dog walking

• Take a pedometer out with you so that you can measure the number of steps that you walk throughout the day.
  
• Always take poo bags with you so that you can dispose safely and cleanly of your dog’s mess. This helps to ensure that places remain friendly towards dogs and dog walkers and that dog bans aren’t imposed, spoiling the enjoyment of open places for other dog walkers.
  
• Whilst walking your dog, it is important that you are aware of the need to keep your pet safe, protect the environment and show that you are a responsible dog owner. You are obliged by law to ensure your dog wears a collar and an identification tag stating your name and address (Control of Dogs Order 1992). You can purchase tags and have them engraved online. In addition, cleaning up after your dog is one of the key areas of responsibilities for dog owners, especially when in public spaces. You can face a considerable fine if you do not.
  
• If you lose your dog or find a stray dog on a walk here's information on what to do.
  

Steve wrote:Dog Walking

Why dog walking?
Every dog owner has a duty of care to make sure that their dog gets adequate exercise. This is usually by going for walks and at least one good walk a day is recommended. However, most of us could spend a lot more time enjoying the great outdoors with our four legged friends, who make the perfect walking companions. Unlike most activities, dog walking is something that the whole family can enjoy and, better still, it doesn’t cost anything at all.

Walking is also needed to provide mental stimulation for your dog. Sniffing scents and exploring the world is an essential part of a dogs life and can help keep your dog happy, preventing negative behaviours associated with boredom.

Who is it suitable for?
All dogs and dog owners can and should get walking. The government recommends that we get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day and this is something that everybody can achieve, and go beyond, on a daily dog walk.

How good is it for me and my dog?
Although dog walking is not a high intensity work out it is great for cardiovascular development, strengthening of muscles and bones and lowering blood pressure. There are many social benefits as well because people who go walking with their dogs are often believed to be friendly and approachable by others. For your dog, walking is essential for its long term health and fitness – keeping the muscles strong and supple and ensuring that it doesn’t get overweight. With one third of our pets estimated to be overweight as a result of their owners’ sedentary lifestyles, walking is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner.

What do I need to remember?

• Always take poo bags with you so that you can dispose safely and cleanly of your dog’s mess. Put your used bags in a bin - do not leave them for someone else to pick up. This helps to ensure that places remain friendly towards dogs and dog walkers and that dog bans aren’t imposed, spoiling the enjoyment of open places for other dog walkers. You may also be fined if you do not clean up after your dog in prescribed areas.
  
• You are obliged by law to ensure your dog wears a collar and an identification tag stating your name and address (Control of Dogs Order 1992). You can purchase tags online and often have them engraved for free.
  
• All dog owners should be in control of their dogs. This is particularly important for Staffie owners as our dogs are often more readily seen by others as being 'dangerous', even if they are not. Especially in areas were other dogs are present, keep your dog on a (long) lead unless your are sure they are well socialised and unless you are confident of their recall.
  
• Respect others - don't let your dog bound up to people or other dogs unless you are sure they won't mind. In particular, respect on lead dogs, they are usually on lead for a reason and may be more reactive simply because they are on lead.