Being a dog owner carries responsibilities, to our dogs and to other people and most of us take those responsibilities seriously. We take care of our dogs’ needs in terms of food, health and exercise. We always use leads wherever appropriate and take the trouble to clean up after our pets when we’re out and about with them. So, as responsible dog owners we are taking care of our dogs’ health and trying to maintain god relationships with the rest of the population including the many who are not dog owners. Well done us!
However, there is something else we need to consider. What goes with health? That’s right,
safety. Oh No! Not the dreaded “Elf & Safety,” for dog walking? Stay calm, don’t worry. You’re not going to have men with clipboards following you and there’s no paperwork involved. You could call this a risk assessment if you like. Others might see it as simply applying a bit of forethought.
Taking a dog for a walk, what could possibly go wrong?
• The dog might slip his collar or break the lead and rush into the road after another dog or just in the excitement if being free. That’s highly dangerous for the dog and everyone else. He might just rush up to someone and jump up, perhaps even knocking them over. Bad news for public relations and you might even get sued!
Make sure the lead is strong enough for the particular dog and the collar is adequate and fits properly. Maybe consider a well fitting harness instead of a collar? Look out for corroded clips and rings that might fail. Extending leads may present their own problems and are probably best avoided.
• Dogs often need to be exercised early in the morning or late at night when it is likely to be dark, especially in the winter. Bad weather can reduce visibility at any time of year and dusk is particularly bad. If drivers can’t see you and your dog in these conditions, one or both of you is at risk of being knocked down with possibly fatal consequences.
Make yourself and your dog as visible as possible. Wear reflective high-vis clothing, get a reflective coat for your dog and train him to accept wearing it. Alternatively, you could fit him out with a LED illuminated collar. You could wear one of the LED lights used by some cyclists and runners. (Actual running is optional!) Many of these don’t need batteries. They are solar charged or charged via USB from your computer.
• Dogs can make sudden, unpredictable movements which can catch you unawares and cause to slip or lose your balance and fall, especially on wet grass or unstable surfaces.
Such accidents, which are likely to result in the dog running loose and causing further mayhem, are much less likely to occur when you are wearing suitable footwear. Sandals, flip-flops or high heels are best avoided. Comfortable, well fitting walking shoes with slip resistant soles are best. Your feet will thank you too!
• There are other hazards to consider, mainly human ones! Having a dog, especially a small dog, with you, is not a 100% guarantee against robbery and other kinds of assault.
Try to vary your dog-walking route to confound those with criminal intent. Let someone know where you’re going then, if you don’t come back, they will know something is amiss and get help. Walking with companions is always safer than walking alone.
Having read all that you might be starting to think that dog walking is a dangerous activity on a par with sky diving or cliff climbing! It is not, of course, but a little thought and forward planning will soon establish good habits and make it even safer and more relaxing. Your walks with your dog will be more enjoyable as you feel more in control. You are the one in charge with the responsibility that goes with being Pack Leader!
