Spring is the perfect season for long walks and hikes. Taking your dog along with you on these outings makes them an even more enjoyable experience, both for you and your canine companion.
Given that dogs are natural predators, the great outdoors gives your dogs a myriad of interesting scents to sniff along the way.

Why should dogs stay under your control during spring?

Whether you’re walking by the sea, in the countryside or along mountain trails, remember that letting your dog off the lead can – particularly at this time of year – lead to trouble and may even be illegal in some areas.
One thing to be especially mindful of is that you may encounter wild animals along the way. With it being spring, some of these animals may be pregnant females and therefore less able to escape and more at risk of injury and death if your dog chases them. A few weeks later, they will have given birth and their babies can become especially sensitive prey for dogs.

How to make the most of it anyway?

A great compromise which gives your dog lots of freedom to explore while protecting local wildlife is using a long lead which is comfortable and safe for your dog. You should pair it with a harness to protect your dog from neck injuries. Another safety measure is to add a shock absorber if your dog tends not to slow down before reaching the end of the line, this is a great protection against back soreness.

We should never forget that dogs need fresh air and the chance to run around and play and these activities are an essential part of their physical and mental well-being: but we should always make safety a top priority both for our dog and for local wildlife.