitted snugly only allowing the insertion of 2 fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.
Your dog may be out of condition, so start slowly and build up time and speed. Don’t walk for more than 30 minutes or jog for more than 15 minutes before checking footpads. Pads that have only walked on carpet all winter could get tender from walking on harder outside surfaces. When your dog starts to pant, slow down.
Getting outdoors is such fun after spending a quiet winter in the house. Taking in so many smells and noises plus birds, squirrels and people could be too much for some dogs to handle. Over-excitement may trigger behaviors that seem wild and out of control, such as constant leash pulling or barking. If this occurs, try to settle the dog by talking gently to him or distract him by offering a treat or toy. If he doesn’t settle down, return home. Try again when he is calm.
If you are lucky enough to meet another person walking their dog, ask before approaching. Not all dogs are as friendly as your dog. If the owner says it is okay, let your dog walk slowly towards their dog. A very short visit with a little sniffing (dog’s version of a handshake) and tail wagging is best. Then move on. Should you happen to meet other walkers, be aware that they may not be comfortable around dogs so don’t allow your dog to lunge, jump, or bark at them. Have your dog sit and wait until the other walkers pass.
Please be a considerate dog owner and don’t allow your pet to mark (urinate on) the landscaping. And of course, be sure to take clean up materials to pick up any dog waste. Your neighbors will love you for it.
Now, if your immunizations are current, grab your collar (with ID tags) and leash and get going. |