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Training Tips Blog Winter Walking With Your Dog

Winter Walking With Your Dog

By Sandra Lawton - October 27th, 2024 | Posted in Blog

Winter Walking Safety Tips

With the arrival of winter, the days get shorter, and both mornings and evenings become darker, which can make walking your dog more challenging. Ensuring both you and your dog are prepared for these seasonal changes is essential for safe, enjoyable outings. Below, we’ve outlined key considerations, from safety gear to alternative activities, so you can keep your dog engaged and happy, whatever winter throws your way.

Be Prepared with the Right Gear

For new dog owners, winter dog-walking essentials might not be immediately obvious. Yet, having the right equipment can make a big difference in keeping your pet visible and safe. While there’s plenty of reflective and illuminated dog gear available, it’s crucial to remember your safety as well.

Essential Items for Winter Walks:

  • Reflective or Hi-Vis Vests for both you and your dog.
  • Flashing or Reflective Collars to increase your dog’s visibility.
  • Reflective Leads that catch the light from passing vehicles.
  • Glow-in-the-Dark or Flashing Balls for fun games in the garden

Safety Tips for Dog Owners

While you may have equipped your dog with visible gear, it’s equally important to make sure you’re seen. A common mistake is for dog owners to wear dark clothing without any reflective items. This can put you at risk as drivers may spot your dog but not you. Wearing a hi-vis vest or adding reflective tape to your clothing ensures that both you and your dog are clearly visible.

Awareness of Items with Batteries

Additionally, if your dog’s gear is battery-operated (such as flashing collars), invest in high-quality items with secure battery enclosures. Loose batteries can pose a hazard if they fall out and your dog accidentally ingests them. Regularly check all gear to make sure it’s in good working order and secure.

Dog Training: Preparing for Unexpected Situations

Winter is a great time to reinforce basic training commands that can help keep your dog safe, especially in low-light situations. Commands like “Leave It” or “Stay” can prevent your dog from bolting after sudden noises or picking up unsafe items. Teaching your dog to “ask politely” before grabbing things off the ground is also a valuable skill.

For more guidance on training, consider exploring our dog training programmes.

Stick to Familiar Walking Routes

Shorter daylight hours and reduced visibility can lead to unexpected challenges on less familiar paths. Sticking to routes you and your dog know well can help you avoid potential hazards and make the walk less stressful for both of you. Dogs are highly affected by changes in light, weather, and environment; familiar paths make them less likely to get spooked by shadows or unexpected movements.

Brainwork and Enrichment: Alternatives to Outdoor Walks

If winter weather makes it difficult to get outdoors, consider incorporating brainwork and stimulating activities indoors. These activities provide valuable mental stimulation and can help burn off energy without requiring outdoor exercise.

You don’t need to purchase specialised toys—try hiding your dog’s favorite treats or toys around the house or garden and let them sniff them out. Simple yet your dog will love it, these games exercise your dog’s brain and strengthen your bond as they learn to rely on you for guidance.

For dogs that are nervous or sensitive to environmental changes, a 20-minute brainwork session indoors can often be more beneficial than a walk in the dark. If your dog tends to become anxious in new or dark settings, books like “STOP! Walking Your Dog” is a great book to read.

Staying Safe in the Colder Months

As winter progresses, other hazards beyond darkness come into play. Slippery paths, icy conditions, and freezing temperatures can add an extra layer of risk. Always wash your dog’s paws when you’ve been walking in icy conditions. Rock salt, anti-freeze, all the things we use in the winter, are toxic to your dog. If your dog licks their paws on return from a walk, where these things have been used, they can become very poorly.

Staying alert to these additional hazards and staying up-to-date with seasonal tips can keep both you and your dog safe throughout the colder months.

Enjoy the Season’s Beauty

Winter can offer wonderful moments if you’re prepared for them. As the weather cools and leaves change, take time to appreciate the beauty of the season. It can be a lovely, bonding experience to explore these seasonal changes with your dog by your side.

For more information on training your dog, safety gear, or winter care, explore our training programs and resources tailored to your needs.

With the right preparation and awareness, winter walks can be as safe and enjoyable as those in warmer, lighter months!

We love to hear from all of our customers and potential customers, so do please get in touch with any questions, or even suggestions for how we can improve.

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