Open Study College has partnered with Naomi Kjendsli-Bellshaw, owner of Five Senses Dog Training to reveal top tips for dog walking, and what people regularly do wrong including fines for some simple dog walking mistakes.
Top tips
🐶 Make sure to give your dog enough slack
Give your dog enough slack on the lead to roam freely while remaining in control at all times. It’s recommended to keep them on the inside of the path, furthest away from any traffic. When walking through crowds or busy streets, keep them on a shorter lead and get them to walk by your side. Once you’re in a park or open space, allow them to sniff and explore with the lead on at all times.
🐶Train your dog to ‘leave it’
Knowing your dog can follow this command will make dog walking a lot easier for you. It enables you to keep them safe with unknown objects they might be interested in or when you’re in a hurry to get back!
🐶Don’t underestimate treats
Treats are your best friend when it comes to building a relationship with your dog. Treats can be used for positive reinforcement for good behaviour and lure to get out of a bad situation. They can also be used for play, such as finding a treat in long grass or for enrichment in a toy.
🐶Know how much exercise your dog needs
What breed your dog is will determine how much exercise they will need – some breeds are happy with a few small walks a day, while others need to go somewhere to run around for a long time to get their energy out.
🐶Ensure their recall is good before letting them off lead
Letting a dog off lead before their recall is perfected in familiar, unfamiliar and distracting environments. For example, a dog may be able to respond to their recall cue at home or in the garden, but can they respond promptly in the presence of other dogs? Birds? Bikes? Children? Until such times that a dog’s recall becomes reliable, I recommend keeping them on a long line, so that they can still enjoy the freedom of exploring, while remaining safe.
🐶Group dog types together
Of course teaching dogs to walk to heel (especially if they are large dogs) is beneficial. But I would also say that it is good to group dogs based on temperament, ability and preference, so that they can get the most out of their walk.
🐶Take time to let your dog sniff
Take time to let your dog sniff on walks. Many owners opt for a fast-paced walk, but slower, sniffier walks can be just as – if not more – tiring. There are several benefits to sniffing including that it lowers a dog’s pulse rate and increases endorphins in the brain, suggesting it is highly relaxing. Moreover, sniffing is linked to an increase in dopamine (which can help boost mood), and it increases a dog’s respiration rate (making it a tiring activity).
Dog walking fines
💰Walking a safe number of dogs at a time
It’s recommended that dog walkers should take no more than four dogs out at a time. This is not only more manageable, but most dog walker insurance policies outline a maximum number of dogs at a time, along with local authorities.
💰Ensure your name and address is on your dog’s tag
Failure to include your name and address on your dog’s tag is illegal under the Animal Health Act 1981, which can result in a £5,000 fine or a six-month prison sentence.
💰Make sure you know where you can walk dogs
Some areas, like beaches and parks, do not allow dogs to tackle the rise of dog fouling. Dog walkers in areas such as Norfolk, Devon and Cornwall can face fines of up to £1,000 if found walking dogs in restricted areas.
💰Keep dogs on lead on roads
The Road Traffic Act (1988) makes it an offence to have a dog off-lead on a designated road. I have unfortunately heard of – even the most well trained – dogs becoming involved in road traffic accidents due to walking off-lead near a road. Personally, I do not think it is worth the risk. It is important to always keep your dog on a short lead when near a road.
