Whether your pooch has found their forever home, you're looking after a loved one's best friend, or you're walking a dog for a friend, knowing how best to take care of your dog – and yourself – when you're out and about is essential. We spoke to Sam the Dog Coach, who shared her most important ‘dos’ and ‘don'ts’ when it comes to walking a dog:

1. Do give your dog enough slack 

You want to hold a lead with enough slack that your dog can roam, but that still allows you enough control. It's a good idea to have your dog on the inner pavement side, furthest away from any passing traffic. Whilst walking through crowds, or on busy pavements, keep your dog on a shorter lead and encourage them to walk by your side. Keep a firm hold of the end of the lead.

Once in a park or open space, it’s important that you give your dog the opportunity to sniff and explore, but keep them on the lead at all times.

2. Don’t let your dog pull

The best thing to do if your dog pulls is to stop and stand completely still. Make a sound like a whistle or click, or alternatively, call your dog. When they turn to look at you to investigate the sound, praise and treat them, and encourage them back to your side. Repeat these steps each time they pull. 

3. Do train your dog to ‘leave it’ 

If your dog pulls to get to something it wants, stand still and do not let them get it. Tell them to ‘leave it’. Eventually, mainly out of frustration, they will look at you, and when they do, make a big fuss and give them a treat. Repeat this process as often as necessary. 

4. Do learn and practice road safety with your dog

When you approach the curb, use a downward hand signal and a verbal cue of “wait”. As soon as they stop and look at you, reward with a treat. You can then give them another treat if they stay there for a couple of seconds. Check for traffic and, once you are ready to cross, give your dog a verbal cue. Remember to use pedestrian crossings, and don’t cross busy roads. It’s important to not reward your dog once they have crossed. 

5. Do be mindful of other dogs 

Never force your dog into situations they are uncomfortable with. If your dog is either barking at another dog or there are signs that they are nervous, give them a wide berth and assure them in a calm voice that everything is ok. It’s also important to realise that dogs don’t generally like to be approached head on: you can either cross the road or otherwise get your dog to ‘wait’ whilst you act as a physical barrier until the other dog has passed. If your dog likes meeting other dogs, it’s great to let them have a sniff and say hello. If the other dog is also on a lead, perhaps first check with their owner that their dog is happy to meet other dogs. After a short while, you can encourage your dog along, rewarding them with either a treat or some praise if they have shown calm and friendly behaviour. 

6. Do observe your dog when meeting new people

If people ask if they can stroke your dog, you can ask them to offer out their hand and see if your dog approaches them. If your dog does approach the person, then it will most probably be happy with a gentle stroke. If your dog is scared of strangers, it is absolutely fine to politely tell people this and not force any interaction!

If your dog loves meeting people but gets very excited and jumps up at them, you can reward them when they have all four paws on the floor. 

7. Don’t be underprepared

Remember to bring more poo bags than you think you need, just in case!

8. Don’t underestimate the power of treats! 

Treats will be your best friend in building a great relationship with your dog. You can use them as lures and to reward good behaviour, and you can also do some nice things with them, such as a treat search in some long grass! You should never punish your dog by shouting at them or hitting them.  

9. Don’t let yourself get distracted 

Engage with your dog and try to put your phone away. This will increase your dog’s enjoyment of walking with you and will mean that you are able to keep them safe and happy on what will probably be the highlight of their day! By following this tip – as well as the many other pieces of advice above – you’ll be building the best possible relationship with your dog… And what could be more rewarding than that?