Are You Walking Your Dog or Is Your Dog Walking You? Collars, Harnesses, Leaders & Leashes

Walking a dog is a fundamental aspect of their happiness and health (your's too), and should be enjoyed by you both. It is essential to maintain control over your dog when they are out in public, it's a crazy, dangerous world out there and you don't want to put them or anyone else in harm's way. Here are some tips to make walking your dog a walk in the park:

Collar-all dogs should wear a collar at all times with an identification (ID) tag that contains legible, current contact information and their rabies tag. If a dog has a chronic illness that needs medication/treatment, it would be a good idea to have that information too. This should be washed and/or replaced every so often.

Harness-for dogs under 30 lbs only. Larger dogs in harnesses can easily create enough force on the leash to drag most owners down or free their leash with enough motivation, putting everyone at serious risk of injury.

Leaders-all dogs can use a leader, which helps safely guide your pet to where you lead them, rather than them leading you. There are two main types called the gentle leader and the easy walk harness (now many more types). I recommend trying both and keep the one that allows you to have the most control over your pup.

Leash-to be connected to a harness or leader, not a collar. Attaching a leash to a collar risks traumatizing your pet's neck, which contains delicate, important structures like the spinal cord, windpipe, and esophagus. Leashes should be 6ft long in order to maintain safe control (this is required for entrance in National Parks, etc.). Retractable leashes are seriously hazardous and totally not recommended.

Walking off-leash-this should only be performed in specifically designated areas, as walking even the most well-behaved pet off-leash in even the most seemingly safe place has greater risks than rewards. When you do walk your dog off-leash, you should still keep a leash on you and a close eye on your pup at all times.

PSA: Whether walking your dog on or off-leash, you are legally, socially, and morally responsible for cleaning up your dog's waste. Waste contains infectious diseases that dogs, people, and other animals can contract, so not cleaning it up poses serious risks to everyone. Pick out a cool waste bag dispenser and help save the Earth with awesome, biodegradable bags!

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