It’s no secret that dogs love a good walk. It’s another chance to step outdoors and explore their sensory environment. The sense of smell is quite sophisticated in dogs, and big urban areas provide tons of stimulation for your four-legged companion. Dog walking in large cities, however, can present some challenges because there’s an abundance of activity and distractions that can occur at any moment. Check out these expert tips to keep your dog safe, calm and comfy.
Consider the Time of Day
Dogs get used to routines, and they’re excellent at remembering the times of their daily strolls. Veterinarians recommend dog walking in Chicago in the morning or evening when the weather is coolest. There are miles of sidewalks in urban areas, and pavement can get too hot and uncomfortable for a dog, especially during the warmer months.
The outside temperature matters, and walking your dog in the middle of the afternoon could be more exhausting for your canine friend because dogs can easily overheat even during mild temperatures. Always be aware that any surface that is too hot for your hand is also too hot for their paws; be sure to check pavement and asphalt in the warmer months before taking your pooch for a stroll on these surfaces. Walking shoes made for dogs go a long way towards mitigating changes in surface temperatures as you go from grass, to sidewalk, to crosswalk, etc. throughout your walks in the city.
Be Consistent With Your Route
Vets also recommend that your dog walker in Chicago stick to a familiar route. A path that is well-known to your pooch is comforting to them. Dogs tend to favor their territories and become familiar with their surroundings. Maybe to your pet, that is the fire hydrant two blocks away or the poodle they see down the street.
When a dog walker keeps a consistent route, your furry friend becomes acquainted with their surroundings. This small factor keeps a dog more alert but also gives them a sense of freedom while walking and playing.
Choose Quiet Streets
The Windy City is an exciting urban environment, and it’s filled with movement, people, traffic, other dogs, cats, sights, smells, and sounds. Dog experts advise choosing the quieter streets in the neighborhood for dog walking in Chicago.
Also, using a 4-6 foot training leash is best. In busy areas, it’s hard to avoid other people and things along the sidewalks or walking paths, but keep your dog even closer to you to feel safe and relaxed; a leash with a “traffic handle” is invaluable for this.
Teaching your pup to “leave it” is a good lesson on the walk. In big cities, there are bound to be distractions and trash, food on the ground, and more, and dogs like sniffing around or approaching things that could harm them. Be sure to always discourage “street snacking”, also known as “scavenging”. Pack a few treats to reward your canine companion for good behavior.
Find Patches of Grass
A quieter path for dogs is key, but as important is a grassy patch for a pooch to potty. While dog walking in Chicago, it’s not always so easy to find patches of grass, and dogs like to poop on soft, absorbent surfaces when they can. The texture of grass is appealing to most dogs.
Additionally, a little green space is something every dog enjoys visiting during a dog walk. It encourages sniffing, exploration, and exploration. Along your route, ensure that you give your dog ample time to explore each area.
It’s An Emotionally Satisfying Experience
Dogs love walking, being outside and taking that consistent stroll with their friendly, professional dog walker in Chicago. They enjoy the freedom, the energy, their surroundings, and every smell they can pick up along the way. Your Chicago dog walker wouldn’t have it any other way.
