Avoiding 14 Common Mistakes When Walking Your Dog: A Practical Guide

Walking your dog is not just a routine task; it's a crucial aspect of their physical and mental well-being. However, many dog owners in vibrant cities like Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi unknowingly make mistakes during these walks that can affect their pet's health and behavior. In this practical guide, we'll explore 14 common mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them to ensure that your dog's walks in urban environments like Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi are enjoyable and beneficial. Whether you're strolling along the cityscape or enjoying parks in these locations, understanding these tips is essential for a positive dog walking experience. 

1) Walking Against Traffic

Choosing this practice can pose risks for both your dog and its surroundings, especially in cities like Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. The heightened probability of your dog running into traffic or facing unexpected confrontations with pedestrians and other dogs makes it potentially hazardous. This not only endangers the safety of your dog but also exposes pet owners to risks, as they may have to take evasive actions to avoid unforeseen obstacles, thereby increasing the chances of accidents. Emphasizing the safety of all involved, it is crucial to consistently keep your dog on the same side of the street as you during walks, whether you're in the dynamic streets of Sharjah, the vibrant neighborhoods of Abu Dhabi, or the bustling cityscape of Dubai.

2) Lack of Preparation 

Before you take your dog for a walk, make sure you're ready. Have the right leash, waste bags, and any other necessary stuff, including a bag for responsibly picking up after your dog. Being unprepared can make the walk frustrating for both you and your dog.

If you don't have things like bags for tending to your pup's needs, treats for training, or water for them, it can cause problems if something unexpected happens during your walk. These items, including the bag for your dog's poo, are important to keep your dog safe and comfortable during their daily exercise.

So, always pack a few extra supplies when you go out! It's also a good idea to get a first-aid kit made for pets. This way, you'll have what you need if your dog has a health issue while you're away from home.

3) Neglecting Warm-Up 

Similar to humans, dogs also need a warm-up before getting into physical activity. Give your dog a few minutes to explore and stretch, gently preparing their muscles for the upcoming walk.

4) Selecting the Wrong Leash

Ensuring consistent leash etiquette is essential. Refrain from letting your dog pull excessively or stray into unsafe areas. Consider using a no-pull harness for better control, and practice loose leash walking techniques to enhance the walking experience for both you and your dog.

Get some sturdy and adjustable nylon leash, which provides durability and flexibility. Alternatively, a padded or reflective leash can offer extra comfort and visibility during walks, especially in low-light conditions. Experiment with different leash types to find the one that best suits your dog's size, strength, and walking behavior.

5) Ignoring Basic Training

Basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "heel" are crucial during walks. Consistently practice these commands to establish control, ensuring a safer walking experience for both you and your dog.

At Cuddle Crew, our exceptional Dog Trainer will guide your pup to shine like a superstar in just a few sessions. The best part? You get to be a part of the fun too, actively reinforcing a daily routine and encouraging positive behaviors both inside and outside your home.  Feel free to contact us to discuss this, or you can also directly book our pet training services.

6) Overlooking Health Concerns

Before starting a new exercise routine, ensure your dog is in good health. If your dog has any pre-existing conditions or is elderly, consult with your vet to determine the appropriate level of activity. The Proper Way: Adjust the length and intensity of your dog's walks based on their age, breed, and health. For instance, older dogs or breeds with breathing difficulties may do well with shorter, more relaxed strolls, while active breeds may need more energetic exercise.

If you need assistance taking your pet to the vet, Cuddle Crew is here to help. Our pet sitters are trained to provide support in this area as well.

7) Daily Route Variations for Improved Mental Engagement

A walk isn't just for bodily needs but serves as mental stimulation and exercise; taking a different route daily allows your dog to explore diverse scents, sights, and sounds, offering various points of stimulation for a fun and exciting experience.

8) Overlooking Environmental Factors

Living in places like Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi means your dog may face various weather challenges. In hot weather, avoid walks between noon and 3 PM. Stick to mornings and evenings when it's cooler to prevent heat-related issues. Pavements can get too hot, so use pet-friendly booties for extra protection. Adjust your dog's wardrobe for extreme temperatures, like using sweaters or coats.

9) Going Out Without Identification

While having a microchip is beneficial, it's also a good idea to include a pet tag on your pup. In case they wander off, this additional identification makes it easy for people to contact you.

10) Take Responsibility & Clean Up After Your Dog

Always have poop bags and clean up after your dog, as neglecting this basic etiquette not only creates an unpleasant environment for others but also poses risks of contaminating groundwater, increasing bacteria levels in nearby water sources, attracting vermin, and spreading disease; carrying a doggy bag on walks is essential to prevent these issues.

11) Failure to Properly Secure Your Pet in the Car

Secure your dog properly in the car to avoid distractions and potential harm. Use a reliable dog car harness with adjustable straps and rigid buckles, providing comfort and safety during travel. Never leave your dog unattended in the car to prevent temperature-related issues and potential harm from others.

At Cuddle Crew, we recognize that pet owners can be too busy to care for their dogs, unable to provide walks or vet visits. That's why we offer dog walking and pet taxi services. This pet taxi service is only available in Dubai for now.

12) Walking Multiple Dogs Together

Walking too many dogs at once for efficiency in daily exercise can pose risks, as managing them on a single leash may lead to tangles and confusion. Controlling larger groups becomes challenging, jeopardizing safety amid potential hazards. To prevent issues, limit the number of dogs to three per person during walks.

Cuddle Crew offers comprehensive dog walking services, providing a trained professional to walk your dog and alleviate any hassle for you. Our experts are well-versed in handling dogs and conducting walks with expertise and care.

13) Overlooking Signs of Discomfort

Dogs may not always show signs of discomfort, but it's crucial to pay attention to their body language. If your dog appears tired, stressed, or in pain, adjust the walk accordingly.

14) Neglecting Post-Walk Cool Down

After the walk, give your dog a few minutes for a cool-down, which may involve gentle stretching and a moment to relax before heading back home. 

Walking your dog should be an enjoyable and beneficial activity for both you and your furry friend. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your walks contribute positively to your dog's physical and mental well-being, strengthening the bond between you and your loyal companion.

Cuddle Crew offers a range of pet services, with qualified pet sitters available. Our services cater to dogs, cats, and various other pets. You can book us for dog walks, Pet taxi and other services as well.

For additional information, you may also explore the following blog.

- The Importance of Pet Sitting Services in the UAE
- Picking the Right Pet Sitter in the UAE: A Simple Guide