Walking Your Dog (and bring the kids too!)

Think walking your dog is not possible with the kids? My friend Jennifer is a Mom of three young children all under the age of 5 years. Jennifer is also Mom to the energetic, tail wagging, kid loving, slobbering, squirrel chasing Murphy. Jennifer's husband is a Marine who can be gone on deployment for months at a time so Jennifer is not new at doing everything herself - and that includes taking care of the dog too. Jennifer has found a way to get everyone outside together for fresh air and exercise. Below are 10 suggestions Jennifer uses to help get the kids and dog out the door.

1. Get a large wheeled stroller This isn't mandatory, but it sure makes life easier, especially on uneven surfaces. Burley Design Jogger Stroller is the brand Jennifer uses because it can hold lots of snacks and has room for extra blankets and toys.

2. Get a gentle leader to help keep your energetic hound from pulling your arm off. Click here to read about gentle leaders.

3. Just Go! It takes practice for everyone to learn the new skills involved with walking your dog together as a family. In the long run, the skills learned are patience (learning to sit still in the stroller), responsibility for a pet, routine, and exercise.

4. Go during snack time This will give your children something to do while they are practicing patience and family time. If your children can sit and watch 30 minutes of television, they can learn to sit and watch the neighborhood go by in the stroller.

5. Wiggle Time Set up half way points (a friend's house, a garden, the neighborhood store, a lake, or a park) and let the kids out to wiggle, play with the dog, play on a swing set, or just run around. Remember, keeping goals short, works for kids and dogs.

6. Put the dog on the left (or away from the road and traffic). If you always keep the dog away from traffic, you won't have to worry about shortening up the lead every time a car or person passes by. If one of your children is old enough, you can also have him or her help walk the dog, while still keeping everyone safe away from traffic. Don't let your child walk the dog alone, always keep one hand on the leash. Dogs can be really strong and pull or knock over a child without much warning.

7. Pick up poop No one likes this job, but if you live in a neighborhood it's the responsible thing to do and it teaches your children responsible pet ownership too.

8. Sing songs Old MacDonald can take some serious lung power to belt out while pushing a stroller. You can also play I-Spy, point out animals, colors, and objects along the way.

9. Bring toys kid binoculars, the favorite toy, extra blankets, clothing, snacks, drinks, and dog treats. Make sure everyone is comfortable and happy while walking your dog.

10. Train the dog together So your dog isn't perfect on a leash. Take everyone to dog training together. This too can be a family outing with the dog. The more you include the family and the dog together, the easier it will get. As Jennifer says, Everything takes practice, you just have to do it!

When I walk with Jennifer, I bring one of my dogs. Jennifer pushes the stroller, and we follow her oldest who rides a bike. He challenges us to keep up with him. We set little goals like stop signs and street markers, it ends up being a great workout for all of us (and I'm usually out of breath trying to run and talk at the same time.)

Whether it is walking your dog or stroller training the kids, always end on a good note...hot chocolate waiting at home, playing a favorite game, or reading a book.

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