Puppy And Dog Walking Tips
Every dog owner has a duty of care to make sure that their dog gets at least one walk every day. Unlike most activities dog walking is an activity that the whole family can enjoy and better still, it doesn't cost anything!
Puppy Exercising
Puppies need much less exercise than fully-grown dogs. If you over-exercise a growing puppy you can overtire it and damage its developing joints, causing early arthritis. A good rule of thumb is a ratio of five minutes exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) until the puppy is fully grown, i.e. 15 minutes (up to twice a day) when three months old, 20 minutes when four months old etc. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer.
It is important that puppies and dogs go out for exercise every day in a safe and secure area, or they may become frustrated. Time spent in the garden however large it may be, is no substitute for exploring new environments and socialising with other dogs. Make sure your puppy is trained to recall so that you are confident that he will return to you when called.
You should never exercise your puppy on a full stomach as this can contribute to bloat!
Who Is It suitable For?
All dogs and dog owners can and should get walking. The government recommends that we get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day and this is something that everybody can achieve, and go beyond, on a daily dog walk. Dogs' exercise needs vary according to the breed that you have but every dog should have at least one walk a day, often two. Find out more about the exercise needs of your chosen breed, just by looking on the Kennel Club website, there’s an breed centre with full information available.
How Good Is It For Me And My Dog?
Although dog walking is not a high intensity work out, it is great for cardiovascular development, strengthening of muscles and bones and lowering blood pressure. And there are many social benefits as well because people who go walking with their dogs are often believed to be friendly and approachable by others. For your dog, walking is essential for it's long term health and fitness - keeping the muscles strong and supple and ensuring that it doesn't get overweight. With one third of our pets estimated to be overweight as a result of their owners' sedentary lifestyles, walking is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner.
What Do I Need To Remember?
If you're planning on making a day of it when you set out for a walk, then remember to check out the Kennel Club's Open for Dogs website first, which will show you the kind of pubs, hotels and other pit stops that are dog friendly.
Take a pedometer out with you so that you can measure the number of steps that you walk throughout the day.
Always take poo bags with you so that you can dispose safely and cleanly of your dog's mess. This helps to ensure that places remain friendly towards dogs and dog walkers and that dog bans aren't imposed, spoiling the enjoyment of open places for other dog walkers.
Whilst walking your dog, it is important that you are aware of the Countryside Code to keep your pet safe, protect the environment and show that you are a responsible dog owner. You are obliged by law to ensure your dog wears a collar and an identification tag stating your name and address (Control of Dogs Order 1992). You can purchase tags and have them engraved. In addition, cleaning up after your dog is one of the key areas of responsibilities for dog owners, especially when in public spaces. You can face a considerable fine if you do not.
If you lose your dog or find a stray dog on a walk here's information on what to do.
Places To Walk Your Dogs.
Below is just a small selection of resources which can provide suggested walks that you and your dog can enjoy.
Forestry Commission - Help and advice on walking your pet in British woodlands.
Woodland Trust - Find woodlands managed by the Trust to walk your dog in.
British Waterways - Information on how you and your dog can discover Britain's 4,000 miles of rivers, lakes and canals.
The Ridgeway - This national trail follows a route through the countryside used since prehistoric times.
Your Dog Magazine - Each month, Your Dog features walks by UK county that you and your four legged companion can go on. Every walk featured is assessed for its degree of difficulty, dog friendliness and the amount off off-lead walking en-route.
Canal and River Trust - Find dog friendly places on the canals and rivers.
Playtime and sleep time
Playtime
Playing is a great way to train and bond with your puppy in a positive and fun way. Games which are calm and controlled by you are the most effective.
Aggression can be fostered if you play tug of war so make sure you don't create a competitive environment between you and your puppy. They are more likely to become aroused or frustrated with intense physical play so ensure children are not around or involved when his games are like this. Only use suitable dog toys that are safe for your puppy.
Sleep time
Your puppy will need time to sleep to assist with their development. At times you may need to encourage them.
When you think he is likely to settle:
Every dog owner has a duty of care to make sure that their dog gets at least one walk every day. Unlike most activities dog walking is an activity that the whole family can enjoy and better still, it doesn't cost anything!
Puppy Exercising
Puppies need much less exercise than fully-grown dogs. If you over-exercise a growing puppy you can overtire it and damage its developing joints, causing early arthritis. A good rule of thumb is a ratio of five minutes exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) until the puppy is fully grown, i.e. 15 minutes (up to twice a day) when three months old, 20 minutes when four months old etc. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer.
It is important that puppies and dogs go out for exercise every day in a safe and secure area, or they may become frustrated. Time spent in the garden however large it may be, is no substitute for exploring new environments and socialising with other dogs. Make sure your puppy is trained to recall so that you are confident that he will return to you when called.
You should never exercise your puppy on a full stomach as this can contribute to bloat!
Who Is It suitable For?
All dogs and dog owners can and should get walking. The government recommends that we get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day and this is something that everybody can achieve, and go beyond, on a daily dog walk. Dogs' exercise needs vary according to the breed that you have but every dog should have at least one walk a day, often two. Find out more about the exercise needs of your chosen breed, just by looking on the Kennel Club website, there’s an breed centre with full information available.
How Good Is It For Me And My Dog?
Although dog walking is not a high intensity work out, it is great for cardiovascular development, strengthening of muscles and bones and lowering blood pressure. And there are many social benefits as well because people who go walking with their dogs are often believed to be friendly and approachable by others. For your dog, walking is essential for it's long term health and fitness - keeping the muscles strong and supple and ensuring that it doesn't get overweight. With one third of our pets estimated to be overweight as a result of their owners' sedentary lifestyles, walking is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner.
What Do I Need To Remember?
If you're planning on making a day of it when you set out for a walk, then remember to check out the Kennel Club's Open for Dogs website first, which will show you the kind of pubs, hotels and other pit stops that are dog friendly.
Take a pedometer out with you so that you can measure the number of steps that you walk throughout the day.
Always take poo bags with you so that you can dispose safely and cleanly of your dog's mess. This helps to ensure that places remain friendly towards dogs and dog walkers and that dog bans aren't imposed, spoiling the enjoyment of open places for other dog walkers.
Whilst walking your dog, it is important that you are aware of the Countryside Code to keep your pet safe, protect the environment and show that you are a responsible dog owner. You are obliged by law to ensure your dog wears a collar and an identification tag stating your name and address (Control of Dogs Order 1992). You can purchase tags and have them engraved. In addition, cleaning up after your dog is one of the key areas of responsibilities for dog owners, especially when in public spaces. You can face a considerable fine if you do not.
If you lose your dog or find a stray dog on a walk here's information on what to do.
Places To Walk Your Dogs.
Below is just a small selection of resources which can provide suggested walks that you and your dog can enjoy.
Forestry Commission - Help and advice on walking your pet in British woodlands.
Woodland Trust - Find woodlands managed by the Trust to walk your dog in.
British Waterways - Information on how you and your dog can discover Britain's 4,000 miles of rivers, lakes and canals.
The Ridgeway - This national trail follows a route through the countryside used since prehistoric times.
Your Dog Magazine - Each month, Your Dog features walks by UK county that you and your four legged companion can go on. Every walk featured is assessed for its degree of difficulty, dog friendliness and the amount off off-lead walking en-route.
Canal and River Trust - Find dog friendly places on the canals and rivers.
Playtime and sleep time
Playtime
Playing is a great way to train and bond with your puppy in a positive and fun way. Games which are calm and controlled by you are the most effective.
Aggression can be fostered if you play tug of war so make sure you don't create a competitive environment between you and your puppy. They are more likely to become aroused or frustrated with intense physical play so ensure children are not around or involved when his games are like this. Only use suitable dog toys that are safe for your puppy.
Sleep time
Your puppy will need time to sleep to assist with their development. At times you may need to encourage them.
When you think he is likely to settle:
- Calmly put them in their bed, give them a few minutes to settle and then leave them securely in the room.
- They may whine or make a fuss when you close the door. It is important that you ignore this behaviour – they should willingly go to sleep if they are tired.
