Let’s check out some dog walking tips to have you & your pup enjoying the fresh winter air!
You may be thinking: it’s freezing out, why are we talking about dog walks?! Well, January is National Walk your Dog Month! With the low temperatures & high winds, this might seem like an odd month to choose. Keeping up with your outdoor activities in the winter, however, can be the key to you AND your pup’s health!
Let’s start with the good stuff… Benefits you can all enjoy:
- Better sleep – Walking during the day boosts the effect of melatonin when you’re ready to snooze at night.
- Brain boost – If you find yourself brain-fogged during the winter, colder temps can actually help you think clearer. This makes them the perfect midday break from work – for you & your dog!
- Immunity – We’re all trying to avoid these winter viruses & exposure to cold will activate your immune system, helping you fight them off.
- Less stress – Sunlight & the outdoors can restore our mental health, while keeping our pups mentally enriched.
Now that we know WHY we should be walking, let’s make it a little more enjoyable!
Beyond the basics of bundling up in your coziest gear, here are
Barkfield’s Best Dog Walking Tips for a Good Winter Walk!
- Bring water – Due to colder temps, most people don’t worry about dehydration in the winter. Cold weather can make your dog drink less & indoor heating and dry air cause them to lose hydration. Bringing room temperature water on walks & hikes can keep your pup feeling their best. We love the Springer water bottle for its convenience and built-in bowl – plus, it’s BPA free! The bottle squeezes water right into the bowl & can be drained back when they’re done sipping for no wasted water.
- Treats, treats, treats! – We all want cozy, relaxing nights during the winter months, but this isn’t always possible with a dog. To ensure your pup is properly pooped at the end of the day, keep your walk as enriching as possible! Use a sturdy treat pouch to keep their attention & practice their obedience in between sniffing bushes. A good quality treat can be key for enjoying your walk with a reactive pup as well!
- Poop bags, duh – Nothing kills the mood of a walk like forgetting your poop bags, so let’s make sure you never leave them behind again! With Molly Mutt poop pouches, you will be the talk of the town. Not only will you be the neighbor that never misses a poop-pick-up, you’ll have the CUTEST poop bag holder around! Nothing brightens up a winter day like a pop of color, so why not eventize your walk with a handy holder?!
Shop for your Strut!
Check out some of our favorite products to keep on hand for the best walk ever:
- Earth Rated Poop Bags – 100% leak-proof guaranteed with their extra strong & long design, these are THE poop bags to have on hand.
- Green Juju Treats – High-value freeze-dried morsels that will keep your dog engaged with high protein for those long walks. This is one of our favorite dog walking tips!
- Tuesday’s Training Bites – Perfect for allergy-prone pups as they are just meat with proteins like turkey, venison, & rabbit.
- Mile High Long Lead – Made in the USA, these biothane leashes are perfect for winter adventures as they are waterproof & easy to clean when things get muddy.
- Mighty Paw Light-Up Collar – With shorter days, sometimes walks need to be squeezed in at night. Keep your pup visible in the dark with these USB-chargeable collars.
At Barkfield Road, we are focused on keeping your pups healthier & happier for as long as possible. Adding walking to their daily or weekly routine is a simple way to achieve this – for you, too! Letting your dog sniff their environment – even when it’s the SAME blade of grass for 5 minutes – is an incredible way to keep them enriched, healthy, & happy. Plus, you can soak in the rays of sun and cold air for your own benefit!
We know adding a new habit or routine can be overwhelming, especially with the pressure of a New Year. Walking can be as simple as 10 minutes around the block and still give you all the benefits, while strengthening your bond with your pup. So grab your gear & head out with your dog, and let’s start walking!
