The weather is finally getting warm and for us that means packing in a lot of walks wherever we happen to be. I used to always just throw a leash on Toby, grab my cell phone and leave. But now I usually put several essentials in a small backpack to make sure to carry with us.

Here are 5 tips I use when taking Toby for a walk:

1. Stay Hydrated! 
Make sure you take a bottle of water with you for not just you, but your dog. And, stop every so often to give your pup a drink. The warmer it is outside the more your dog (and you) should stop for a sip.

2. Carry Treats!
There are two big benefits to this. One, if for some reason your dog gets away from you and is not listening, you can use the treat as a bribe to get him or her to come back. Two, if you encounter a nasty or loose dog, you can make make friends with it by trying to give it a treat. I like to think of it as a back up plan for sticky situations. It’s also a great way to break the ice if you meet other dog owners and your dogs are playing. Just remember to always ask the doggies owner if it’s OK to give their pup a treat.

3. Cleanup After Your Dog!
Carry several poop pickup bags with you so that if your doggie does their business while on your walk, you can pickup after them. Remember, no one wants to step in dog poop.

4. Keep Your Pup on a Short Leash!
Particularly if you are walking in suburban areas, keep your dog close to you, and don’t let your pup run all over other people’s lawns. It’s not only rude, but more importantly, you don’t know what chemicals the owners may have used to treat their grass and could potentially cause harm to your dog.

5. Have Fun and Be Friendly! 
Dog owners share a common bond, so when you see other dog moms and dads, say hello! Last week Toby and I met a really nice woman and two of her dogs who Toby loved playing with on the beach. Remember to always ask if it’s OK to let your dog approach their dog. Some dogs are not very social and their owners may know they don’t do well with other dogs.

May 7, 2010:  Toby plays with two dogs we met during a walk on Million Dollar Beach in Lake George.

May 7, 2010: Murphy, a goldendoodle we met while on a walk in Lake George. I fell in love with this dog!

May 7, 2010: Toby enjoys a beautiful day in Lake George.