Strollers by Dee Nickerson
Good dog walks may be local or somewhere you visit. How to find good dog walks can be tricky, if you are new to an area, or live in an urban area. If you are new to an area, always do a ‘test walk’ (on your own or with dogs on leads) to ensure it’s safe for your pooch. What may be good for someone else may not be for you (some dogs chase cats, others don’t care). Different dogs, different escape routes! Obviously don’t walk dogs off-leash near cliffs, and only a test walk can sometimes see hidden risks, which may not be in dog-walking guidebooks.
Read this book to keep your dog safe. It covers safe/unsafe plants, toxic foods, collar safety and things to avoid during training & play (rawhide chews, pig’s ears, socks are all choking hazards, as are balls the wrong size and antlers, which can break teeth).
Dog Walks App from Countryside Books includes over 400 of the best dog walks in England, with route maps on your mobile handpicked and tested on dogs. There are easy and short walks, or longer ones for young fit dogs, with detailed route info, time to the nearest refreshments and where to park. Try for fee, then unlock the full version for £5.99. Not yet on Android. Other good sites to visit are:
- Walkiees has 1000 reader-submitted walks
- Two Dogs and an Awning has 700 walks
- Countryside Dog Walks & Countryside Books publish nice books
- Driving with Dogs (walks near motorway exits)
Tips for Safe Dog Walks
- Positive dog training keeps dogs safe If you see a dog fight, use the ‘wheelbarrow method’ to each grab back legs of each dog to wheel away from each other in a circle, then separate to calm.
- Check tide times (and beach bans) to avoid wasted journeys. Avoid tidal causeways or sinking mud (Weston-super-Mare, Morecambe, Holy Island). If used, ensure dog lifejackets are fitted correctly and comfortable.
- Throwing sticks can cause mouth injuries. Ensure dogs are quality brands, the right size for a dog’s mouth.
- In warm weather, walk early morning or evenings. If pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws. Some companies offer evaporation jackets that keep dogs cool (some dogs find them uncomfortable).
- Wash paws after walks, to remove rock salt (can cause burns indoors at higher temperatures).
- Wear glo-jackets/armbands for you and dogs in poor light or visibility. Avoid iPods (to hear traffic), tell people where you are going, carry a phone and personal alarm.
- Pick up poop. Some councils keep bags on rolls, a good idea if you forget. Dog poop can harm other dogs, wildlife, livestock and children. Dicky Bag (Cornwall) is an award-winning mobile bag that’s lightweight, airtight, washable and leakproof, to use until you find a bin, if you’re somewhere remote.
- If a dog is heading to you, crouch diagonally to let it come to you. If a dog goes for you, put something solid between you (don’t stare, scream or yell). Slowly walk backwards or sideways.
- Avoid walking (esp. small) dogs near hovering birds of prey.
Follow the Countryside Code
- Keep dogs on leads or in sight, at all times.
- Trained dogs come back on recall.
- Check notices, for banned areas.
- Most ‘open access’ land require dogs on short leads between 1 March and 31 July, to protect ground nesting birds (all-year near farm animals).
- Check beach bans before you travel.
- Keep dogs on short leads, near horses.
- Dogs near cattle could be trampled (even without calves). Farmers are allowed to legally shoot dogs that worry livestock. If cattle chase dogs, Blue Cross say dogs are usually safer let off the lead, as they can (usually) run faster. You’ll have to make that call.
- The Ramblers Association has info on safe dog walking near livestock. Close gates behind you and find alternative paths, if cows are nearby.
Become a Volunteer Dog Walker
Volunteer dog walkers are needed nationwide and beyond. You could volunteer with a local shelter, as exercising shelter dogs keeps them happy and fit, and more likely to be adopted. Or you could sign up with one of the following charities, all of whom need lots more volunteers to help walk dogs of people who can’t walk dogs themselves.
It’s also worth noting that these volunteers often don’t walk dogs. They can perform other services like changing cat litter, cleaning out cages etc, just ask and see what’s offered. Often people adopt dogs and then become ill or get older, or perhaps are disabled. Being a volunteer dog walker means the dog can stay at home, and get walks too. Also most offer pet taxi trips to the vet, and some also foster, if the guardian has to go into hospital. You can sign up at:
- Cinnamon Trust has volunteers nationwide. As the main charity, many recipients call for help, so they are always needing volunteers. Most in need of help must be over 65. It also has a list of pet-friendly nursing homes and can arrange adoption if arranged in advanced, for terminally ill guardians.
- PAPAS is the other dog-walking charity. It has no age limit, so if you are disabled/ill and under 65, you could apply here for help.
- Blue Cross is a national charity that always need volunteers to walk shelter dogs.
- Royal Voluntary Service helps elderly people in all kinds of ways, including walking dogs. Also check local care volunteer agencies, as many also walk dogs.
- The Light of the World Trust (South East and Midlands) is a Christian organisation that offers help.
Want to Be a Dog Walker?
This is a good job if you like dogs and walking, and are of a calm disposition. See where to find good dog walks and train in pet first aid. Get a Dog Walker Certificate and take Canine First Aid and Dog Law courses. Visit Association for Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers and Dog Walkers Association for more info.
If considering a dog-walking career, read the following books:
It’s good to know the 10 hazards to avoid near dogs:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Human food
- Human prescriptions
- Chocolate
- Plants
- Household toxics (paint etc)
- Veterinary products
- Rodenticide exposure
- Insecticides
- Garden products
Wisdom on Dog Walking
- How to Walk a Dog is by Mike, who has been walking his rescue dog in New Zealand’s dog parks for 10 years, and become part of a remarkable community.
- Walking Wisdom is the story of a man whose family dogs taught him about curiosity, wisdom and passion. He wanted to pass this wisdom on to his own child, just like his father did to him. The difference is that this book is by Gotham Chopra, son of Deepak Chopra.
- Walking with Peety is the story of Eric O’Grey, who was overweight, depressed and sick with diabetes. After a lifetime of failed diets, his doctor prescribed adopting a shelter dog. So in came Peety, who was overweight, middle-aged and like Eric, had seen better days. So the two adopted each other. And over a year of walks, play and good food, both lost their excess weight, and Eric reversed his diabetes and married his high-school sweetheart.
A Street Lamp Powered by Poop!
A few years ago, a project in the US made a park light powered by dog poop. It encouraged locals to pick up the poop, which was then put in a device and hand-cranked to power the light. Today such ideas are worldwide, with the UK’s first one launching in the Malvern HIlls, Worcestershire. Looking a bit like a giant washing machine, 10 bags of poop can give 2 hours of light! It’s also a great way to recycle dog poop, which if left where it sits, can cause blindness to both humans and children, if they fell in it.
The lamps work by using an anaerobic digester to produce methane gas. The lamp was invented by Brian Harper over 3 years, who was fed up of seeing poop in bags hanging from trees, or left on grass verges. In Canada, people are asked to drop their poop bags into concrete storage units, which are then emptied by trucks and transported to be turned into electricity (the fertiliser by-product is then sold to farmers).
Dog-Friendly London (2021) is the ultimate guide for dogs in the capital. Want to know the best dog-friendly coffee shop, hotel or parks? This book by cult dog magazine Four & Sons is packed with local tips on how to enjoy the city with your pooch in tow.
Full of original photography and four-legged advice on where to go fetch a stick (never throw them, can cause mouth injuries), how to meet other dog guardians or where to get a schnauzer’s beard trimmed, this book can be enjoyed both on a long walk or curled up, with your man’s best friend on the sofa.
Dog Friendly Weekends is one of the reknowned Bradt travel guides, published May 2022. It covers dog-friendly accommodation and pubs, wiht recommendations on well-rounded weekends including where dogs are allowed, and good walks for all abilities by travel journalist and dog travel expert Lottie Gross, who has spent years traveling wiht her canine companions. She is The Times Expert Traveller dog-friendly writer to write this unique book, including museums where you can take dogs on rainy days, heritage railways that dogs can ride for free, and excellent walks for the whole family. Includes island-hopping, city breaks and coast/countryside romps, from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands. Includes important info like is there space by the tabel for dogs, can dogs come down for breakfast, or be left in room. Each places has been vetted by the author, and includes contributions from experts on safe and responsible travel with your dog, ensuring the whole family can have a memorable break away.
Where to Find Good Dog Walkers
If you are in a situation where you need to employ someone, then do your homework first. Dog walking is now big business, so be sure to choose companies that are reputable. If you are older or have illness, see where to find volunteer dog walkers. Good questions to ask dog walking companies include:
- Can you give references?
- Do you have insurance?
- Do you have first aid training?
- Where do you take dogs?
- How many dogs do you walk at one time?
- Is your vehicle air-conditioned?
- What are your emergency plans?
- Do you clean and dry dogs after work?
- What is your cancellation policy?
Some companies offer short walks and ‘pee breaks and cuddles’ walks for older pets who just want a a quick potter, and a bit of fuss. Other companies offer more extensive services like house-sitting and pet taxi services. Although sites that list independent dog walkers like Tailster and Pawshake offer safety checks and take references, do your own checks too.
If using a house sitter like Barking Mad (people live in your house to look after pets and water plants, if you are away), do your own checks again. Many plants are toxic to pets (including houseplants and herbs), so learn about ones to avoid to make homes pet-friendly.
If you use services like Borrow My Doggy (people who would like dogs but don’t have space or time, pay a membership fee to walk dogs of those who need them), read important safety info. A great idea for those on a budget, but could be abused by dog thieves or illegal puppy mills. Always ask for multiple references (and follow them up), and ensure you have full contact details.
Want to Be a Dog Walker?
This is a good job if you like dogs and walking, and are of a calm disposition. See where to find good dog walks and train in pet first aid. Get a Dog Walker Certificate and take Canine First Aid and Dog Law courses. Visit Association for Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers and Dog Walkers Association for more info.
If considering a dog-walking career, read the following books:
It’s good to know the 10 hazards to avoid near dogs:
- Over-the-counter medications
- Human food
- Human prescriptions
- Chocolate
- Plants
- Household toxics (paint etc)
- Veterinary products
- Rodenticide exposure
- Insecticides
- Garden products
Biodegradable Dog Poop Bags
FETCH.IT compostable dog poop bags are strong and thick, with carry handles. The difference is that these bags break down within weeks, leaving no plastic waste behind. You can actually compost dog poop as long as it’s a separate bin, and not used to grow food for human consumption. If not, just bin them, and they will safely break down at landfill. Image: The Floral Fox.
These bags are extra large and split-proof and suitable for dogs of all sizes. A portion of proceeds from each sale goes to the charity Surfers Against Sewage, which organises volunteer beach cleans nationwide. The bags are available also without handles, or on a roll.
The company was founded after discovering that many ‘biodegradable poop bags’ from supermarkets take years to break down. So these bags are made from cornstarch that breaks down within weeks, into natural elements. It was also important that the packaging was also biodegradable. Store these bags away from sunlight or they will biodegrade. If you have issues with peeling the sticker off the roll, this handy video shows you how.
Order in bulk for free shipping (they also supply to any wholesaler, so ask your local shops) or sign up for loyalty points, to redeem against future orders. The company also supports various charities that help animals, children, trees and seas.
The company also sells portable bags that you can attach to your belt, to deposit poop bags in, say if you’re at the beach or out in the country, until you find a bin. You can 3 or 6 months supply of bags (the new mitts appear to have fragrance and honey, so just stick to the conventional bags). You can also buy compostable bags from The Green Poop Bag Co.
Park Spark Project (US) uses poop to power a park light.
Not picking up dog poop can lead to parasites that can harm other dogs, wildlife, livestock or children if they came into contact with it. Councils can help by installing more dog poop bins (some councils have biodegradable rolls of bags attached, in case people forget). This still works out cheaper, than sending staff out to pick up poop that has not been picked up.
No matter whose ‘fault it is’, it’s the council’s responsibility to pick up poop that’s been left, if on public land. You can report any litter at Fix My Street (these complaints are sent to the council, but also go public on the website, which tends to speed things up!)
