What to think about when dog walking in the dark

We’re now on the other side of the equinox and it’s time to welcome the beautiful autumn weather: the falling leaves, the crisp colder days and darker nights. If you are a dog owner, you’ll no doubt have enjoyed the longer summer days and the freedom and pleasure of walking anytime of day. It might be harder to prise yourself away from the warmth of the sofa on winter evenings but our favourite furries still need the loo, which means going outdoors after dark.

It’s understandable to feel a bit reluctant or nervous about venturing out after dark but there are loads of ways to make it safer and more pleasurable for you both. Here are some easy steps you can take to make the night meanderings more manageable.

There are two major considerations for nighttime walks - your dog’s safety and your safety.

Tips for your dog’s safety

• Keep them on a lead: You might be used to letting your dog run free, especially if they have good recall. But don’t be tempted to do this at night - it can be very hard to locate them if they get a scent and run off, no matter how good their recall is. You can’t see what they’re up to either - we all know how our pooches like to eat unappetising titbits and it’s better to avoid stomach upsets as a result. Plus, it’s a form of protection for you to have your dog by your side.
  
  
• Visibility is key: Keep your furry friend lit up. Get them kitted out with an LED or reflective collar and/or reflective jacket. Quite often drivers see the human but not the dog and you wouldn’t want to have a nasty accident. Brightly coloured leads can help your cause as well, making all the difference especially in more rural areas.
  
  
• Keep your dog warm: It’s the middle of winter and the temperature is dropping below zero - get poochie bundled up just as you are. Yes, dogs have an inbuilt fur coat but lower temperatures can mean them getting cold fast, especially as their little paws are directly on the ground. Get them a nice fleecy jacket and some paw protectors for icy night walks. This can be particularly vital for dogs who suffer from certain ailments like arthritis or have circulation or heart issues, and the cold can affect their digestion too.
  
  
• Walk against traffic: Always walk against the traffic. Of course, you’ll have your reflective gear on but that doesn’t always guarantee your safety. Face the traffic head on, that way you can see exactly what’s coming at you and whether you should pause or step further away from the road. Remember, not all roads have public footpaths at the side and so this piece of advice can be even more pertinent in such situations.
  
  
• Notice your dog’s behaviour: This is another good reason to keep your pup on the lead: are they nervous, cold, or just struggling with the dark walks? Not all dogs are going to thrive on a nighttime walk. Yes, they have better senses and can see better than humans in the dark but that doesn’t mean they won’t be anxious. Try to notice their behaviour and pick up any signs of anxiety, and adjust accordingly. Maybe you could try some indoor play or stimulation instead and just let them out for the toilet.
  
  
• Look for alternatives: There might be indoor exercise classes in your neighbourhood in winter; it’s not always totally necessary to venture out on nightime walks. If you or your dog are anxious, feeling too cold, or just simply not enjoying the dark jaunts, check out the alternatives. Particularly in urban settings, there are bound to be indoor options that feel nicer and more sociable for wintertime. 
  
  

Tips for your safety

• Avoid walking alone: This one is common sense and depends on your own feelings about your local area. You may feel perfectly comfortable walking alone at night in your area, but if you don’t then don’t do it. Why not meet up with friends for evening dog walks or start a neighbourhood group for the purpose?
  
  
• Take your phone (but stay alert): Make sure to have your phone with you - you never know when you might need it. It can be useful to use as a torch in dimmer lit areas or in case of emergency. It can also be handy for letting a friend or family member know where you are, by using a tracker. But, stay alert! Try not to be tempted into checking your messages or scrolling whilst out at night - be aware of your surroundings for your and your dog’s safety.
  
  
• Tell someone where you are: Again, this is common sense, but try to let someone know where you are, especially if you’re veering off your normal route. Smartphones can be useful for this - your loved ones can follow your progress and remember to let them know when you get home safely.
  
  
• Be visible: Get some reflective gear, headtorch, or even armbands that will keep you visible to traffic. It can also really help if, heaven forbid, you have a fall or accident and need to be found. Yes, we know, it’s not the trendiest or most glamorous looking gear but it’s what to be seen in on dark nights.

Get ready for winter and your dog walks will be warmer, safer, and more fun! Don’t force it either - if the dark walks aren’t working for you, find another way to keep them joyful indoors and just organise a way to let them go out to the toilet. Stay safe out there as the nights draw in.