Four Paws, Two Feet, One Safe Walk
Or Dog Walking Without a Face-Plant…
You clip on the leash, grab a couple of poop bags, and head out the door, ready for a lovely, peaceful walk. What could go wrong? Well… according to researchers at Johns Hopkins, quite a bit. In the past 20 years, emergency room visits from dog-walking injuries have quadrupled—mostly among women and older adults. Turns out, when a dog the size of a toaster suddenly lunges after a squirrel, physics is not on our side.
Does that mean we should abandon our beloved walks? Absolutely not! Walking with your pup is one of life’s greatest joys—not to mention a fabulous way to stay active. The key is making sure you are in control, not your furry little speed demon.
Who’s Walking Who?
We’ve all heard the joke: “Who’s walking who?” And while it’s usually said with a chuckle, let’s be real—it stops being funny when you’re the one being yanked down the street like a rogue kite.
Dogs pull because they were born to chase. They don’t stroll, they pursue—squirrels, birds, interesting smells, the ghost of a snack that once existed on the sidewalk. If your dog is a bit too enthusiastic about these missions, it’s worth considering a few options. A smaller, calmer breed might be a better match for your lifestyle, or you could enlist a friend for extra stability on walks. And for those particularly energetic outings? There’s no shame in calling in a dog-walker for backup.
Know Your Strengths (and Limits!)
Before you even step outside, take a quick you-check. Walking a dog—especially one who thinks he’s auditioning for the Iditarod—requires balance, coordination, and a little core strength. Can you recover quickly if he makes a sudden move? How’s your grip strength? Are you steady on uneven ground?
If you’re feeling a little wobbly, consider a few adjustments. Maybe shorter, more controlled walks on smooth paths. A sturdy leash with a padded handle. Even some gentle strength and balance exercises to help prevent falls—because let's face it, you’d rather be upright than starring in a slow-motion tumble scene.
Keep Your Eyes Up and Your Phone Down
One of the best ways to stay safe? Pay attention. If you’re scrolling through emails while your pup is plotting his next escape attempt, you might not notice that unassuming tree root waiting to take you down.
Stay present. Keep an eye on your surroundings. Watch for cyclists, uneven sidewalks, and yes, even those sneaky squirrels your dog swears started it. Stick to well-lit paths in the evening, bring a flashlight if needed, and choose routes where you feel comfortable.
At the end of the day, your number one job on these walks isn’t checking social media or letting your dog dictate the pace—it’s making sure both of you stay safe. And with a little awareness, a solid stance, and maybe a leash that doesn’t double as a bungee cord, you can enjoy plenty of happy, stress-free strolls together.