Most trainers and canine experts recommend at least 30
 
to 45 minutes of exercise for your dog (provided your
 
dog is healthy enough to endure exercise) every single
 
day. This can provide numerous behaviour and health
 
benefits. It should be noted that the walk is more
 
valuable than other types of exercise because it offers
 
training opportunities and helps to build the human and
 
animal bond. However, proper dog walking is a little
 
more complicated than just putting on the leash and
 
heading out the front door. For the best results,
 
consider some of the following best practices:
 
1. Always walk with your dog beside you or behind you.
 
You are the leader and the dog is the follower. When the
 
dog is out in front, this helps reinforce the idea that
 
they are in control of the relationship.
 
2. Try not to walk them during the hottest time of the
 
day, especially in the summer. It may not be a bad idea
 
to bring water along for the dog to drink if showing
 
signs of overheating.
 
3. Do not play tug of war. There should typically be a
 
bit of slack in the leash. If your dog is constantly
 
pulling you and you are providing tension back – this
 
is a behavioural issue that needs to be corrected.
 
Consult with a trainer or professional if you are unable
 
to remedy this yourself.
 
4. Beware of other dogs. Do not let your pet approach
 
other animals on a whim. Make sure that you have cleared
 
it with the other dog's owner before allowing your
 
animals to do a meet and greet. Just because your dog
 
plays well with others does not mean that other dogs
 
will respond in kind.
 
5. Pick the right leash or collar. Not every leash /
 
collar combination is perfect for every dog. Some dogs
 
will view harnesses as a challenge to pull. Others may
 
find a pincher collar to be too rough and painful. The
 
collar that is typically the best fit for your dog is
 
the one that provides the greatest amount of comfort
 
while still generating the intended responses.
 
6. Make sure your dog is wearing their tags. Even if you
 
have the best behaved dogs, weird things can happen. You
 
could be distracted and the dog may slip its leash
 
chasing after another animal or something of that ilk.
 
Make sure it is wearing its vaccination and
 
identification tags to ensure the highest probability of
 
its safe and timely return.
 
7. Finally – have fun! The walk is a good opportunity
 
for you and your pet to get exercise. It also represents
 
a great bonding experience with your four legged best
 
friend. They will appreciate it more than you will ever
 
know.