A dog is more than just man's best friend: your friendly pooch is a living, breathing, happy animal who needs all the reciprocal love and attention you can give. Your dog also needs a lot of specific attention to make sure that he stays healthy and happy all year through. Walking your dog is one of the most important things that you can do this summer – make sure that you walk your dog every day, or as often as you can. It is essential that you get a nice, sturdy lead and collar combination that is appropriate for the size of your dog, and that you learn how to use this lead properly. It is required by law that your dog always has a lead on him or her when you go out walking in public areas.
You can choose to use a harness combination which is great for dogs and puppies who are learning how to walk with a lead – it distributes the pressure equally around the harnessed area instead of focusing it on your dog's neck like a collar would.
A plain collar and lead combo is great for well-trained dogs as it gives them a good idea of where they are supposed to be when you hold on tightly to the other end.
There are some places where you can let your dog off of his lead to let them have a jolly good run around and let off some excess steam, but always make sure to have them securely collared up before you leave again! A collar and lead will make sure that you can guide your dog through forests, parks, roads and other public areas without endangering your dog or other motorists and pedestrians.
