Safety tips for walking your dog in the evening

Walking your dog in the fall and winter can be challenging. Not only is it cold outside and the weather is not always pleasant, it also gets dark much earlier. As the days get shorter and the nights longer, walking your pet after dark will become inevitable. Walking your dog at night can be both a fun adventure and a risky undertaking for which normal security measures may not be enough. Follow the tips in this article to protect yourself from possible threats.

Problems associated with walking the dog in the evenings

Going for a walk with your dog after dark can be a problem that you don’t have to deal with during the day. It will be more difficult for you to see where the dog is running and where you yourself are going. This will make it harder for drivers, joggers, cyclists and other road users to see you. All this greatly increases the risk of accidents and/or injuries. Both on country roads and on city sidewalks, predators, both four-legged and bipedal, should be wary.

Less dangerous animals that come out of their hiding places at night can also pose a problem. Even if a pet is trained to ignore wild animals that are commonly encountered during the day, such as squirrels or rabbits, the new sight and smell of an elk or fox can so excite a furry friend that it can be difficult to control. This can be disastrous if he manages to slip out of the collar or rip the leash out of your hands.

Dog walking safety

If you go for a walk with your dog in the evening, follow the safety rules. Not only can this reduce the risks associated with walking your dog in the evening, it can also help you feel more confident walking after dark. A few security tips are later in the article.

Increase visibility

To improve your ability to see, consider wearing a headlamp like climbers and cavers. This frees up your hands if you’re using a regular flashlight and helps you better control and clean up after your dog without losing sight or letting go of the leash. It is important that drivers and cyclists see you at night. To increase your visibility, avoid dark clothing and stick to well-lit sidewalks and paths whenever possible. The following accessories will increase your visibility:

• Reflective equipment: reflective vests, hand and leg bracelets for you and your dog, reflective collar and leash, reflective dog tags.
• Luminous leash and collar.
• Luminous shoes for you.
• Lanterns that are attached to the collar or harness of the dog.
• Glow sticks, or bracelets and necklaces made out of neon lights Considerations

Behavior on the road

Even with a large number of light and reflective elements, care must be taken when it comes to traffic. Watch out for approaching vehicles and be prepared to get out of the way of those who do not expect you to appear. If you have to walk along the road, be sure to walk towards, and not in the direction of travel, so that you can see the approaching cars. Try to stick to lighted areas with good visibility for both you and those passing by.

Encounter with Predators

One of the scariest things to keep in mind when walking your dog in the evening is the possibility of encountering a predator. Depending on where you live, these are dangerous animals that can get in your way – foxes, wolves, wild boars or even bears. In addition to aggressive animals, you can also meet bad people at night. If possible, team up with other night walkers, such as friends or relatives. If the dog is large enough, you may feel that this is enough to fend off any intruders. Keep in mind that you are still the owner of the dog and its protector, rather than vice versa. Think about potential predators you might encounter and how best to protect yourself and your dog from attack. “Arm” appropriately, for example, bring a bear spray if you are walking around with these representatives of the forest fauna.

What else to think about

If the dog asks for a walk in the evening, do not refuse it. But it is important to remember that you must remain vigilant. This means that it is better to leave the headphones at home, Dogster advises. You should carry a fully charged phone with you in case of an emergency. But do not forget that during the walk you need to monitor the dog and the environment, and not look at the phone screen.

Dogs tend to be oversensitive to the mood and condition of their owners. Therefore, the pet can pick up your special alertness, which can increase the level of his excitability. In this case, the dog will be animated more than usual from the type of nightlife. It is important to control her so that she does not rush into the road and does not get lost, chasing a creature that has attracted her attention. If during the day you lead your dog on a long leash or use a tape measure leash, then for evening walks you should take a shorter leash and keep the dog close at all times.

An evening promenade with a four-legged friend can be a very exciting experience, and if you do not forget about the rules of safety and vigilance, you can fully enjoy the walk that you have been looking forward to all day. Improved visibility to others and awareness of your surroundings will ensure that you enjoy your walk. Being prepared to deal with any potential challenge you may encounter will boost your confidence. This, in turn, will help your dog relax and enjoy that special time with you.