Monday, June 10, 2013

The Joys Of Woodlands Dog Walking

By Lucille Lamb


Unlike many other household pets, dogs depend on their owners for their daily exercise. Some breeds, especially larger and the traditional working breeds, need more than others, and younger animals usually have more stamina than more elderly ones. It is fortunate that taking the animals out is a healthy, as well as fun, activity and woodlands dog walking can be a particular pleasure.

Woods can be a lovely place for a walk on hot summer days. While the cool and shade is appreciated by people, it can also be very welcomed by dogs. Some animals are prone to overheating, especially the more muscular and thick set breeds, such as Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Whilst these animals enjoy their exercise, they can really struggle on hot days, so taking them to a shady wood is an ideal solution.

Everybody knows that dogs like chasing sticks, and of course, woods have a plentiful supply. There is no need to take along toys and balls and worry about them getting lost, because even if the animal has not mastered fetching yet, there is always another stick to find. There are also interesting new smells for dogs to discover in woods, such as the scents of wild animals like squirrels and foxes, and the pretty scenery can be enjoyed by the walker.

Before entering a wood, walkers need to make sure that access is permitted. Obviously, private property should not be entered. There may be restrictions on use so any signs should be noted. Rules can vary at different times of the year, so it's important to look at notices on every visit. For example, woods which are home to game birds such as pheasants, may be subject to special restrictions when the birds are nesting and in shooting season. Occasionally there may be livestock, such as deer, and in these areas animals must be kept on leads.

It is important that owners and pets keep in the permitted area, and people must be able to control their dogs. If an animal does not return when called, behaviour training is essential, and until coming on command is achieved, the pet must be kept on the lead. It is sensible to keep animals in sight so animals can be called back before dangerous situations, such as fighting with another dog, have a chance to develop.

Some areas that are seldom visited may have overgrown paths and thickly wooded areas. It is especially important in places such as these to take care not to get lost as one tree can look so much like another, and it is difficult to see far into the distance to look for landmarks. Maps and compasses should be used in these situations. Other woodland is well-used and often has clearly marked paths; it is wise to keep to these.

It may be unpleasant, but dog owners should clean up after their pets, in order to prevent prosecution as well as spreading disease. Special bags and scooping devices are available, but whatever used, the waste needs to be disposed of properly. Some popular areas have bins dedicated to this purpose available.

Keeping dogs as pets can be very enjoyable as well as having health benefits for the owners. Exercising the animal means that the owner must exercise too, and in addition to improving fitness, it can also be fun. Woodlands dog walking is very enjoyable, especially because these areas usually have beautiful scenery.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment