Dubai has strict rules about where your dog can and cannot go, which can make it challenging to keep walks fun. On top of that, the weather here, especially in the summer, can be extremely hot and even dangerous for dogs. So how do you keep walks fun and safe? In this week’s article, we’re sharing practical ideas to help make your dog’s walks more engaging, enriching, and safe.
Enrichment
By providing enrichment to your dog during walks, you can make them more fun and engaging. There are several ways to do this. One simple way is by incorporating light and fun exercises during the walk, such as jumps, spins, high paws, or anything else your dog enjoys. These commands should be taught at home first, in a calm setting without distractions. Once your dog gets the hang of them, you can start adding them to your walks. Doing them in a more distracting environment makes it a bit harder and more mentally stimulating for your dog.
You can also play little games during the walk, like having your dog balance on a rock or log, jump over small obstacles, or crawl under something if they can. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just small ways to mix things up and keep your dog thinking. Most dogs also love the interactive experience and it’s a great way to bond.
Another great form of enrichment is simply letting your dog sniff. Dogs “see” the world through their nose, and about one-eighth of their brain is dedicated to processing smells. Giving your dog time to sniff on walks is a great way to provide mental stimulation. In fact, a 30-minute walk with lots of sniffing can be just as tiring as a one-hour walk without, or limited, sniffing. You can also hide a few treats along the way and let your dog search for them. It turns the walk into a fun scent game and gives them a chance to use their nose in a more active way.
Make friends
If your dog is social and enjoys interacting with other dogs, going on a walk with a friend and their dog can be a great way to make the walk more fun. Just make sure your dog has good leash manners first. Playing and interaction while on leash should only happen when it’s safe and both owners are okay with it. It’s also good to keep in mind that some dogs might feel restricted on the lead, which can lead to tension or conflict. If there’s a safe, designated area where dogs are allowed off leash, that’s usually the better option for playtime, as it gives them more freedom and helps interactions go more smoothly. Another idea is to let the dogs play at home first, and then go for a side-by-side walk without any play. That way, they’ve already burned off some energy and can enjoy a calm walk together.
Switch the routine
Dogs thrive on routine, and for some, a sudden change might be too much. But if your dog is the relaxed, go-with-the-flow type, a change in routine might be exactly what they need. You can take your dog to new places and explore different walks or trails. They might love hiking in the mountains of Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah, or even tagging along to a dog-friendly café. Since there aren’t many of those in Dubai, you may need to do a bit of research to find the right spots.
Just make sure it’s something your dog actually enjoys. If you notice it’s too much for them, try something else. A dog that’s overwhelmed or regularly put in stressful situations might start showing unwanted behavior. And while you might love the idea of hanging out at a café with your dog, they might feel different about it, and that’s okay.
How to keep walks safe?
Especially in the summer, temperatures can get extremely high, and dogs are at greater risk of overheating. Every year, dogs sadly pass away due to heatstroke, which is a life-threatening condition where the body temperature rises to dangerously high levels. The most important thing you can do to keep your dog safe is use your judgment, day by day and even hour by hour, to decide if and how long it’s safe to walk. Which on some days, might mean skipping the walk entirely, and only have a short potty break instead.
It might feel wrong to deny your dog their daily walk, but don’t compromise their safety. They can handle a few days without walks, but they might not survive a walk taken at the wrong time. On days when it’s simply too hot to walk, use indoor enrichment activities to keep your dog engaged.
Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water, both at home and on walks. Also, don’t forget to check the surface they’re walking on, especially in summer. Pavement and other flooring can get extremely hot and may burn your dog’s paws. A good rule of thumb: if you can’t hold the back of your hand on the ground for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on.
To protect their paws during quick outings or potty breaks, you can use dog shoes. If you’d like to learn how to get your dog comfortable wearing them, check out our article: Tips on How to Train Your Dog to Wear Dog Shoes.
Cooling vests can also be helpful, but it’s important to understand how they work. Their effectiveness depends heavily on the humidity levels in the air, and high humidity can make them far less effective. So, these products can be a useful tool, but one still should be catious, and there is still a chance of overheating even when using them. If you decide to use a cooling vest, make sure it fits your dog properly to avoid chafing, and check regularly that it stays moist, because if it dries out, it can actually trap heat like a sweater.
Last but not least, know how to spot heatstroke, and provide first AID when overheating does happen. Cooling your pet prior to taking them to the vet majorly increases their chances of survival. Some sources claim a range of 50% up to 80%.
Conclusion
Walking your dog should be an enjoyable and safe experience. By adding simple enrichment activities, being mindful of your dog’s needs and limits, and staying safe in Dubai’s unique environment, you can turn every walk into a positive adventure. Remember to always watch your dog closely, adjust your routine when needed, and most importantly, have fun together.
Would you like to know more about our dog walking service? Feel free to contact us, we will be happy to help.