Walking With Your Pet

Our pets also need daily physical activity to stay healthy and should be active at least 20 minutes three times a day. They also can experience health concerns such as being overweight, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and joint ailments. We have a responsibility to our pets to provide them with a healthy lifestyle. They can make the best walking buddy because they never turn you down, no matter the weather or time of day. By starting a walking routine with your pet, you will find that you have a very enthusiastic and grateful companion.

Here are some simple tips to walk your dog safely:

  • Adjust your dog’s collar to where they can’t slip their head through and slip two fingers to assure it’s not too tight.
  • Put your hand through the leash hand and wrap it around your hand for a better grip. Use a harness if your dog likes to pull. Harnesses allow for a better grip and more control. Also, the pressure is distributed more evenly when you pull so you aren’t stressing the neck area.
  • Make sure to bring water along for your dog and shorter and more frequent walks are better for older dogs and those with health issues such as arthritis.
  • Remember when walking your dog they are pedestrians too!
  • Leave your dog on leash when walking out in public. Check out the following dog parks where they can be off their leash and have the opportunity to socialize.
  • Be a responsible walker: Any items produced by your dog should be cleared away and properly disposed of. This simple act will be greatly appreciated by those who
    follow in your footsteps.

If you are looking to add a pet companion to your life, please check out the following resources:
City of Alamogordo Animal Control
    439-4330
    ci.alamogordo.nm.us
    (go to Public Safety)

Animal Village NM
    No-Kill Pet Adoption Center
    (see below)
Note: The guide indicates pet friendly walking sites. Below are two community resources that provide open space for your pet to run free and socialize with other dogs and their companions.
Alamogordo Bark Park
    East Fairgrounds Road off North Florida Ave.
    ci.alamogordo.nm.us
    (go to community services - parks)
Animal Village
    7246 HWY 54/70 - Alamogordo, NM
    animalvillagenm.com
    What a wonderful thing it is to have a pet companion
        and a reason to go out walking everyday!