The joy of dog ownership comes with a responsibility. A dog’s life is a constant state of being on the go, and that can be a problem for some dog owners. Dogs are naturally curious and energetic, and they need to be stimulated. They need to be challenged, and they need to be given opportunities to explore. This is not just about providing them with toys and treats.

And that’s just emergency room visits. “We know that a significant number of people might seek treatment at primary care, specialty or urgent care clinics for their injuries,” Maxson said. Dog ownership has become increasingly common, he noted, with about half of U.S. households having at least one dog. The pandemic contributed to the spike. How to protect yourself Staying safe when walking a leashed dog takes diligence, focus and, in inclement weather, extra precautions. Multitasking can be hazardous. Put your phone away. “You can’t really afford to relax when you walk a powerfully built dog with the torque of a small tractor. You have to pay attention,” said Noel Holston, a dog owner in Athens, Georgia.

The dog, named “Lucky,” reacted instinctively and began to chase the goose. This chase led to a confrontation with a group of teenagers who were also in the park. The teenagers, who were armed with baseball bats, confronted Holston and Lucky, demanding that he leave the park. The teenagers’ actions escalated the situation, leading to a tragic outcome.

About five years ago, her 50-pound (22.6-kilogram) lab mix went after a squirrel while Johnston was kneeling to tuck a sweatshirt into her backpack, the leash wrapped around one hand. She fractured a finger. “That was the worst because it was twisted and pulled and I had to have surgery and rehab and everything else,” said Johnston, who lives in New York’s Croton-on-Hudson. Running with a leashed dog is another hazard no matter how well trained you think a dog is. It’s especially dangerous with a dog that’s easily spooked, very young or prone to the zoomies. That’s what happened to Robert Godosky in Manhattan.

He was scared of the scaffolding. He would bark and jump at it. It was a daily occurrence.”

“We tried everything to get him over it,” he continued. “We tried treats, toys, and even professional help from a dog trainer. Nothing seemed to work.

This is a common problem in many areas, particularly in rural areas. Haywood explained that these areas often lack proper infrastructure for pedestrian safety. He cited the lack of sidewalks, wide shoulders, and street lighting as key factors contributing to the dangers.

Parks, who has been training dogs for over 20 years, emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and building a strong bond with the dog. She believes that training should be fun and engaging for both the dog and the owner. Parks’s approach to training focuses on teaching dogs to walk calmly and politely on a leash.

* **Importance of dog walking:** Dog walking is a crucial aspect of dog ownership, offering numerous benefits for both dogs and owners. * **Challenges for owners with mobility or balance issues:** These owners may face difficulties in walking their dogs, especially in challenging weather conditions. * **Seeking help from others:** Experts recommend seeking assistance from others when facing these challenges.