Heading out with your dog is so important for their mental and physical health and stimulation. No dog wants to spend its life behind 4 walls after all.
Dogs love nothing more than joining in with family activities, especially when these happen at the local dog park, beach or hiking trail.
That’s all good and well, but naturally – there are some manners that need to be followed. You’re welcome.
1. SOCIAL POOCHES ONLY
Heading out with your dog 101 – only socialised and confident doggies should be taken on outings. It can be so overwhelming and if your dog is not used to kids or other dogs, both big and small. Secondly, a visit to the dog park, beach or hiking trail may be your dog’s worst nightmare. It’s also unfair to other dogs that are there as unsocialised dogs can be snappy and tense.
The general rule here is to start with your dog from an early age with these sort of outings, surrounded by other people and dogs both at home and in unfamiliar and busy spaces.
2. BUG PROTECTION
All dogs should be vaccinated on a yearly basis by your veterinarian. It’s only good etiquette that if you are taking your dog out and around other animals and people that all vaccinations’ are up to date as well as being dewormed every 3 months. This protects your dog and yourself.
Your dog should also be treated with a suitable tick and flea product so that he doesn’t bring anything home with him – you can shop our wide range HERE
3. POOP PATROL
Let’s face it, no one enjoys standing in dog poop! Always carry spare plastic bags to pick up any accidents and throw them in the nearest bin. Cleaning up after your dog is outing etiquette 101, and it’s also unhygienic to leave it lying around. Check out our awesome POOP BAGS that connect easily to your dogs lead.
4. TO LEAD, OR NOT TO LEAD
Being a responsible pet owner, your dog should wear a collar and lead as well as an ID tag. If your dog is trained and well behaved off lead you may feel that it is OK to let him off to run with some other like minded pooches. By doing this, you do pose the risk of him running off and becoming lost, especially if the area isn’t fenced in. Don’t regret it, all dogs should wear a form of ID all the time, whether at home or out and about. Check out our array of LEADS, TAGS, COLLARS & HARNESSES.
Remember not to take your dog off lead unless he is thoroughly trained in coming back when called and listening to you.
5. DON’T OVERDO IT
You may mean well, but puppies and older dogs can tire easily. Watch the temperature outside. If it’s the middle of summer and you’re boiling, your dog is too. Don’t allow too much play time in the middle of the day; restrict it to early morning and evening. You should always carry some fresh water on you, for yourself and your dog, in case there is no water on offer.
6. FOR THE NATURE LOVERS
For those dogs and owners lucky enough to live at the sea side – a visit to a dog friendly beach is just too much fun! Keep an extra eye on a water loving dog as the current can be too strong for doggy paddle. Ensure that you are also visiting a dog friendly beach as not all beaches allow dogs.
Hiking trails are another lovely idea to get the whole family, 2 and 4 legged active. For city dwellers, a day out in the country will do both you and your dog wonders. Again, general dog etiquette applies.
7. TRAVEL SAFETY AND CLEANING
Getting to any of these destinations needs to be done safely too – a bouncing dog in the back of the car can seriously hurt himself if you slam on brakes suddenly. A specially designed SEAT BELT SAFETY CLIP will ensure that this doesn’t happen. They’re very nifty!
If you are not a fan of muddy paws or dog hair on your car seats this is just for you. This CAR SEAT HAMMOCK keeps dirty paws and hair off your seats!
8. DOG-FRIENDLY PLACES IN SA
Follow our advice above and heading out with your dog will be a breeze! Have a look at this LINK, for a list of the best dog parks around SA, or this LINK for the best hiking trails around SA.
For a list of dog friendly restaurants around SA, do visit WWW.EATOUT.CO.ZA for an awesome selection of tried and tested pooch friendly spots.