Time Change

By Gillian Ridgeway

November will soon hit with a vengeance. Not only will we suffer from the drop in temperature, the time change leaves us in the dark very early these evenings.

Evenings seem to be the top of the list for popular dog walking times. Now that the visibility is limited, it is important to develop good safety habits for your pets.

Wearing reflective clothing is a must for all joggers, and in fact the great majority of winter outwear has some type of reflective strip sew in. Dog leads and collars are also available with the same reflective stripping and it can be highly effective to warn passing motorists that you are there. Keep in mind that in order for reflective strips to work; you must also have a light source overhead. While this is then a great choice for those dog owners who live in well-lit neighborhoods, it should not be the tool of choice for darker streets.

For those areas consider attaching a battery operated disc light to your dogs collar. You can also purchase collars that have blinking lights right on the collar. While you may think your dog looks a bit like a Christmas tree, these collars are an ideal way for your dog to be seen. They are also a great idea for when your dog is in your back yard. Of course, all dogs can benefit, but it is even more helpful if you have a dark-coated breed.

Retractable leads are often used, as they allow a certain amount of freedom for the dog. They are a great way to allow your dog more room to roam but they can be hazardous. Before you know it your dog has managed to extend the lead, and he is close, or on the road. In this dark, it would be hard for a driver to see your dog, and it may be an accident waiting to happen. It is advisable to use a 6-foot lead and keep your dog under your watchful eye while near any streets.

Carrying a flashlight on your dog’s walk is something that is seldom done. A small pocket flashlight will provide enough light for you to be able to properly stoop and scoop after your dog. You will need to be able to see what spot your dog decided to use. Keeping the flashlight and bags together will help you to remember to take it with you.

You may find that your dog is slightly more hesitant in the dark. He may spook a little bit easier and be more wary of strangers. It may be that they sense our own hesitations. Keeping an eye on your dog’s behavior during these dark evenings is a must. If he is apprehensive in the dusk, it might be advisable to get up an hour earlier and walk him in the morning light. Reflective stripping and blinking lights might seem like you are going overboard, but it might just be the one thing that saves a life.

Gillian Ridgeway, AHT, has worked with dogs for over 33 years. She is director of Who’s Walking Who in Toronto and Ajax. A consultant for TorontoBarks.com, Gillian also writes for Dogs, Dogs, Dogs!, Dogs in Canada. She has appeared on Dogs in Canada TV, Global television, Q107 radio and in Toronto Life, and is co-author of the book, “Citizen Canine.” She travels with the Iams SuperDogs Performance team and teaches learning theory at University of Toronto. Gillian can be contacted at 416-465-3626; www.whoswalkingwho.net

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