August 14th

Top Dawg Dog Walker

Helping out…whether you are helping someone or something…is one of the most rewarding and satisfying things you can do!

You don’t have to change the world or move mountains to make a difference.  Simple things like walking your neighbor’s dog or helping around the house is enough to show everyone how much you care.

This month’s Helping Out Challenge is to be a Top Dawg Dog Walker.  What is this challenge all about, you ask?

Chances are you know somebody who has a dog.  Maybe you have a dog (or two)! Dogs, no matter the size, need exercise and taking a dog for a walk is a great way for it to get some.  It is also a fantastic way for you to get some exercise and fresh air too!

There are a few basics you need to know before taking a dog for a walk.

First, you need a dog to walk.  That’s right!  Only a dog will help you become a Top Dawg Dog Walker.  Cats don’t work.  Pigeons don’t work either.  And, of course, your pet fish, Stinky, won’t qualify you as a Top Dawg Dog Walker. It must be a dog.  

If you don’t have a dog, ask someone you know if you can borrow theirs.  Chances are, they will say “yes” and thank you for it!  Second, you need a leash to clip on to the dog’s collar.  Most communities require dogs to be on a leash, so it’s the law in many cases.  That being said, having your dog on a leash is actually the safest thing for you and your dog.

Thirdly, find a walking buddy.  A walking buddy is a good thing to have as you embark on your quest to become a Top Dawg Dog Walker.  A walking buddy can help you keep the dog under control while on the leash.  A walking buddy will give you someone to talk to while you are walking the dog.  And, a walking buddy can also help keep you safe.  

Someone who makes a good walking buddy is a parent, grandparent, or caregiver. Walking a dog with someone like that gives you a chance to spend some quality time together talking about the day!

Once you have your dog to walk, a leash to walk it on, and a walking buddy picked out, you will need to plan your walking route.  A route is the path or direction you will take the dog on.  It is highly suggested to walk in an area you know and are comfortable with.  

If your walking buddy is an adult, it may be kind of fun to venture to a different part of your community to discover a new park or neighborhood on the other side of town. Also, it is very important to let other people, besides your walking buddy know where you are headed and when you intend to be home.

Now that you have your dog, leash, walking buddy, and a pre-planned route, it is time to put your plan into action and head out the door.  You have just taken your first step to becoming a Top Dawg Dog Walker!

Have fun, be safe, and your dog will thank you for it!

As a side note:

Dogs don’t just love going for walks, they love to play too!  If you can’t take a dog on a walk, you can still play with one.  A gentle game of tug-o-war in the house or a simple game of fetch with a ball or Frisbee in the backyard are excellent options too!