How do you ensure the safety of the dogs you walk and those around them?

I don’t mess around with off-leash dogs and I coach my clients to adopt the same attitude. My first tactic is avoidance: I stay away from places where dogs are regularly off-leash and if I do spot an off-leash dog while I’m out, I keep my distance — a lot of distance. LOTS of treats—I tell my clients to over-stock their treat bag when walking. Compact Umbrella—the explosive action of opening an umbrella can startle some incoming dogs into staying away. Spray Shield—this citronella-based deterrent spray can be used to stop an incoming dog OR break-up a scuffle. None of this works without awareness. The sooner you can spot a problem coming, the better. Here’s the equipment set-up I use with most dogs: properly fitted body harness + safety cord (or locking carabiner) + fixed length leash. Make sure both harness and collar are properly fitted. Tie it off at your waist, I pass the belt of my bait bag through the handle of the leash so even if I dropped the leash, the dog would still be attached to me. Leave the ear buds at home and keep alert to what’s going on around you.

To prevent a potential altercation between your pup and another, it is best to be aware of other dogs in the area. Keep tabs on how your fur baby acts around others, ensuring that he or she stays relaxed and composed. If possible, try avoiding parks at peak hours when large packs of pooches tend to gather together. When you’re out and about with your pet, always keep a watchful eye for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. It’s also important to make sure that your furry friend is near you as they can easily dart into traffic if left unchecked. An unlocked retractable or long leash may cause accidents such as tripping up others or even snapping in case of a rapid lunge towards an animal – so it’s best to play it safe. Safeguard your furry friend from internal and external pests by administering preventative measures year-round as well as examining them nose to tail upon returning home to ensure that no hidden bugs have hitched a ride. If you and your furry friend love to explore the outdoors together, guarantee their safety from illnesses and parasites with regular preventive care.

If walking in the park, consider meeting up with other dog walkers – it’s true what they say about safety in numbers. If you do decide to walk alone, plan your route carefully and whenever possible let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Aim to look confident and in control of both your dog and any situation you are in. Whilst it might be nice to take the quiet routes and feel like you have the place all to yourselves, it is always safer to stick to busy routes and busy times when there are plenty of other walkers about. If you are walking in a park, try to stay in open areas where you can see around you and be seen by other walkers. Be aware that your dog may frighten others, especially children, so make sure they are under control at all times and that they do not run up to or jump up on strangers. You need to stay alert to your surroundings at all times because the sooner you become aware of potential danger the easier it is to avoid it. Always act on your instincts – if something looks or feels wrong it probably is, so don’t wait for your fears to be confirmed, get away from the situation as quickly as possible. This can also apply to your dog. If they uncharacteristically start growling/the hair on the back of their neck stands up in a situation, they could be sensing danger so take action to remove yourself from the situation.

Make sure you know where your dog is at all times. If you're letting your dog off the lead, be confident there are no livestock nearby. Be sure that your dog will return to you promptly on command, and if in doubt, keep them on the lead. Wherever possible we advise that you avoid areas where livestock and wildlife are nearby or likely to be present. If you can't avoid areas with livestock and wildlife then please keep your dog on a lead at all times in these areas, even if you can't see them nearby, and obey any signs asking you to keep away from wildlife and livestock. Give livestock plenty of space, and don't try to feed them as it might cause them harm. Be aware of areas where wildlife might be hiding and ensure your dog doesn't disturb them, as this could cause parents to abandon their young or be chased and seriously injured by a dog. Dogs can also harm wildlife living in ponds, as well as being at risk themselves if they swim in some ponds. If there aren't any public waste bins nearby, you should take the litter home with you and use your own bin. Dog walkers can play an important role in keeping the countryside safe for everyone by picking up any litter you see, even if it's not yours, and safely disposing of it in a bin.