By Pamela Schmidlin, Certified Health Coach, Certified Dog Trainer, Professional Photographer and Videographer
Take for instance a child learning his or her first steps, or a puppy just learning to walk. It's not always that easy, and definitely something you should not take for granted, as there as so many people in this world that for whatever reason cannot walk!
When you go out for a walk, I hope there are a few things you keep in mind to help you, keep yourself safe, which will result an even more enjoyable walk for yourself.
Before you head out for a walk, make sure you have a comfortable walking shoe. The proper shoe can make or break a nice walk. You need a shoe that is comfortable, and that gives you the correct support. With all the shoes out there, try them on in the store and make sure they're a great fit, perfect size, and a good WALKING shoe. Yes, there are shoes that just aren't made for walking! Not all shoes are made for walking.
Okay, another thing you should think about is purchasing a reflective vest or headlamp/ flashlight. I want you to think about this because we need to be seen by oncoming traffic. Let's face it, even though it's illegal to talk on the phone or text people still do it, people fiddle with the radio, people have so much going on their mission is to get to their destination and sometimes the mind wanders and they may not see you. SO bring as much attention to yourself as you can, even in the daytime. (Here's a fact: I was walking with my dogs awhile ago, and I saw a UPS driver wearing a reflective vest in the daytime and asked why he was wearing it in the daytime- he said it was company policy, NOW if a big company like that came up with a policy like that, there has to be something to it!) Of course, if your going out at night for a walk, wear a reflective vest AND have a headlamp or flashlight on your person, and ON! Again, let's be seen at all times.
Speaking about walking at night, and being safe. Especially for women (and men). Know where your walking and choose a well lit area. Choose a safe neighbor if you can and know how to protect yourself if you need to. Now, I'm not saying to carry mase, or any weapons with you- but know some basic defense moves, and use your keys or flashlight to protect yourself. If possible walk with a buddy (preferably all the time, but especially at night! IE- Your dog can be great protection!)
Walk on the side of the road against traffic when there are no sidewalks. Reason being: when you walk on the road AGAIN you want to be seen AND you want to see quickly what is approaching you. The response time will be quicker if you do not have to take the time to turn around and see the oncoming car. (If you have sidewalks, USE THEM!) Now, I know this is going back to grammar school BUT it's an oldie but goodie!
"LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET!" So many times today, we rely on traffic lights and signs....and that's great BUT people have been known to miss a light or sign...or just run through them- or the infamous "california roll". So take the extra time and LOOK BOTH WAYS!
Whenever you can cross at a crosswalk USE THE CROSSWALK, they were put there for a reason!
Railroad Crossings, when crossing a railroad crossing, do not take chances! Again look both ways, do not try to beat the train, if the bars are down and lights are flashing!
Walking the Dog(s)!
Okay, Skyler, Sandy, Candycane, and Benji wanted me to talk about properly walking your dog on the street and on the local trails. They complied some information on their many walks on how we can better walk with our dogs and make it better for them (and us as well!)
First and foremost, when you walk the dog on the street- it is best to KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEASH. To begin with, in most areas IT IS THE LAW! Next, with all that is out there it's just plain safer. I know alot of people have total voice control with their dogs- BUT you don't have total voice control over the driver coming down the road, or the squirrel that just ran out in front of your dog! Or the dog maybe that excited dog on the other side of the road also going for a walk! "Expect the Unexpected! and be prepared with a leash!) And once you pick up after your dog, please discard the waste in the proper recepticles, many dog parks have separate containers for dog waste verses other trash. If this is the case please discard accordingly. If not, please do not leave poop bags just anywhere.
You should be able to communicate with your dog- yes, a few basic training commands. Such as walking your dog on a loose leash properly. Basic commands like sit and down, can come in handy if you need stop at a light or stop sign and need more control over your dog for safety, or if you need clean up after your dog you can have your dog sit and not have your dog pull you all over the place. If you do want to go off leash with your dog, having great voice control is the best, notice I say great not good. I would be remissed if I didn't mention this point- BRING DOGGIE POOP BAGS on your walk! Be responsible enough to clean up or curb your dog! It's just plain courteous to the neighbors that live in the area, and fellow walkers/ runners, etc. If the waste is not cleaned up, the rain will not wash it away, it will be washed into water supplys or sit there and develop bacterias that can harm others or yourself in time! It's also not nice to step in a pile of poop, YUCK! And it makes the neighborhood look bad, what if every dog owner let their dogs poop on your front lawn and left it- you wouldn't like it- would you? In many places, if you do not pick up after your dog you can be fined!
Consider a reflective vest, harnass, leash and collar- or lighted apparel for your dog as well. During the day these items will come in handy for your dog as well to be seen.
Identification, make sure your dog has some sort of identification- rabies tags, id collar and/ or tags, today they have id tags that people can go online and find the owners quickly, and easily. www.roadid.com has id collars for your dog, as well as id bands- bracelets- and more for you!
As I mentioned above, walk on sidewalks- or if one is not present and you walk on the road- walk on the lefthand side of the road towards traffic. Let's take this one more step while walking your dog. Walk your dog with them on the left hand side of YOU! I am suggesting this because you are taller than your dog and therefore easier to spot. (I know people like to see the cute puppy walking down the road BUT!) Another tidbit, people can get lost when looking at the cute dog, their attention can be diverted, and I don't know about you but I want their full attention on driving safely!
I mentioned proper walking shoes above, well let's think about our dog's paws. This doesn't mean to go out and buy doggie boots for your dog walks. Although I must admit, this is an option. (Not all dogs would put up with putting them on of course!) Think about the time of day, your going out for your walk- what about the weather. Certain times of the day the roads are hotter which can be harsh on your dogs paws. Or if there is snow and ice, this too can be harsh, in these cases there are several choices for you to consider. One doggie booties, once again not all dogs would be up for this! Or two, you can purchase a guard that you put directly on the paws to protect them from the elements. I use Paw Guard by Four Paws. And finally, you can opt to walk at another time! Oh you should look at the surface of the road (was it salted to melt the ice- be sure to wipe their paws after walking), or is there broken glass (opt for another route, or just be in tune to where your walking!)
Moving on to walking your dogs on trails. Alright, your probably saying trails- hey, I can safely be off leash here! Well let's look at a few different points. In many places, yeah it's ideal! But at the same time many places it isn't. I would first look at IS IT LEGAL TO HAVE MY DOG OFFLEASH? If it isn't and you are caught without a leash there can be fines. Next look at where you are.....Colorado may have more open space than say NY....and well less people in the given
area....will my dog be tempted to go over and say hello to others, even if unwanted?.....We have to take the responsiblity to be respectful of others using public trails! What about wildlife? Are there foxes, rabbits, ducks, etc that my dog(s) can chase? Is there a possiblity of one or both getting hurt?I also want to mention keep both you and your dog hydrated, in other words "DRINK WATER!" I heard it in the military, I hear it know....it's so important to drink clean, fresh hydrating water, especially when being active. We are always losing water and need to replace it so drink up! Bring a bottle of water for your dog, and one for you on your walks- you can clip the bottles on your belt and go! (You can even get a collapsible bowl for your dog's water!)
I know these are alot of questions but we all have to think and act responsibly before heading out because this can result in a more happy, peaceful, enjoyable walk. Now, that you know how to go out and have a safe walk, get out there and walk!
I want to mention the use of MPEG players, Ipods, etc., although I love them and use them myself. They can pose a danger in a safe walk. Use them safely and wisely. Keep the volume low, and don't let them take over your concentration, pay attention to your surroundings. If your walking the dog, be sure that you talk to your dog and that you are paying attention to your dog as well as the music that is playing. If you need the volume high, my suggestion would be to leave it home and listen to it later!
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