Your dog is your constant companion and you want to take your furry friend everywhere. While there are a lot of places you can take your canine companion, not every place is enthusiastic about pets. Aside from having your pet ride along when you are running errands, your dog also needs exercise and the chance to do . . . well, what dogs do. So then you think to yourself, “I wonder where to walk my dog?”
When in doubt, Google it
If you are simply out of ideas, have faith that there are other pet parents out there who have faced similar challenges. And as the internet is probably the largest purveyor of information sharing, believe that someone, somewhere out there, has found solutions that may work for you and has happily shared them with the community. If you don’t know where else to look, just hit up your nearest search engine and try typing in “where to walk my dog.” You never know what you might find.
Take a walk … in the country
While you could certainly hit the internet and type into the search engine, “where to walk my dog,” if you live in a rural area, then it’s likely you have plenty of places to take him for a stroll. You can walk up the road, through fields or in the woods. Your dog will enjoy roaming and have plenty of interesting places to sniff and explore. If you are walking your pet in the country, however, and are not absolutely certain of your ability to recall him, you may not want to allow him to roam freely. Rabbits and squirrels are abundant in the country and pets get lost all the time chasing wildlife. If you want to give him room to run, but are not sure about your ability to recall him when he is distracted by the nearest squirrel, consider a long training lead while you’re working on your recall. It will give him a little more freedom without the fear of losing him.
… in a state or national park
If you have the time and don’t mind going for a ride, a state or national park is also a great place to walk your dog. You are likely to find hiking and horseback riding trails that are perfect for that purpose. Just be sure to check first to make sure that dogs are allowed on the trails. Going somewhere off the beaten path adds a little variety to your routine and will give the two of you some quality time together.
. . . in urban and suburban settings
If you live in the suburbs or the city, however, you may be a little hard pressed to find places to exercise your friend. In the city, there are litter laws. This means that you can walk your dog on the sidewalk, but if you are not carrying litter bags and do not clean up after him, you can be fined. In the suburbs, laws are a little more lax, but neighbors are not. Most neighbors are not going to appreciate your pet visiting their yard. In both the city and the suburbs you are likely to have nearby parks that will be excellent options for exercise, but litter laws still apply. And in some cases, despite the fact that they are outdoor spaces, some urban parks do not allow dogs at all.
… or in an urban “dog park”
A newer trend for dog walking in populated areas, is the growth of dog parks. Most dog parks have 4 to 6 foot fencing to keep dogs contained. Most also include paths where you can walk your dog, as well as designated areas for allowing your pet off the leash to run free and socialize with other dogs. A good dog park will have trees for shade, which is especially nice on hot days. Many even have water fountains that are specially suited for dog use. You are also likely to find waste receptacles for cleaning up after your pet. More and more places are wheelchair accessible and that includes many dog parks.
Not only is a dog park a great place for dogs to socialize, but it is a good place for pet parents to meet and chat with other pet enthusiasts. A visit to the local dog park can be a lot of fun for you and your furry friend.
No matter where you live, you are sure to find a way to take your constant companion along. And if you find yourself thinking, “I wonder where to walk my dog,” rest assured that there are plenty of options available.
