Furry Skurry
Walk your dogs with the best of them during the Humane Society's 24th annual Furry Skurry 5K walk/run on Saturday, May 23, at Eastwood MetroPark. This family-friendly event is a great way to dust off those sneakers, grab the leash and get outside to enjoy the fresh air with your favorite pet all while supporting the homeless pets at the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. To register, call (937) 262-5922 or visit www.hsdayton.org/furryskurry.
We can all agree that the coming of spring gives us all a chance to get outdoors, enjoy the seasonal weather and breathe in the fresh air. Grab a leash and your four-legged friend and go for a walk.
If your dog is less than proper on your walks, then simply follow these tips to make your springtime stroll more enjoyable.
Always be prepared. There are three things you should bring with you to make your dog walk enjoyable. First, make sure and put a couple bags in your pocket, so if your dog goes number 2, you can clean up. In addition, depending on how long your walk is, you should bring some water and a collapsible dog dish, so Fido can stay hydrated. It would be good to put treats in your pocket to reward your pet if he or she follows your commands on the walk, too.
Remember, you are in control. Do you walk your dog, or does your dog walk you? When going on a walk with your pet you need to show them you are the one in control. From the second you leave the house, you should be the first one out the door. During your walk, you should walk slightly in front of your dog. This lets your dog know you are in control.
Use a leash. Despite how much you trust your dog, walking on a leash will not only protect your dog, but it will also allow you to have more control over your pet. Try to also walk with a relaxed leash. If you are constantly pulling on or have tension in the leash, you are projecting this stress onto your dog, which can make them feel anxious.
Avoid lawns. On other peoples properties, you can't always be sure of the chemicals and treatments happening to the yard. If harsh or dangerous chemicals are being used it could harm your pooch. In addition, they may have flowers in their landscaping that can be poisonous to your dog. This is why it is best to stick to the sidewalk.
Microchip your pet. Even the safest person may experience a dog getting loose on a walk. This is why it is so important to not only microchip your pet, but also have ID tags on your pet with your name and phone number. This way if your dog does become lost, you can easily be notified and reunited with your pet. If your pet isn't microchipped, come to the Humane Society and get it done. It just takes a few minutes to do, and no appointments are needed. It is the fastest way to ensure your pet stays safe.
About the Author