How to walk your dog properly
Tips / / January 02, 2021
Teach your dog basic commands
The animal must react unquestioningly to the commands "Come to me", "Fu" or "No" in any situation - even in a park, even on a noisy street. One day it can save the dog's life if he plays and runs out on the road or tries everything that is lying on the asphalt.
Some pets can carry out commands at home without any problems, but as soon as they go out into the street, not a trace of their former obedience remains. The fact is that it is difficult for an animal to focus on the orders of the owner when there are too many irritants around. There is no point in yelling at the dog, or even more so punishing it, it is better to gradually train it to respond to commands even in unfamiliar conditions.
Start your workout in a quiet and peaceful place - for example, outside. When the animal has worked the skill to automatism, gradually introduce new stimuli: during a walk, visit places unfamiliar to the dog and train there. Gradually, the dog adapts to the street environment and will carry out commands without being distracted by city noise, passers-by and other animals around.
Treat the animal against ticks
The tick is capableAKC's Chief Veterinary Officer Weighs In On Tick-Borne Diseases infect a dog with Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and piroplasmosis. It doesn't matter if you are walking along the streets or in the forest: even in a city park, a dog can easily pick up a parasite. It is difficult to find it in thick fur, so sometimes the bites go unnoticed, and the owners learn about them only when the dog shows the first signs of infection.
Ticks are activeAre you afraid of ticks - don't go to the forest? from May to September, during these periods, pay special attention to prevention. You can protect your dog from parasites with drops, sprays or tablets, but consult your veterinarian before using. Collars are not the best option, they only protect the head and neck, but will not stop the tick that wants to grab the dog's paw. After each walk, comb the coat thoroughly with a fine-toothed comb and check for any parasites that have sucked into the skin. Be sure to studyPreventing ticks on your pets areas around the tail, ears and eyes, and at the same time find out if ticks are lurking between the paws.
Keep your dog on a leash if there are noisy and crowded areas
It is impossible Federal Law of December 27, 2018 No. 498-FZ "On the Responsible Treatment of Animals and on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation", Article 13 letting animals run along the road, in the courtyard of an apartment building and on playgrounds is prohibited by law. Without a leash, they can only be in places specially designed for walking. Dogs from the listList of Potentially Dangerous Dogs potentially dangerous and are not allowed to walk without a muzzle and a leash anywhere except in your fenced area. Simply put, a Brazilian Bulldog or Pit Bullmastiff can only frolic freely in the courtyard of a summer cottage or private house.
Finally, free range is simply dangerous. The dog can get scared of loud noises, play with another animal, or, for example, get carried away by studying everything that is around and run away from sight.
What else can a collar do
Remember that full exercise is a must
An animal needs a walk not only to satisfy its natural needs. It is important for a dogThe Importance of Walking Your Dog explore the world around you, communicate with relatives and just run around. Without regular walks, the animal can become aggressive or, conversely, too fearful, and the lack of movement canExercising With Your Dog 101 lead to obesity and loss of muscle mass.
The recommended length of walking dependsHow much exercise does my dog need? from the breed. So, Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahua should be on the street for at least 30 minutes a day. Larger dogs like pugs and cocker spaniels should take at least an hour a day to walk, while huskies and golden retrievers should be outdoors for two hours. It is advisable to split this time into two or three runs, so that the pet does not get tired and exercise is a joy to him.
Clean up after the dog
It sounds so-so, but by law the owner of the animal must Federal Law of December 27, 2018 No. 498-FZ "On the Responsible Treatment of Animals and on Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation", Article 13 remove pet waste in public places. If you ignore this requirement and get caught red-handed, you can get a fine. Its size depends on the region: in Moscow you will need to payMoscow City Code of Administrative Offenses, article 5.1 from 1,000 to 2,000 thousand rubles, and in St. Petersburg, dog tricks will costLaw of St. Petersburg dated May 31, 2010 No. 273-70 "On Administrative Offenses in St. Petersburg", Article 33 in the amount of 500 to 3,000 rubles.
If you do not want to risk in vain, take bags for a walk. In order not to carry the roll in your hands, you can purchase a special container for it, which is attached to a leash or belt. At the walking area, the used bag must be thrown into the designated container.SanPiN 3.2.3215-14. What to do off-site is a moot point. There are no clear recommendations here, but, for example, specialists from the St. Petersburg veterinary department believeDog poop can be disposed of in a regular city trash canthat bags with excrement can be thrown into ordinary city waste bins.
Observe the mode of walking in the heat
Under the scorching sun, the animal can overheat: puppies, elderly dogs and pets with dark hair are at risk - it heats up faster in the sun. Walking in the heat is also harmful for brachycephalics - dogs with short and flattened muzzles like pugs and French bulldogs. Due to specific changes in the structure of the skull and respiratory tract, these animals experience breathing problems, and their risk of getting heatstroke is twice as high.Flat-faced dogs twice as likely to suffer with ‘potentially fatal’ heatstrokethan dogs with a long snout.
In summer, it is better to postpone walks to a time when it is relatively cool - for example, before 8 am and after 8 pm. If it is 20-23 ° C outside, you can take the dog outWhen is it too hot to walk a dog?, but intense training and jogging should be abandoned. But at temperatures of 28 ° C and above, walking can be dangerous. Asphalt surfaces, by the way, are best avoided - they quickly heat up from the sun and can burn your dog's paw pads. There is a simple testWarm weather advice: Place your palm on the asphalt and wait seven seconds. If it bakes too much, then the dog will be uncomfortable.
Keep a bottle of water and a bowl with you
Or get a portable walker drinker. If it is impossible to postpone going out into the morning or evening, then the dog needs to drink, otherwise it will overheat. From time to time, put it in the shade and give it cool (but not cold) water.
Lethargy, shortness of breath, excessive salivation, a darkened tongue, and nausea are all signsKnowing the Signs of Heatstroke Could Save a Dog’s Lifethat the dog is too hot. As soon as you notice something like this, end your walk immediately and take your pet home. Let the animal drink and lie down in a cool and well-ventilated area, you can still moistenHeat Stroke in Dogs pads and ears with cool water. Just don't give your dog an ice bath - the body temperature should drop gradually. Be sure to show the animal to the veterinarian: overheating canSigns & Aftercare of Heat Stroke (Hyperthermia) in Dogs hit the internal organs, so it's better to make sure that everything is fine with the heart and kidneys.
Bring some dog treats for a walk
They come in handy during training so that the animal has the motivation to follow the commands. At first, without encouragement, the pet simply does not understand why he would react to the orders of the owner. It is better to choose treats that are not part of the daily diet. If the animal understands that it can get the coveted piece only when it executes the command, then it will respond to it faster. Once the skill is established, you can gradually give up the reward.
Treats will also come in handy if the dog gets off the leash. Chasing her is a dubious idea, the animal can take it for a game and only get more naughty. But your favorite food will definitely make you return to the owner.
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