Before raising a dog, owners must carefully consider whether they really have time to take their dog for walks. Taking a dog out for a walk is not only for letting the dog relieve itself outside, but more importantly to ensure the dog’s daily exercise and to help the dog socialize properly. Don’t think that taking a dog out for a walk just means walking around with them; there is actually a lot of knowledge involved in dog walking!

Why should you take your dog out for a walk? Do you, as the owner, really understand?

　　1. Basic knowledge of dog walking
　　1. Why do dogs need to walk?
　　Walking exercises the dog’s body. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight can also kill bacteria and parasites on the dog’s body. At the same time, going out for a walk makes it convenient for the dog to relieve itself. Walking not only benefits the dog’s physical health, but it also helps the dog learn how to interact with strangers and other dogs.
　　2. Walking time
　　The time and frequency of walks must be regular. Walk twice daily: morning between 7:00-8:00 before breakfast, and evening between 10:00-11:00 after dinner. Small dogs need about 20 minutes, medium dogs 40-60 minutes is sufficient.
　　3. Walking locations
　　It is best to choose familiar places for walking your dog, such as community gardens or small plazas. Streets are more dangerous places, not only because of hidden dangers but also because of traffic risks. If there is a tendency for dogs to fight, promptly pick up your dog.

Please make sure to wear a leash when taking your dog for a walk to prevent the dog’s enthusiasm from frightening passersby, and to be able to control your dog quickly in case of an emergency.

　2. Five tips to make your dog obedient and not run off
　　1. Kneel beside the sitting puppy, hold the collar firmly with one hand, and use the other hand to show a tasty treat to attract its attention. Call its name at this time.
　　2. Place the treat in front of the puppy’s nose and command it to "follow" while walking straight ahead. The scent of the treat will lure the puppy to follow closely. Keep the hand without the treat low and ready to grab the collar in case it tries to walk away. When you stop walking, command it to "wait."
　　3. Lower the treat so the puppy won’t jump, then bend your knees and turn right, moving the treat in front of you as your body turns while repeating the command "follow." The puppy will immediately quicken its pace to come beside you to closely follow the treat.
　　4. When the puppy is still on your left side, command it to "stop," then bring the treat close to the puppy’s mouth and move it to the left, causing the puppy to move with you. After each training session, reward the puppy with the treat.
　　5. Training the puppy indoors to learn to follow your footsteps prepares it well for outdoor walking with a collar and leash later. Once it learns to follow, walking the dog outside will be an enjoyment, not a struggle.

Clean up your dog’s feces promptly to avoid causing troubles for others.

　　3. Points to note when walking dogs in residential communities
　　1. Avoid dogs jumping on people
　　Dogs love to be close and play with people, sometimes showing affection to those they are interested in. Therefore, when walking your dog, always leash them and avoid older adults, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and children.
　　2. Stop your dog from barking timely
　　If you want to maintain good neighbor relations, eliminating dog barking is essential. Praise your dog if it quiets down, so it understands when it will be reprimanded and when it will be rewarded.
　　3. Pay attention to cleaning up feces
　　When a dog relieves itself in public, the owner should use prepared bags or paper to pick up the waste and throw it into the trash bin, leaving no traces behind. If the community has public dog toilets, you can train your dog to use them.
　　4. Let your dog play in safe areas
　　Choose open areas without pedestrians for your dog to run and play with companions. It is best if the community has a designated dog walking zone with fenced enclosures to prevent dogs from running out.
　　Of course, remember to keep your dog on a leash and prevent it from eating things off the ground. These are repeatedly emphasized issues. Instead of blaming those who dislike or even hate dogs, start with your own civility. Only then can your dog be more easily accepted by others.