Walking when dark out...

[RockyCody]

So as rocky is only 1 we haven't done a lot of walking at night because he was too young when it got dark early last year.

However - I do want to continue taking him for walks, even if it is dark out. How do you make sure you both will be SAFE and that people will SEE you when you are walking?

I did buy a light - it hooks onto his collar and alternates between blue/yellow flashing lights. I tried it last night and I felt so bad for Rocky - it was like a frickin strobe light and I was worried it would make him sick or induce a seizure - my GOD was it bright. On the other hand, it did work - cars were easily able to see us and it helped me see the way as well.

Is this dangerous for Rocky? Am i Just over reacting? Does anyone else use a special light or do you guys just hold flashlights or how do you do walk your dogs at night?

What is your "night walking" routine when it is dark?!

 

[sargboxerluv]

I would get a band of refective material that reflects light. A lot of dog coats have a reflective stripe of material across them. I just bought a small dog coat, ripped off this stripe, and put it around Harley Girl's harness. Unles you can find a band at a sports store or something.

 

[whiskers]

I have one of those lights as well but I don't think I've ever actually used it. =P Typically I just make sure I'm not wearing dark clothing. And I never go out at night by myself, so I think it's easier to see 2 or 3 people as opposed to just 1 person. My neighborhood doesn't really get any traffic though and it's especially quiet at night.

You could maybe use a harness and clip the light on that, so at least it's away from his face and hopefully not such a nuisance. But if you don't already have a harness and would need to buy one, then maybe you'd be better off just buying a reflective one. Or a reflective leash.

 

[x19er]

We have reflective collars for the dogs and reflective vests to wear ourselves as we walk on unlit roads in the early morning when it's still dark - not been run over yet LOL We also carry a torch to put on so people can see where we are too if need be. Top tip don't drip over the dog lead or the dog in the dark - doh!

 

[Kilby'sMum]

I've never even worried about it but it's pretty quiet round here, reasonably well lit and footpaths everywhere but I do know people who use the reflective vests.

 

[Independence]

Flash light and reflective materials. I have a collar and a leash. I don't think the flashing light will adversely affect your pup. You can't be too safe.

 

[RoxiesEcho]

We have a collar for Bella where the entire collar glows red when turned on. You can set it to blink or to just be static. It runs on a large watch battery. Since the entire collar lights up unlike lights that clip on like a dog tag you can see it no matter what way she is looking.

 

[cantfindlog]

I have an awesome LED collar that glows bright red and has two settings, either solid or flashing. I got it at Cabela's up by Richfield. You're in Milwaukee, right? It's only a short run up there and the collar is about $20.00 The collar is on the Cabela's website under dog supplies.

 

[BrokenFrames]

wow some great different products that would be very helpful.

personally i live in a city so it isnt really an issure for me, street lights and sidewalks keep us relativly safe.

however i wanted to pass along something that we do when we are down the shore, or anywhere when it is dark, we went online and bought a large package of the long thin glow sticks that they sell at fireworks show and stuff like that. i then just grab one out of the freezer and break the stick so it starts to glow. i tie it around Lola's collar so we can keep track of her off leash in the dark.. it works well, just make sure they dont try and chew it. i tied it around the back of her collar, and she doesnt ever bother with it.