Tips to Keep in Mind When Taking Your Emotional Support Dog on a Walk

Simply say “let’s go for a walk” in front of your emotional support dog and then just witness your dog’s reaction.

The wagging tail, smile, and excitement will tell everything about how your dog feels about the walk. It is a known fact that every dog loves to go for walks. I mean, who doesn’t like to go out, feel the fresh air and just enjoy themselves.

Also, regular walks are important for your emotional support dog’s health. It does not matter whether you have a german shepherd or any “lazy” breed, every dog needs some amount of mental and physical stimulation.

And regular walks are the best way to ensure that your emotional support dog is getting both physical and mental stimulation. 

If you are a new dog owner, here are a few tips you should keep in mind when taking your ESA dog on a walk.

Dog Walking Tips to Keep in Mind When Taking Your Emotional Support Dog on a Walk

• Avoid using a retractable leash
• Always pick up your emotional support dog’s poop
• Do not forget to bring water for your ESA dog

Do Not Use Retractable Leash

When it comes to dog walking, it is important for you to choose the right leash for your emotional support dog. 

While there are various types of leashes available on the market, there’s one leash that you must always avoid. This type of leashes is retractable leashes.

You might like the idea of getting a retractable leash because it gives your dog more freedom to roam around. 

But, it can also put your dog in dangerous situations, especially when you are in a park for a walk. Your ESA dog can run into the street, and you won’t be able to pull your dog back in time if some danger arrives.

Not only this, but these leashes can also cause injuries to your emotional support dog and to you as well. That’s why it is always better to choose traditional leashes over these retractable leashes. 

Well, I’m not saying that these leashes are completely useless. You can use these leashes if you are taking your ESA dog for a potty break in the yard or to a beach. But using them for normal walks is a bad idea.

Always Pick Up Your Emotional Support Dog’s Poop

It is more like your duty to pick up the poop of your ESA dog when walking with your dog. It is not just about having good habits, dog poop when not picked can cause some health issues in both humans and pets.

You can buy poop bags to pick up your dog’s poop. These bags are easy to carry along.

Bring Water for Your Dog

If it’s hot outside and you are going on a walk for at least half an hour, then you must carry plenty of water with you for your emotional support dog.

Dogs can easily get dehydrated during exercise and walks. Also, it is hard for them to regulate their temperature. So, it is better to bring plenty of water along for your emotional support dog.