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528 Chama, N.E., Albuquerque, NM 87108 http://www.cbass.com |
From The Desk Of Clarence Bass
By Clarence and Carol Bass
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Getting Exercise Walking Your Dog
This is Sam watching over our son
While we never walked our dog Sam I wish we had. You didn't see people walking their dogs as they do now. He did have a nice backyard however. (He's shown here with our son as a baby.)
My father, who loved dogs, saw him walking around his neighborhood for a while, picked him up, and asked us if we wanted a dog. We couldn't say no, and enjoyed having Sam until he passed away some years later.
An exception was when he climbed up on the counter and devoured a roast Carol had prepared for a holiday dinner. Don't believe she ever forgave him for that, but he was just doing what dogs do.
They eat what and when they can.
* * * The one time we let Sam out in the mesa near our house he took off like a race horse. Unfortunately, we didn't get the message.
Sam was well fed and seemed to be satisfied when I went out to feed or talk things over with him.
We had many wonderful years with Sam. A dog never to be forgotten.
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That's a big buildup of my dog handling experience to lead you into "Getting Exercise with Your Dog" in the August 2025 issue of the Cleveland Clinic Arthritis Advisor.
Some of them may be items you haven't thought about to avoid common injuries. Kimberly Monsman, occupational therapist at Cleveland Clinic, has seen fractures, sprains, strains, and occasional dislocations from dog walking.
My sister had her dog pull so hard that she fell and had to have surgery on her arm. I've had dogs knock me down and bite my leg. It's up to us to stay alert and stay away from loose dogs, even if we are not dog walking.
They recommend the following:
Get the Right Dog for You: Dogs have different requirements for activity depending on their size, breed, and personality. Consider whether you want a more active dog (hiking or jogging or longer distances) or if you'd like a dog that's basically a quiet house dog.
Training is Important: If you want to avoid trauma from falls make sure your dog is properly trained to obey you. Start their training when they're young. Some cities offer pack walks which would give your dog a chance to socialize and learn good "pack" behaviors.
On Leash or Off Leash? That is the question. Most cities require "on leash" in parks, and if not a requirement, it is important that you can maintain control of your dog to prevent injuries to yourself or others. When buying a leash, they advise a short leash that you do not wrap around your hands to keep the dog close to you. A longer leash is more dangerous because it allows the dog to build up velocity.
Use the Right Equipment on the Dog, and the Right Equipment for You. Additional collars or harnesses can also help with dog pulling when on leash, and thinking about the shoes you are wearing is also an important safety consideration. Flip flops and, obviously, high heels are discouraged, and giving some thought beforehand to the type of terrain you will encounter is helpful.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings. Other dogs may not be leashed and could be a problem, as well as wildlife that could startle your pet.
If you put time into your own training, give a little thought as well to your safety (and theirs) when walking your own beloved pet or pets.
March 2026
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