Dogs make for great apartment-living pets, but to keep them happy and healthy you’ll need to make sure they get lots of exercise each day. Luckily, with so much natural beauty here in the Pacific Northwest, walking your dog each day doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few simple dog walking tips and a regular routine, you and your pup can both benefit from the extra exercise.

5 Simple Dog Walking Tips

1. Try a Front Clip Harness

If you’ve noticed that your dog likes to pull on their leash in excitement, using a front clip harness can help to eliminate the unwanted behavior. With this simple leash direction change, you stay in control and your dog still gets out for some fun.

2. Let Them Sniff

While it may be a bit tedious after a while, stopping to let your dog sniff is a super important part of your walks. In fact, sniffing is directly related to positive brain stimulation that keeps your pet happy and stress-free.

3. Skip the Retractable Leash

Although they have a certain appeal, retractable leashes actually pose quite a few safety hazards for yourself, your pup and other people on the trails. The long length makes it difficult to control your dog and under the right amount of pressure, the leash can snap.

4. Clean Up After Your Dog

Picking up after your pet is not only an important part of being a good neighbor but it helps to prevent health issues for other dogs and people. Invest in a handy poop bag carrier that you can clip on your leash to ensure you never leave home without a bag and be sure to dispose of all bags properly.

5. Bring Water

If you and your dog will be out walking for more than 30 minutes, bringing along water to help keep them hydrated is a good idea. Because they have a more difficult time regulating their body temperature than we do, stopping for a drink is an easy way to help them cool down.

Explore the Great Outdoors With Your Dog

For more information about our pet-friendly community or to take a look at the available floor plans at our apartments in Mountlake Terrace, visit the team at Taluswood Apartments today.