Regular dog walking improves your dog’s health and well-being. Among other things, walking your dog regularly familiarizes them with their surroundings and will increase their comfort and behavior at home.

Every pup walks differently on a leash, some better than others – you know what we’re talking about! But there are a few dog-walking tips and tricks you can employ to make your walk smoother, safer, and more enjoyable for both of you. Here are five tips that will make your dog walks a breeze!

Harness Over Collar

If you’ve got a high-energy fur baby who might not be the best on a leash, harnesses will be your best friend!

Collars are great for dog tag identity in case your pup slips out of the house, or for lounging around the house, but they’re not great for dog walking. Collars are easy to slip out of and can choke your dog when they pull against them.

Harnesses distribute the pressure over a wider area, making it harder for your dog to slip out. This allows for easier control on your end as well.

You can double your harness with a gentle leader. This style of leash allows you to refocus your pet’s attention without choking him or injuring pressure points in the neck. The gentle leader dog harness is a great option for dogs that slip out of their collars or tend to pull excessively on dog walks. It’s also an easy way to refocus your pet’s attention and keep him from pulling as much!

Retractable Leashes- Yay or Nay?

Depending on how well your dog walks on a leash, a retractable leash is a great option for dog walks. Retractable leashes can give your furry baby more freedom to roam by allowing them to go further distances without tugging you.

However, dog walks with retractable leashes have their downsides.

Retractable dog leashes are ideal for dogs that stay close to you and walk well on a leash but can make dog walking more difficult if your dog is a puller.

Retractable leashes are not ideal for dogs that have a history of running away, aggression, or getting distracted.

Doggy Shoes are Adorable and Useful

If you’ve got yourself a laid-back best friend, who doesn’t mind extra cuteness on their paws, doggy shoes could be a great option! Dog boots can protect your pal’s paws from hot asphalt, icy sidewalks, salt stains in the wintertime, and rough surfaces.

Dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint issues can benefit from dog boots as well, but they can also provide dog walking relief for extra-active pups who may be causing damage to their joints.

Doggy shoes provide extra protection, cuteness, and allow for dog walks no matter the weather (if it’s reasonable of course.)

Training Treats

Using treats during walks with particularly challenging dogs makes it easier to keep your pup focused on you and not the distraction! Training treats aren’t just a great dog walking tool though!

For more aggressive or high-anxiety dogs, training treats are the perfect way to keep their mind focused on positive reinforcement and not on the elements around them.

Always Bring Water

This one might go without saying, but I’ve seen way too many people out walking their dogs midday in a St.George summer! If the weather is hot (as it tends to be in St.George) or if your dog has had a particularly rigorous walk, always bring water for them!

Dogs can get heatstroke just like humans, so be mindful of the weather and how much your dog has exerted themselves. It’s ideal to walk your pups in the early mornings or late evenings in a St.George summer.

Choose The Right Dog Walker

All dogs need regular exercise! This goes double for high-energy dogs or aggressive dogs. If you need dog walkers in St.George, UT, or dog walking help with a difficult pooch- choose the right dog walker!

You’ll want to choose an experienced dog walker who is well versed in correcting aggressive behavior without putting either canine at risk of injury. If your dog is high-energy, it’s important to choose a dog walker who has the experience and patience necessary to handle your fur baby!

Sara’s Happy Paws: Dog Walkers in St.George, Utah

At Sara’s Happy Paws, we have experience with all types of animals and animal behavior. We are committed to the highest standards of pet care. We will care for your pets as if they were our very own and make sure they receive all the love, care, and special attention they need while you are away.

We’ll come to your home for private, leashed walks in your neighborhood. We’ll also take care of waste pick-up, and feed and provide fresh water on request. We have the best Dog Walkers in St.George, Washington, Ivins, Santa Clara, Hurricane, La Verkin, and Toquerville!

Dog walks should be an enjoyable time, not another thing on your list of worries! Find dog walkers in St.George UT who can provide for all sorts of dog walking needs!