We all love our dog, and we also love walking him. But things can be complicated when you are out on the trail and other pets come around. While you may get friendly with the other pet owners, your dog may not feel the same way. Situations can become even worse if the other pet is not friendly enough. However, you can stick close to your home whenever you walk your dog. With a few tips and tricks up your sleeve, you will have everything under control and all paws moving forward in harmony. Let us discuss a few practical dog-walking tips in this article below:
Do Not Panic
First, don’t panic. Even if your dog is lunging at the cat and you think that he might attack the cat, take a deep breath and remember that your pet is not a predator. The cat may look terrified and ready to bolt, but he will make it out alive.
Next, be prepared. If you know that your dog is not friendly to other animals, stay close to your pet when taking them outside to avoid any mishap. Also, keep an eye on what the other animal looks like so that if it gets attacked by your dog, you can step in before anything serious happens.
Lastly, keep aware of what is going on around you at all times. Do not just focus on one thing while walking; notice everything happening around you and use this information as a warning sign when needed.
Prefer a Less-Travelled Route
Choosing a less-traveled route is always a good idea when walking your dog with other pets. The more people and animals in the area, the higher the likelihood of an incident occurring. Dogs can be territorial and more likely to get into a fight if other animals are around. They may react to the presence of other dogs by barking or even lunging at them, and sometimes this reaction happens out of nowhere.
When selecting your route, consider how many people and dogs you will encounter along the way. Consider if any areas along your usual path have parks or sports fields nearby. If so, avoid those areas during peak hours as these tend to attract more people and dogs than less busy times of the day.
Use a Short or Retractable Leash
- Use a short leash. While you might be tempted to allow your dog to run freely without a leash, keeping your dog close when other animals are around is important. If your dog tends to wander off and get into trouble, it is best for everyone involved if he is tethered with a short leash.
- Use a retractable leash. A retractable leash gives you more control over your pet than an ordinary one. However, you can still give him some freedom to explore the surroundings as long as he stays within range of the cord.
Buy a leash that is comfortable for you and your pet and is also durable. Explore online stores, such as PetCareRx, to find a range of leashes and collars that suit your dog’s size. Check the material and length of the leash according to your needs and how close you want to walk with your pet.
Schedule Your Dog Walks When Fewer Pets are Out
The best time for dog walks is early in the morning and late in the evening. If you have a puppy, it is also a good idea to do your walk before he wakes up from his nap, so he does not get over-excited.
Additionally, try to avoid walking him when other animals are likely to be out, especially cats. Dogs tend to be most active around mid-day and during rainstorms, so if you are not prepared for them, this can worsen an already difficult situation.
Check How You Are Behaving Around Other Pets
- Do not make direct eye contact with the other pet. The more you stare, the more uncomfortable he will become.
- Do not approach other pets if you are at a distance; back away slowly.
- Do not let your dog approach the other pet. Keep him on a leash and close to you always.
- If the dogs start playing together and it looks like it is going well, watch them carefully for signs of trouble. If one starts getting aggressive toward another, break up their play immediately by putting some distance between them yourself.
Learn to Redirect Your Dog’s Attention to You
If you walk your dog with other pets around, you must know how to handle situations where your dog is distracted by another animal. Ensure that they always listen and obey you, but this can be difficult if they are distracted by another nearby pet or person.
First and foremost, have a treat ready if any unusual situation arises. Getting their attention when they are excited about something can be challenging. Be consistent with what you do each time an encounter happens. If giving treats works well one day, try luring them away from distractions by holding a treat in front of them instead of giving it immediately. If luring away does not work, try calling their name out loud, so everyone knows which pup belongs to whom.
Next, calm yourself down before interacting with other people or animals because we all know how stressful situations like these can become quickly. Take some deep breaths before speaking. Being relaxed makes everything easier than being nervous or anxious about what might happen next. Also, remember not only should we remain calm but also keep our dogs calm, who may sense our anxiety through smell signals given off through sweat, etc.
Do Not Approach, Even If Other Pets Act Friendly
Even if the animal seems friendly, do not approach. It is best to keep your dog away from other dogs, their owners, and other animals in the area. It is particularly true if a dog is on a leash or behind a fence. The same goes for people; do not let your dog approach strangers who may be walking by.
If you are out with a new pet who does not have much experience around other dogs and you notice someone else approaching with their pup, wait until they pass before continuing on your way. Do not mind, even if it feels rude or uncomfortable.
Maintain a Safe Distance Between Your Dog and Other Pets
One of the most important things you can do to prevent unwanted situations is to maintain a safe distance between your pet and strangers’ animals.
Dogs are territorial animals, so they will likely be protective of their territory and act accordingly if an unfamiliar dog or human approaches. It may take a few days or weeks for your dog to become accustomed to having another pet around them. However, it is possible with patience and consistent training. The key is knowing how your dog will react in different situations so that you can predict their behavior ahead of time.
Always be Prepared While Walking Your Dog
It is important to pay attention if you are walking multiple dogs in an area where they can roam free and see other pets and people. Not every animal is going to get along with others. Ensure your dog is not acting aggressively or exhibiting any signs of anxiety around other animals. It could become dangerous if he gets too close to other animals. Be wary if another pet approaches yours and if possible, do what you can to move away from them until they have left each other alone for a few minutes. The best way to do this is to take them for a walk farther away from where they cannot see each other.
Summing Up
No matter how well-trained your dog is, there’s always a potential for a particularly stressful moment when you are walking around with multiple pets. The best way to keep your pet and yourself safe is by maintaining calm behavior, eyeing for strange or aggressive dogs, and recognizing that your dog might not be ready to interact with other animals. You can help this process by gradually getting them accustomed to strangers and other animals, so they do not get scared.
