• Home
  • Blog
  • About us
  • Podcast
  • Testimonials
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About us
  • podcast
  • Shop
  • Services on offer
  • Individual Training
  • Behaviour Problems
  • Puppy Classes
  • Contact

PawPrintPets

Making You & Your Dog Happier

  • Behaviour Help
  • Individual Training
  • Puppy Help
  • Online/Phone Consultation
  • Media Enquiries

Mud and your dog walks today!

28/10/2020 By Karen Wild Leave a Comment

Dog walking in autumn leaves

It’s sunny, and yes it’s muddy! The Autumn dry days are great for romping through the leaves (I mean for our dogs, but you’re allowed too). However, the mud is starting to build up. Yesterday wasn’t even overly damp but my shortest dog came back totally filthy, so it’s probably time to talk ‘mud management’ for our dogs.

Especially during these damp Covid-safe days, fresh Autumn weather can be great as we take our dogs for some cold air away from stuffy indoor working. Wrap up warm and out we go! On the other hand, it can be a constant battle against teazels in their tails and grimy feet and bellies. Not only mud on our shoes, but on the dog’s paws, on his fur, and of course anything he chooses to roll in along the way. Incidentally, why is fox poo so attractive to dogs? On a wet day in forthcoming wintertime, even just letting the dog out for a quick wee can be a major mud trauma.

Add a coat for any dog that is very young (their coats haven’t really developed yet), one with a thin or fine coat, and of course any hairless dogs need additional layers. Older dogs will also benefit from a warm outer layer, but try and find one that means they can still move freely.

Here are some thoughts on how to cope. Although mats at the door are great for human visitors, they are far too small for most dogs who of course have to wipe all four of their feet. Invest in a dirt trapper mat. Not all mats are the same… the trademarked ones really do work but cost a fortune, so look out for cheaper brands with the same texture. You need one big enough, more of a runner than a mat, but they are a long-term investment and can usually be washed, even tumble dried.

A cheaper and much easier solution is to use old bath towel sheets. Lay them inside the door just before you leave, and you have plenty of space for your dog to trample them as you re-enter.

If your dog is too fast, or absolutely filthy, set yourself up for success before you leave. Find a dog crate and place towels inside, over the top and sides, and a handful of really tasty treats placed towards the back. Place it across the door so that as you enter, your dog can see where best to go. If you take time to build up his confidence, your dog will race straight in, drying himself off before you get that ‘shake off and drown’!

Here’s an example of a lovely warm coat you could provide for your dog to keep them cosy. Click the image for more info.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: autumn dog, clean dog, dog grooming, dog mud, dog walk, dog walking, messy

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Select a Service

  • One-to-one training
  • Behaviour Consultations
  • Children & Dogs
  • Dog Training
  • Puppy Training
  • Rescue Dogs

Helping Your and Your dog

Puppy Class Bookings

Build life skills for the future with our quality puppy classes

Book Now!

Training Resources

Need training advice now? No time for a consultation? Download a bespoke training manual, perfect for you and your dog...

Click Here!

Follow Us

[saf]

About Karen

contactkaren-3I’m a full-time U.K. dog trainer and behaviour consultant based in Peterborough with 17 years in the field. My work ranges from class teaching, obedience, flyball, agility and working trials, competition, to running a popular dog display team.
Read more about me

  • Behaviour Help
  • Individual Training
  • Puppy Help
  • Online/Phone Consultation
  • Media Enquiries
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About us
  • Podcast
  • Testimonials
  • Shop
  • Contact

New Book Out Now!

Buy on Amazon

Training Guides

  • Kids & Dogs
  • Coping with Separation Anxiety
  • House Training Your Dog
  • Rock Solid Recall
  • Sit Stay

Speaking

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss hiring me to speak at your event or write for your publication. To find out more, click here.

Qualifications

My commitment to you and your dog is assured by my professional qualifications. To find out more, click here.

Follow Us

[saf]

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact