Walking your dog in the dark can sometimes be a real adventure for you and your dog! But did you know that dogs see better in the dark than us humans? In the winter months the weather outside gets dark faster, making it extra important for your dog to be safe. In this article, we'll give you tips on how to make yourself and your dog stand out in the dark and what else you can do to walk the streets safely!
Tip 1: Let your dog get used to the dark!
Dogs see better in the dark, but that does not mean that they feel good. They can even be afraid and we can support our dogs though that. You can do this by walking your dog in the dark starting from puppy age or by playing outside with it.
If your dog comes into contact with a dark environment at a later age, it can develop a fear of the dark more quickly. So let the dog get used to the dark and to inclement weather.
Tip 2: Walk with another dog!
If your dog comes into contact with the dark at a later time, it may develop a fear. The challenge then is to show your dog that darkness is not scary. It is important not to appear scared or doubtful yourself. Your dog will recognize this and get scared. Walking the neighbourhood with another dog can help the first few times. Your dog will follow this dog, get more and more positive experiences and want to go outside faster!
Show your dog that you are not afraid yourself!
A dog can quickly recognize your feelings and become worried about them. If you are afraid of the dark yourself, your dog will get taken over with fear more quickly. Therefore, make sure that you radiate decisiveness and not doubt. Then your dog will rely on you more.
Tip 3: Make your dog stand out in the dark!
Dogs can see very well in the dark but we humans sometimes have more trouble with that. To make your dog more visible for motorists and cyclists, it is wise to illuminate your dog.
Not only is this safe, it's easy! This way, you will always see where your dog is walking around. There are different types of illuminated collars and leashes available on BringerPet.
Tip 4: Illuminate yourself in the dark.
We can, of course, transform our dogs into real disco balls but it is also useful if you stand out yourself. Therefore, try wearing reflective clothing, bringing a flashlight or making sure that your clothing is not too dark. You can also use a neon colored dog leash to make both of you stand out!
Tip 5: Choose a well-lit route!
You can make things a lot easier for yourself if you choose a well-lit route. This way both you and the dog will be illuminated by the lampposts around you, making you stand out better. Unfortunately, a completely lit route is not always feasible.
Tip 6: Try the route in daylight first!
Avoid exploring new routes after dark. Do this during the day, so that you don't have any surprises early in the morning or late at night in the dark. Your dog may be shocked by the new area, preferring to quietly explore the route first.
Tip 7: Keep your dog on a leash!
It is preferable to keep your dog on a leash in the dark. Even in a well-lit area, it can still be difficult for motorists or cyclists to see your dog in time. In addition, more fireworks are set off in the winter months, especially in the dark. This can scare your dog and cause it to run away in a panic. So make sure you keep your dog on a leash!