Dog Walking Safety Tips For Darker Nights
Walking your dog every day is important for its overall health and fitness, yet as the winter months approach and the nights grow longer, many of us dread the task as the opportunity to do so in daylight decreases. Fortunately, dog walking in the dark can still be an enjoyable experience, so long as you consider safety and come prepared. Here are some tips to keep you and your dog safe while dog walking in the dark.
How to Safely Walk Your Dog After Dark
- Wear Visible Gear: Even if you are well aware of your surroundings, others may not be if you and your dog are hidden in darkness. Therefore, consider reflective or glow-in-the-dark gear for your dog, as well as lights such as torches or LEDs.
- Keep an Eye on Your Surroundings: Be alert to your environment and keep to a familiar, well-lit path to ensure your safety and that of your dog. Keep an eye out for any sudden surprises such as cyclists that may startle your dog.
- Use a Lead: While it seems an obvious precaution, you should always keep your dog on a leash during your nighttime walk. Not only will this keep your dog from running off, but it also shows consideration for other people in the area.
- Invest in Training: Untrained dogs are likely to follow their instincts, and will try to chase after anything that catches their eye. By investing in proper dog training, you will be able to go walking your dog in the winter dark without added stress.
- Bring a GPS Tracker: No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen, and you may lose track of your dog. By installing a GPS tracking device on your dog’s collar, you can locate your dog more easily should it become lost.
- Bring Identification: Should you lose hold of your dog, it may be challenging to locate them without some form of ID. Add an ID tag to your dog’s collar clearly showing your contact details. Having your dog microchipped is also highly recommended.
- Pay Attention to Your Dog: Consider what extras your dog will need at night, such as warm coverings to protect against the cold. Also take their behaviour at night into consideration, as they may react more cautiously to encounters after dark compared to in the daylight.
After Dark Safety Kit for Dog Walking
Here are a few products you should consider bringing if walking your dog at night:
- Reflective or glow-in-the-dark gear such as collars, jackets and leashes.
- Flashlights or headlamps for extra visibility.
- Identification such as dog tags attached to your dog’s collar.
- Dog treats for encouragement and rewards.
- Warm and waterproof coverings such as jackets and vests.
- GPS tracking device and app.
- A sturdy leash.
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