{"id":9298,"date":"2023-10-30T17:23:34","date_gmt":"2023-10-30T17:23:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/?p=9298"},"modified":"2023-10-30T17:23:36","modified_gmt":"2023-10-30T17:23:36","slug":"top-tips-for-walking-your-dog-in-the-dark","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/top-tips-for-walking-your-dog-in-the-dark\/","title":{"rendered":"Top tips for walking your dog in the dark"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

During autumn the shorter days mean there\u2019s less daylight for those all-important walkies. While your dog still needs their daily exercise, that afternoon stroll can feel less appealing when the sun\u2019s not shining. So we\u2019re here to help! Read our top tips for walking your dog in the dark – so you can enjoy your exercise time together whatever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay visible<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Making sure others can see you and your dog when you\u2019re out walking will help you both stay safe, and give you extra peace of mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For your dog, you can use a reflective lead, collar or harness to stand out on darker walks. And if you feel comfortable letting them off the lead during twilight or you just want to go that extra steo, a light-up collar will ensure they can be seen by you and others. Wearing a reflective jacket yourself is also a smart tip for staying visible to passersby and other dog walkers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a torch<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A handy bit of autumn and winter dog walking kit. You can use your torch to identify any trip hazards for you and your dog, avoiding any rolled ankles or poorly paws. Great for those bits of the park the street lights don\u2019t reach! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A torch can also help you spot anything unsuitable on the ground which your dog might try to eat. Don\u2019t forget you can always distract or reward them with a more dog-friendly treat<\/a> too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stick to the lead<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you’re walking in a well-lit area, there are likely to be cars and other traffic around. So it’s best to keep your pup on a lead wherever it\u2019s busy and there\u2019s low visibility. Especially as it\u2019s harder to spot your dog in the dark. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The same goes for parks or areas that might not have lighting throughout. Without those street lights, it can be harder to see your dog – or anything they might eat that they’re not meant to! That doesn’t mean all freedom is gone though, a long line can be the best of both worlds. Your dog can roam a little for those really good sniffs, but stay within close enough for you to still see them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wrap up warm<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Shorter nights and darker dog walks often means colder ones too! While some dogs don’t feel the cold much, especially breeds with thicker coats, others can benefit from an extra layer. This means they can still enjoy their time outside and get the exercise they need, and stay toasty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n