▲

If your furry friend always pulls on the leash, try out a front-clip harness. The harnesses help train your dog to stop pulling on the leash.

▲Retractable leashes may seem like a miracle to dog walkers around the world. However, many find the leashes to be a potential hazard.

▲Retractable leashes make it harder for you to control your pet, and locks on the leashes can break with substantial pressure. Some advise you to get rid of the leashes, especially in urban areas.

▲There are different types of front-clip harnesses, so do some research before making the right pick. Different types of harnesses include the Wonder Walker, Sensible Harness, and Freedom Harness.

▲When you go on a walk, you probably remember to bring a bottle of water. Next time, bring some water for your dog too.

▲Poop that isn't picked up can cause health concerns for pets and humans, and harmful organisms can spread quickly. Even local water supplies can be affected when diseases and bacteria is soaked up by the soil.

▲Surely you don't need to be told to pick up your dog's poop. However, there are some important points that dog walkers need to know.

▲Hydrating your pet is an important part of the walk. Dogs sweat through panting, and need to be hydrated. Drinking water also helps dogs avoid overheating on hot days.

▲You may be able to pick your pet from a line up, but making your dog wear ID tags is very important. Dogs get lost, after all.

▲Hot pavement can be a dog's worst enemy, especially during the summer. Test the pavement's temperature by placing a bare foot or hand on the surface for five seconds.

▲Dog walks aren't just about getting some exercise, they're also about getting your dog to explore the world through smell. Let them sniff around a bit.

▲Some dogs don't do too well during on-the-leash encounters, and others struggle with reactive problems. There are many ways to calm a reactive dog, such as keeping walks unpredictable to hold their attention.

▲Wearing reflective clothing is very important when travelling at night. The same's said while you're dog-walking, in order to keep you both safe.

▲There are many ways to invest in your dog, like buying top treats to hold their attention on long walks.

▲Not every dog encounter is loving and cute. Some dogs aren't too friendly, so try to ask an owner's permission before initiating an encounter.

▲Too hot for you? Then it's too hot for your dog, whose paws can be injured in the sizzling heat. Try walking on grass or dirt on the hottest of days, or even invest in some footwear.

▲Whether it's a fellow dog or even a stray squirrel, whatever the distraction you can keep your dog's attention with high-quality dog treats. Strapped for cash? DIY with fruits and vegetables, or chopped up meat.

▲If you don't have pavements or sidewalks in your neighborhood, help drivers out by wearing reflective clothing to catch their attention. You can also get one for your dog to be extra safe.

▲It's recommended that you take the first step out the door, and the first one in. Professionals recommend you walk beside a dog or in front of them.

▲An important part of this point is deciding when "reward time" is over. For example, it should definitely be shorter than time spent on the walk itself.

▲If your dog has the right mindset, keep them in that positive space by rewarding them with extra time during the walk. Don't rush them while they relieve themselves, for example.

▲This helps keep your dog disciplined, and the dynamics established during the walk are carried through into the house.

▲It's important to lead in the house, especially after a dog walk. For example, you can allow your dog to wait while you put away their accessories.

▲

Home-cooked dog food diets include lean turkey, cubed beef, or even whole cooked grains like brown rice. Check with a vet to see what foods your dog is comfortable with.

Now that you're here, read about how dogs communicate with their owners.

▲One way to reward your dog in the house is by preparing a good meal. This rewards your pet in an effective way, showing that they have earned something special for their hard work.

▲

Granted, it's unrealistic to let your dog sniff everything and anything on the way. However, having a few minutes to stop and smell goes a long way, with dogs getting information and stimulation from things around them.

▲

Dogs are like humans, they're diurnal, meaning they live during the day. Morning walks are recommended, with 30 minutes to an hour being ideal. Talk to a vet if you're curious about your dogs needs.

▲

After a long day, you might just want to take 10 minutes to walk the dog. However, it's advised you take the right time for your pet.

▲

Make sure to update your dog's tags with the correct address and phone number. It's also recommended you talk to your vet about a microchip, which will also need to be updated (this is actually mandatory in many countries and regions).

▲

We tend to see dogs leading humans when walking. However, it's actually best to lead your dog, establishing yourself as the pack leader.

▲

Dog walking seems simple, but getting the perfect trip can take some effort. There are many tips and tricks that you may not know to keep your dog safe and disciplined, like what types of dog leads to avoid and how hot is too hot to take them out. If you're curious, click on to see how to get the most out of your next dog walk. Without further ado, here are the best tips for walking your pet.