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Walking your dog is a great way to bond with your furry friend and get some exercise at the same time. Whether you’re a seasoned dog walker or just starting out, here are seven tips to make the most of your walks around Rochester.

Tip 1: Set a Walking Pace

An average walking pace is approximately four mph, so keep this in mind when setting out on your walk. If you’re going for a brisk walk, aim to hit this pace, but if you’re going for a more leisurely stroll, you can slow down. Either way, make sure you’re comfortable with the pace and that your dog is keeping up.

Tip 2: Check Your Dog’s Body Condition Score

One way to tell if your dog is maybe overweight is by looking at a Body Condition Score chart. A Body Condition Score (BCS) is a rating that is typically on a scale of one to five, with one being too thin, five being obese, and three being the ideal score that your dog should be at. Check your dog’s BCS before setting out on your walk and adjust your pace and distance accordingly.

Tip 3: Get the Right Equipment

Make sure you have the right equipment for your walk, including a comfortable collar and leash, and a waste bag to clean up after your dog. If your dog has any special needs, such as a harness for support, make sure you bring that along too.

Tip 4: Choose the Right Route

When choosing your walking route, consider your dog’s needs. If your dog is a high-energy breed, consider taking them on a long walk to expend some of that energy. If your dog is older or has joint issues, consider a shorter walk on a flat, even surface to avoid putting too much strain on their joints.

Tip 5: Bring Water and Snacks

Make sure to bring water and snacks for both you and your dog. You’ll both need to stay hydrated during your walk, and your dog will appreciate a treat for a job well done. If you’re going for a longer walk, consider bringing a portable water bottle and bowl for your dog.

Tip 6: Stay Safe

Be aware of your surroundings and make sure your dog is safe at all times. If you’re walking in a busy area, make sure your dog is on a leash and under your control. If you’re walking in a park or other natural area, keep your dog on a leash to avoid any wildlife encounters.

Tip 7: Make It a Social Event

According to Statista, almost 66 million Americans went on a run between spring 2008 and spring 2014. Running can be a fun and exciting part of your daily life, and why not bring along your pet for the ride? Dogs love to run, and it can be fun to take friends and their dogs along with you to get exercise and enjoy the great outdoors. Running with friends or family is a great way to enjoy something different, relieve stress, and have new experiences with your dog or dogs.

In conclusion, Rochester is a fantastic city for dog walking, with great parks and plenty of nature both within the city limits and beyond. Walking your dog can be a great way to relieve stress, experience the great outdoors, and give your dog something fun and different to do, all while having great health benefits, as walking is one of the best long-term forms of exercise available. By following the tips above, you can set yourself up for a great experience enjoying the outdoors with your favorite dog, and getting others involved too.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 at 7:40 am and is filed under Rochester News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.