Every dog, of any breed or size, loves and needs to go for walks, but during this holiday season, people pour into the streets and the usual walk with the dog can become more complicated.

Taking the dog out, allowing them to explore the environment around them, socialize with other dogs, and stay active are all elements that benefit the physical and mental well-being of your pup.

If taking our dog out is important, it is just as important to understand how to take them out, especially in crowded areas.

How should you behave?

Even when it comes to walks, every dog has its own needs, and it is essential to take them into consideration and adjust accordingly to your own dog.

Now, however, let's look at some general tips for having pleasant outings for both dog and owner:

• Go out often: even if your dog has some difficulties or is elderly, it is good to go out often, even for short periods.
• Let them sniff: it is very important to let them smell everything around them; it is their way of exploring the environment and getting to know it.
• Go to different places: it is good to change walking routes often, in order to provide new stimuli for our four-legged friend.
• Let them socialize: it is very important during walks to let your pup approach other dogs. This allows them to gain confidence in themselves and others, in addition to ensuring they have a lot of fun.
• Let them run free: especially if you have a dog park available, it is good to let the dog off the leash for a few minutes to let them fully release their energy.

What does the law say?

Many of you have surely wondered if a leash is mandatory while walking with your four-legged friend.

There is no law that mandates a leash for dogs out for a walk, but the obligation can be inferred from a series of provisions. Primarily by law, Art. 672 of the Penal Code and Art. 2052 of the Civil Code, the owner of a dog is responsible for the well-being, control, and handling of their animal and is liable for damages or injuries to persons, other animals, and property caused by the animal itself, even if it had strayed or escaped, unless one can prove a fortuitous event, such as an unforeseen, unpredictable, and unavoidable occurrence.

Anyone who leaves dangerous animals free, or does not keep them with due caution, or entrusts them to an unsuitable person (such as children or people incapable of handling the dog) risks an administrative fine ranging from 25 to 258 euros.

Furthermore, the ministerial ordinance concerning the protection of public safety from dog attacks establishes that in urban areas and places open to the public, the dog must be led with a leash no longer than 1.50 meters.