A walk with your dog is more than just exercise – it is time together that connects you, provides variety, and enhances the well-being of your four-legged friend. However, to ensure that the walk remains pleasant for everyone involved – humans, dogs, and the environment – there are a few important rules and tips to follow. In this article, you will learn dog walking netiquette for relaxed walks and what you should definitely take into account.
Tips for walking your dog
Generally, you should always keep an eye on your surroundings when walking your dog and react accordingly – it is not always sensible to insist on one's own rights, but sometimes one must be flexible. But it would be even better, if everyone follows the dog walking netiquette rules as this way stress will be reduced for everyone!
1. Consideration when walking with dog
Not every dog or person enjoys contact. Therefore, always keep a sufficient distance, especially when you meet other dog owners, joggers or cyclists. Always ask before letting your dog get in contact with another dog. Also find out about the local leash laws – in many cities and municipalities it applies to public roads, parks and nature reserves. You should also keep your dog on a leash to protect wildlife especially during breeding and nesting season. Furthermore, it is polite to at least call your own dog, and even better to also leash your dog if a dog on a leash comes towards you.
2. Protect the environment and nature while walking with your dog
Protect nature by staying on the designated paths with your dog. This way, you avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging plants. Staying on the trails is mandatory, especially in nature reserves. If your dog has a hunting instinct, he should also be on a leash to avoid incidents involving wild animals, which can be extremely stressful for them.
In addition, you should always leave the paths or places where you took a break as you found them: Take your trash with you – including empty treat bags or packaging – or throw it in existing trash cans, collect your dog's droppings and dispose of the dog poo bags in accordance with regulations – if there is no trash can nearby, this sometimes means carrying it during your walk and taking it home!
This way, you help to keep nature clean and ensure that all walkers enjoy their surroundings.
3. Training on a walk with your dog
Many dogs enjoy variety on their walk, so you can change it again and again and incorporate short training sessions.
A safe recall is the most important command when walking. If you practice it regularly, even when there's no danger or distraction, your dog will reliably come to you when it matters. Reward him with treats or a toy when he responds promptly. But you don't always have to work on basic obedience: Use the walk to mentally stimulate your dog with small search games, tricks or simply playing together, this makes the walk varied and promotes the bond between you.
Want to do dummy training with your dog on a walk? Then be sure to check out our blog post on dummy training dog.
4. Adapt your dog walks to the season
Dogs like routine, but it can still be useful to adapt your walks to the current conditions depending on the season or weather.
In summer it is recommended to move walks to the cooler morning or evening hours. This helps protect your dog from overheating and hot asphalt which can burn the sensitive paws. In addition, it can also help to move your walks to other places, such as the shady forest or to the lake or river.
You can find more tips for dogs in hot weather in our blog post on the topic!
In winter, darkness is something that should be taken into account. Not only are some dogs more nervous, but you and possible dangers are also less visible. At this time you should use reflective equipment so that you are clearly visible in the dark.
In addition, of course, the following also applies: Always adjust the length and intensity of walks to your dog's needs, fitness level, training status, and age!
5. The right equipment for walking your dog
With the right equipment, you will be safe and perfectly prepared for your walk. Each setup can look different depending on the dog, environment and needs. Generally, a high-quality and safe leash and a collar or harness that fits the dog well are essential. Make sure that everything fits comfortably and does not chafe. Especially for lively dogs, a padded harness that prevents pressure points and offers more control. If you want to exercise your dog on the walk or offer more controled freedom of movement, then a tracking leash is a good choice!
Are you still unsure which leash is best suited to your needs on a walk? Then take a look at our dog leash guide!
Whether bringing a dog toy for retrieving with you on a walk depends entirely on your dog's nature - our recommendation: colorful toys that you can easily find yourself if your dog loses interest.
And very important: Poo bags are a must so that you can reliably remove your dog's droppings.
Bonus: Netiquette on the dog walk
A friendly atmosphere makes the walk more pleasant for everyone. A quick greeting or a smile creates a positive atmosphere. Maybe even chat with other dog owners — you might discover new walking routes or be warned about potential dangers like poison bait!
In addition, you can also better assess which dogs might be suitable for a walk or a play session together in the future.
Why is walking your dog important?
Regular walks are essential for your dog. They are not only necessary to do their business, but also promote physical fitness and provide mental stimulation. New smells, sounds and encounters make every walk a little adventure and strengthen the trust between you and your dog. Especially for young or very active dogs, varied rounds are important to reduce excess energy and prevent behavioral problems.
Attention: Socializing your dog on a walk does not mean that he has to go to every unfamiliar dog but above all to see other dogs and to learn neutrality towards them.
