January is for Scent Safari’s and Dog Walks

January is national walk your dog month. Walking your dog provides many health benefits to you and your furry family member. There are physical and mental benefits. This activity helps build trust and confidence with your canine companion.

I love to take Zelda Sayre on a Scent or Sniff Safaris. This is where she gets to spend time smelling the grass, bushes, sidewalks, etc. This provides so much mental enrichment. Make sure what they are smelling is safe. Just 15 minutes of mental enrichment can be equal to an hour long walk. This activity is something I have found pure joy in just watching Zelda Sayre explore her environment. I often wonder what are all these scents sending to her brain?

Depending on what part of the states or world you live in will dictate what gear is necessary for safe walks. I would say shoes are an essential part of your dog’s walking gear. It does not matter whether you use them for the snow or hot pavement. If you plan on walking later at night or early in the morning especially during fall and winter proper lights will be a must There are so many choices; lighted harness, collar or leash, and lights to put their harness or leash . I have a light for me and lights on Zelda Sayre’s harness too.

Depending on your region and time of the year a jacket will be needed. Certain times of the year may require a cooling vest to keep your furry family member safe during adverse weather conditions. I have jackets and various cooling vests for my doggies. Remember no matter what time of the year it is if you are planning on taking an extended walk take water for you and your canine companion. There many water bottles which allow you and your doggie to use the same bottle.

Finding a leash you truly love is imperative. If you are struggling with the leash too much during your walk you and your furry family member will not enjoy your time together. There are so many to chose from. I personally have a few different ones for different activities. I have more than most pet parents since Zelda Sayre is a service dog. I have simple leather leashes, waist leashes, very short traffic leads, and even a joring leash which I use for bike riding and hiking. Take some time to decide and find the perfect leash for you and your furry family member.

In the pictures below you will see some of our dog walking gear. I recently purchased a Liberty wristband which holds almost any kind of leash ( the heavy padded handles do not work with this) this has been a game changer for me. I do not stress now that I will drop Zelda Sayre’s leash as that is an issue I struggle with. While is very unlikely she will run from me it just makes me feel that I have that extra layer of protection. The most important thing to remember is to enjoy this special time with your canine companion.

Have a Barktastic week. Remember to give your furry family members lots of attention you are their entire world. ~Charley