If there’s one thing we can count on in Britain, it’s that we cannot count on the weather! While we all look forward to the summer & some of us the autumn months, we all know we are not necessarily going to see much of the sun or dry weather.
When you get a dog, you do so on the understanding that you will be out dog walking in all weather. Come rain or shine your pooch will need their walks and so it’s best to be prepared.
Obviously, you will be hoping that the summer will bring some milder, and dare we say it, even warm weather to enjoy whilst walking your canine companion. But as you never know what to expect in this country, here are some tips to help you get the most enjoyment from your summer strolls.
Layer up
In Britain in the summer, the weather can switch from hot and sunny to torrential downpour in what seems like minutes. One second you’re basking in the sun’s glow and the next, soaked to the bone and freezing cold. When you are setting off on your walk with your dog, it is best to dress in light layers which can be removed and put back on easily. Choose light clothing so that it is easy to carry if the sun is out. A must-have for any dog walker this summer is a light waterproof jacket. Tie it around your waist if it looks cloudy before you leave and you’ll have something to throw on should the heavens decide to open.
Check the forecast
This one is a no-brainer. You can look as far ahead as a 7-day weather forecast to help plan the best times of the day to take your pooch out for a walk. While weather forecasting isn’t always perfectly spot-on, it will give you a good idea of what type of weather to expect so when you and your dog head off out, you can be wearing weather-appropriate attire and carrying your umbrella should you need it. Checking the forecast for other areas may also give you some ideas for different walks to take your dog out on so you also get to explore new places with your pooch.
Plan your route
In Britain, we may have torrential rains one day and baking sunshine the next. But just because today it is nice and sunny does not mean your dog walking route will be dry and clear. If it has been raining persistently over the last few days then expect low lying lands to be boggy and very muddy. Certain pathways near rivers or streams may become impassable after heavy rain so plan ahead and check with other dog walkers if local pathways are clear before you set off. Grab yourself a hiking daypack and fill it with the essentials so you are covered if the weather turns bad, take a bottle of water and a snack as well as your map.
Good shoes
While you may be looking forward to relegating your winter boots to the back of the wardrobe in favour of summer sandals; if you’re out dog walking then you may want to keep at least one good pair of solid shoes to hand. Bad weather can leave paths slippery and muddy and your four-legged friend will still want to explore it all.
Make sure you prepare well, and you and your furry friend are sure to enjoy your walk whatever the weather.
