January is Walk Your Dog Month

January is walk your dog month, who knew?! Every month, well every day should really be walk your dog day and I do always wonder where are all the dogs that you see out on a sunny, warm day when its cold, raining or snowing. It is never as easy getting up in the dark and cold to go out on a walk but nothing beats a sunny, frosty morning. 

Some dogs just don't like the freezing cold or rain and many people also don't like walking in the darker mornings or evenings. Coats are essential for greyhounds, whippets and the like but if you do kit your dog out with a coat do take care, they mustn't be too restrictive and please don't put a coat on just to keep your dog clean in warmer weather. Dogs can overheat when running and playing and also be aware of coats that restrict movement. 

Restricting movement with coats and more commonly harnesses can cause muscle and joint problems. At Woofs a Daisy we love the collars, leads and especially the harnesses from Reg&Bob They come in great colours and the best bit by far, for us with mud loving labs, is that they are machine washable.  Eccles rarely has a walk without going in a ditch, rolling in something revolting or going for a swim and we really need washable! Reg&Bob harnesses were designed in collaboration with Galen Myotherapist Lucy Tyrrell  These harness, also washable, are designed to ensure your dog can run, jump & play without any restriction.  Freedom of movement is essential, Lucy is an expert in muscular and joint health. In fact Lucy helped us enorously when Eccles was diagnosed with elbow dysplasia and septic arthritis, with her help he has mostly been off medication for the last 5 years and is living his best life. 

Getting out and about with the right clothes and dog apparel is good for them and good for you.  Changing your daily walk is stimulating and refreshing for your dog. Sniffing for a dog is like reading a newspaper for us, a new walk or different route is akin to fresh news, new information, surpises and variety. A one hour walk in a new wood or by a new river is so much more energising than doing the same walk day after day. We avoid certain places at certain times of the year simply to avoid frozen water that Eccles would happily dive into or parrticulary muddy areas that he would equally wallow in, and that ensures we have variety and change as much as possible. 

Walking is also a good time to bond with your dog, allowing them the time and space to sniff, run, discover and meet other dogs and their owners. It stimulates them and of course is good for them mentally as well as physically. Use the time to reinforce recall, take some favourite treats and now and again call them back, keep interacting and your bond grows stronger.  Getting out and about is very good for you too, just 30 minutes daylight despite it being grey and gloomy for most of this month regulates yours and your dog's circadian rhythms and helps with beneficial sleep and well being.  Daylight and exercise are great for lifting mood and your dog is the same. Make the most of your walk and you will be rewarded with a happily tired dog at the end of the day.  Nothing nicer than a snoozing or snoring dog after a good walk. 

Meeting & playing with other dogs is healthy for your dog's wellbeing

Here in Kingston we are so lucky to have the river Thames on the doorstep, the Royal parks both Richmond and Bushy so close by and the lovely quieter Home Park and of course we are just a 30 minute drive to the Surrey Hills and beyond. 

So what if you can't get out to walk your dog? Dog Walking businesses are thriving in and around London with demand seeming to grow and grow. There are day care provision and dog boarding options to consider as well.  Do choose whoever cares for your dog wisely. We are constantly asked by people setting up small businesses if we would take cards, leaflets, posters and ultimately would recommend. We don't recommend anyone unless we know them, have used them or know reliable people who have tried and tested them.  We personally use Michelle at Park Paws for walking Walter and Eccles and we know many other people that trust Michelle and her hand picked team to care for their dogs. 

Signs of a good dog walker? Don't be surprised if you have to wait for a call back - nobody wants a dog walker that is on the 'phone while they should be looking after dogs. Some things to think about...

• How busy are they, do they have a waiting list?
• Are they genuinely interested in your dog, do they want to know about temperament, character etc
• How would they choose which dogs and why to walk with your dog
• Is the walk is an hour long - might sound silly when thats what you are paying for but pick up and drop off times are not times your dog is being exercised
• What would happen if your dog rolled in something unpleasant? are they going to clean your dog, same with mud and water - what condition will your dog come home in?
• How many dogs will be with your dog?
• What will happen if there is an emergency? 
  
• What insurance do they have

Ask, ask, ask and only leave your dog in their care if you are 100% happy with the answers.

Day care - again ask the questions....

• How long is the journey - how much time in that van
• Does the van have air con
• How much time is spent playing/integrating with other dogs/how are those dogs chosen and matched?
• How much down time and rest is involved - this is crucial, over stimulated dogs are not happy dogs.
• What is the ratio of staff to dogs?
• How many staff are trained in first aid?
• Are puppies/seniors kept separate from adult dogs? All this information is essential. Again make sure you are 100% happy with the answers before trusting anyone with your dog.
  

All this information is essential, no question is too much. Make sure you are 100% happy before trusting anyone with your dog.

Enjoy walk your dog month, enjoy your walks, get out in the fresh air with your dog and treat them and you to healthy, happy times.