Heading out for a walk with your dog in the winter? Make it safe and fun on both ends of the leash

Swapping lightweight coats for heavier ones and pulling out hats and gloves as the winter weather arrives makes some people really happy. Staying warm and dry while spending time outdoors is a priority, but so is being safe. 

As bipeds, it's also a challenge trying to walk on snow and ice covered areas, and the risk of injury from a fall increases greatly this time of year. If you’re walking a dog, your risk of a slip and fall in winter conditions is even higher.

For myself, there is one foundational tool in staying safe this time of year: the proper footwear.

Nothing beats a good pair of boots to keep your feet protected from the elements, and a pair of ice cleats give extra traction in winter weather. From wet sidewalks to snow-covered trails to icy country roads in rapid-fire succession, you can do so with more confidence because of what's on your feet.

But footwear is only one part of the equation.

I often see people struggling with their dogs, trying to get them not to pull, to listen to cues and maintain an even cadence. I’ve seen the human get knocked off of their feet because of slick surfaces and unruly hounds — a pretty dangerous situation where the consequences are not limited to a possible injury to the human and the dog.

I advocate for the practice of walking one dog at a time, which makes things more manageable, but before heading out the doors, sorting one foundational safety strategy is pretty simple, though not always easy to make happen with some dogs. Being able to pay attention to their partner on the other end of the leash, and listen to cues. The difficulty begins when the dog constantly pulls. Envisioning what can happen in slippery conditions isn't too hard. 

If your furry friend is having trouble getting the message about what you expect when they are out and about, a little wisdom to help you persuade them —no matter the age —to behave safely on a leash, and advice on basic walking tools that will keep both of you safe this winter.

Ditch the retractable leash. Your dog should be able to walk politely on a traditional leash before you ever consider using a retractable. (I use a six-foot one most often.) Unruly dogs can get wrapped around trees or snarled in bushes and are not easily controlled when on a leash like this. Worst case scenario: These types of leashes do snap easily, and that's last thing that you want.

Teach your dog to 'sit/wait' when you're cleaning up after them. This cue is invaluable in so many situations, but it's especially handy when you're trying to pick up their waste. I often toss a few small treats in the grass to occupy their attention while I quickly scoop.

Consider buying a harness. I provide these for dogs when they're in my care, as they are securely tethered to me once the harness is attached to the leash — no worry of them slipping out of a collar and taking off. A secondary benefit of using a harness that uses two attachment points like the Freedom Harness or the Blue-9 Balance Harness is that by using two leashes, there's more control. 

Loose leash walking — or walking without pulling — is a must. It doesn’t matter if you're on a sidewalk, on a desolate dirt road or on a hiking path. It's quite simple to teach, although I will admit it does take time to do. The key is consistency and patience, just like when you're working with your dog on basic obedience. Dogs learn best when those two elements are part of any routine. Knowing basic commands is so important for a dog and really should be taught alongside walking on a leash with manners. Click here for a great tutorial that employs an effective positive reinforcement method for loose leash walking.

With over 20 years of experience in pet care and the past 12 of  those focused on animal hospice, Lorrie Shaw is a Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner, Certified Hospice Palliative Care Advocate, and pet loss & grief companioning certified professional. She is founder of Telos Companion Animal Services, LLC & can be found at lorrieshaw.com.