Orange vests for you and your dog
This may sound like overkill, but I recently had an experience with my dogs that scared me. I was out in the forest with my dogs when I heard shots fired not far from me. I couldn’t see my dogs and terror ran through me. Immediately I realised we were not prepared for the hunters. Bright colored vests would have helped the hunters know we were not pigs or deer and please don’t shoot us. Every year you hear the stories of accidental shootings. Don’t be the next casualty – don your orange vests!Current dog tags on collars
Keeping a collar and current dog tags on your dog helps others get him home if you get separated. One thing I have recently done is change the dog tags to include council registration numbers, contact details and owner information.Foot and body check during and after the outing
I check my dogs’ paws and body frequently to remove any doubt of injuries pre or post walk. This is especially important if the terrain is rough or sharp like what we have in some areas of New Zealand.Fresh water and a bowl
If I can help it, I don’t let my dogs drink standing water in low water bodies. I carry fresh water instead. I have had to deal with stomach problems in the past from bacteria in standing water. Carrying your own water is a small thing, but doing it can prevent lots of pain and suffering, a vet bill, and a 10-day supply of antibiotics.Towels
I love towels, lots and lots of towels. To me, dropping dirty towels in the washer is much easier and less smelly than detailing a car or working to get that horrible wet, dirty dog smell out of fabric and carpet in my car.Whistle – long range
Lastly, I whistle-trained my dogs. If we do separate, a blow on the whistle has them running to me. Chances are, they don’t like not being able to see me and will be happy to have me back in their sights. These 6 simple steps can make your outdoor trip so much more enjoyable, for you and your dogs. And paying attention to the basics in dog care shows your dog just how much you love them.In summary
- Keep an ongoing measure of your Pit Bulls weight
- Seek advice from a vet
- Compare your dogs weight to what the breeds ‘normal weight’ is
