As the nights are drawing in quickly, and it is darker in the mornings, many of us will be walking our dogs in the dark. Not only does this leave walkers feeling more vulnerable, but it can unsettle some dogs too, and there are safety factors that need to be taken into account when dog walking at night.
Just like walking a dog in the daytime, walking a dog in the dark needs a bit of common sense for your own safety and that of your canine companion. We’ve compiled a list of some of our dog walkers’ favourites.
Tips to keep you safe during dog walks in the dark
Carry a torch when walking dogs at night
Most people now have a smartphone with a torch app. This is always a good option, but make sure you have a backup. A torch headband is a great accessory for dog walkers, as it leaves your hands free to hold one or more dogs’ leads, and is particularly useful when scooping poop.
Take your mobile phone on all dog walks
This is an obvious one and I’m sure dog walkers will always have their mobile phones on them for walks during the day or night. This not only allows customers to contact you whilst you are out, but you will be able to ring for help if you or the dog gets injured.
Make sure someone knows your route for dog walking
Always make sure someone knows where you are and what time you will be home. This can be easy if you use relevant software – just make sure you’ve given someone else access. Things don’t always go to plan and knowing you’ve got back up will be a huge relief. The best option is to stick to public paths and avoid remote areas where possible.
Use GPS and What 3 Words for your location
Turn on the GPS on your phone and leave it running. That way, you will always know where you are and can find your way if you get lost.
Download the What 3 Words app for your phone so that you can give your precise location if there is an accident. What 3 Words is much more accurate than any other location finder, and is used by the emergency services to find people in parks and rural settings where it’s hard to pinpoint where you are. Here’s a handy guide to using What 3 Words if you’re new to it.
Check the park closing time
If you walk your dogs at night in a park, make sure you know the closing time of the park. You don’t want to get trapped after the gates have been closed. If the park has a notice sign, grab your phone and take a snap. You never know when you will need the information. Park maps are particularly useful.
Tips for keeping your dog safe in the dark
Make sure you and your pet can be seen in the dark
As a dog walker, wear reflective clothing. Fluorescent cycling gear, sportswear, and safety workwear can be cheap and found both online and on the high street.
Reflective collars and harnesses for dogs are excellent, and again easily available from most pet retailers.
High-vis jackets could save your life! If you’re road walking with a dog they are a must.
You can buy GPS collars for dogs which might be a good investment if your dog is likely to run off. They start at £30-40 but you can buy more expensive ones if you’d like more features.
This handy guide tells you what to consider if you’re thinking of buying one for your dog.
Don’t let your dog off the lead in the dark
When it’s dark, keep dogs on a lead to avoid them getting into trouble or running off. Things look very different in the dark, and it will be harder to find a dog who has run off and got into difficulty. They could get tangled in bushes, fall down a slope, or eat something toxic that you haven’t seen.
Don’t walk dogs alone in the dark
This is not always possible, but dog owners are a sociable bunch and you will often find yourself becoming friends with other dog walkers. Get into the habit of saying hello and once you know them a bit better, ask if they’d like to join you. Walking with someone else is a great deterrent for potential criminals, and it’s good to have a backup if you or your pet gets injured.
Microchip your dog
Although all dogs should have a collar with identification details on it, microchipped dogs make it easier for them to be found or identified if they run off whilst walking in the dark. Make sure you keep your contact details up to date so that if your pet is found the authorities can reunite them with you.
Be aware of your dog’s stress levels
Dogs and humans have preferences for walking, and we need to be aware of their stress levels as well as our own when walking in certain situations. If your dog doesn’t like walking in the dark – then don’t!
Accessories for walking your dog in the dark
Here’s our checklist of accessories that you might need when walking your dog in the dark:
- Collar and lead
- Reflective clothing/bands for both the walker and dog
- Handheld torch or head torch
- Mobile phone with relevant apps
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