January is Walk Your Dog Month. I am sure someone somewhere established this pet celebration to help motivate dog lovers to keep taking great care of their pooches as winter wears on and the temperatures continue to get colder. (Except for here in Colorado, where you never know how the weather will go!)

And, did you know that 51% of dogs are obese? Walking your dog daily will help keep you and your dog trim and fit!

In this blog post, I will share ideas to help dog moms and dads keep walking their dogs into the winter.

1. Bring the correct necessities to walk your dog like poop bags, and bite-sized treats for good behavior.
2. Use the right leash for your dog and practice correct leash walking. (The leash should be short and not too tight.)
3. Dress appropriately. Boots, layers, big old coats, reflectors, headlamps. Bring the right gear to keep yourself warm and safe.
4. Change up your walk. Choose a new route to keep things interesting for you and your dog. Go for a hike. Visit the dog park.
5. Bring another dog friend. If your dog does well on a leash, bring his or her dog friend along for extra fun! Everyone will love you! Your dog, the dog friend, and the dog friend’s owner.
6. Let your dog smell the roses! Not every walk has to be a fast-paced trot to maximize calorie burn. Let your dog amble slowly and take in Mother Nature.
7. Or…have a mileage goal. Aim to walk a certain number of miles per week and reward both you and pet when you accomplish the goal. Pedicures and doggy ice cream perhaps? You both deserve it!