How to walk your dog effectively during Covid-19 restrictions

Covid-19 coronavirus reshaped everyday life overnight, including how we care for our beloved dogs. Government "Stay at Home" restrictions mean outdoor exercise is limited, transforming dog walking routines significantly. For dog owners adjusting, this guide provides compassionate, practical advice on how to meet your dog's exercise needs safely during Covid-19 restrictions in the UK.

Understanding Your Dog’s Exercise Needs During Restrictions

The current UK government guidelines allow for one period of outdoor exercise per person each day. While this means your dog may lose the usual second walk, you can compensate by making the walk longer, more engaging, and varied to fulfil their physical and mental needs.

If your dog typically enjoys two or more walks, try to extend the allowed walk’s time and include different environments or routes to keep the experience enriching. For high-energy or active breeds, mental stimulation during the walk can help manage their exercise demand effectively.

Share Walking Duties Within Your Household

If you live with other healthy household members who are not self-isolating, each person can use their designated outdoor time to take the dog for a walk. This approach allows your dog to keep their usual walk frequency, which is especially important for multi-dog households or very active dogs.

Ensuring everyone understands and follows hygiene measures, such as washing hands before and after walks, helps keep both your family and community safe.

Arrange Responsible Dog Walking with Neighbours

When safe and appropriate, collaborating with neighbours for a dog walking rota can benefit your dog’s physical exercise and social interaction—critical for their emotional well-being. If two households who understand distancing rules arrange walks for each other's dogs, your dog can enjoy more frequent outings and social opportunities.

Remember to plan handovers without direct contact and maintain social distancing guidelines to avoid cross-contamination risks.

Select Quiet Times and Locations

Choose times such as early mornings or late evenings when foot traffic is minimal to maintain social distancing comfortably. This timing also helps your dog avoid heatstroke risks during summer’s warmer hours.

Consider alternative walking routes or less popular green spaces since usual hotspots may get busier during restricted periods when people struggle to find safe exercise times.

Keep Your Dog Securely Controlled

It is always essential to keep your dog under close control, especially when parks and walks may be busier than usual with others exercising during limited schedules. Given risks including interacting with livestock or wildlife, a secure lead and attentive handling prevent your dog from running off.

Losing your dog during this time means support networks may be limited due to restrictions, making it harder to organise help and increasing risk for your pet’s safety.

Follow Hygiene and Safety Guidelines

During the walk, always use your own dog lead and accessories to reduce potential cross-contamination. Maintain at least 2 metres distance from people not in your household, and avoid crowded areas if possible.

If you are unwell or self-isolating, do not walk your dog yourself. Instead, arrange for a healthy family member or trusted caregiver to exercise your dog safely, observing all current public health guidelines.

Enhance Your Dog’s Mental and Emotional Health

Social restrictions have impacted many dogs’ opportunities to socialise normally. Enrich walks with scent trails, training cues, or games to provide mental stimulation even during limited outings.

A well-stimulated dog is less likely to develop behavioural issues and will remain happier, healthier while adapting to ongoing changes in routine.

For detailed advice on breeds and finding a puppy, consider visiting reputable breeders or local rescue centres to adopt responsibly. Responsible ownership includes adherence to legislation, social distancing, and prioritising your pet’s well-being during challenging times.

Common Questions About Dog Walking During Covid-19

Can I walk my dog more than once a day during restrictions?

Quick Answer: Generally, government guidance allows one exercise period daily per person, but multiple household members can walk the dog separately to give more outings.

Each person in a healthy household can use their daily exercise allowance separately to provide additional walks for your dog. This helps maintain your dog's usual exercise routine within legal and safety limits.

What if I am self-isolating and cannot walk my dog?

Quick Answer: Arrange for a healthy household member or trusted neighbour to walk your dog, using contact-free handovers and hygiene measures.

If you are isolating due to illness or exposure, it's important not to walk your dog yourself to reduce virus transmission risk. Instead, safely arrange for another healthy person to exercise your dog, ensuring that social distancing and hand sanitation are strictly followed during any handover of the dog or their lead.

How do I keep my dog safe in busier parks during restrictions?

Quick Answer: Walk during quiet times, keep your dog on a lead, and avoid popular locations when possible.

To minimise risks, try to schedule walks early or late in the day and choose lesser-used walking areas. Keeping your dog leashed and closely monitored ensures their safety and helps you maintain social distancing from others.

Conclusion

Walking your dog effectively during the Covid-19 Stay at Home restrictions requires thoughtful planning and flexibility. By making one longer walk engaging, sharing duties among householders, choosing quiet times and places, and following hygiene and safety guidelines, you can meet your dog's physical and emotional needs responsibly. These steps ensure your dog remains healthy and happy while contributing to the wider community's safety.