When the clocks fall back this Sunday, the sun will start setting before many of us even get home from work. That means the evening dog walk, the one your pup has been waiting for all day, now happens in the dark.
City walks at night come with their own challenges: cars turning at corners, cyclists, joggers, other dogs and sidewalks you can’t see as well. The good news is that a few easy habits make a big difference.
Make both of you easy to see
Dark coats and dark leashes disappear at night. Experts at AKC Pet Insurance and PetMD suggest wearing light-colored or reflective clothing yourself, not just dressing up your dog. A reflective jacket or vest helps drivers spot you from farther away.
For your dog, reflective collars, leashes, harnesses or vests catch the light from headlights and streetlights. PetMD also points out a budget trick: a roll of reflective tape on your dog’s collar, leash and harness.
Remember that a small collar can hide under a fluffy coat or behind your legs. Reflective material on you and on the leash covers the gaps.
Add a light, not just reflection
Reflective gear only shines when light hits it. An LED collar or a clip-on blinking light keeps your dog visible even on darker stretches of the block. PetMD recommends carrying your own light too, ideally a headlamp, so your hands stay free for the leash and the poop bag. A light also helps you spot broken glass, chicken bones and other things your dog shouldn’t eat.
Stick to routes you know
Night isn’t the time to explore a new neighborhood. Choose a familiar, well-lit route and use the sidewalk whenever you can. If you ever have to walk on the road, PetMD advises walking against traffic so you can see what’s coming.
It also helps to know where your dog’s usual potty spots are, so you’re not wandering into dark corners looking for one.
Keep the leash short
Even well-trained dogs can be startled at night by a scooter, a loose dog or a raccoon. Chewy’s experts recommend a standard 6-foot leash rather than a retractable lead after dark, so your pup stays close and in view. If your dog wears a harness on walks, our guide to harnesses for elevators and city walks covers comfortable, secure options.
Put the phone away
It’s tempting to scroll or listen to a podcast, but nighttime walks need your full attention. Keep your phone in your pocket for emergencies, skip the headphones (or keep the volume low) and watch for bikes and cars at crossings.
Think about the weather, too
Dark November evenings are often wet ones. Rain makes it even harder for drivers to see, so reflective gear matters more. If your dog hates getting soaked, see our picks for dog rain jackets for wet city walks. A jacket with reflective trim does double duty.
A quick before-you-go checklist
- Reflective or bright layer for you
- Reflective collar, leash or harness for your dog
- LED collar or clip-on light (batteries charged)
- Headlamp or small flashlight
- Phone and poop bags
- A familiar, well-lit route
A few minutes of prep means your evening walk stays the best part of your dog’s day, even when it’s dark by 5:30.
Sources: AKC Pet Insurance, “Nighttime Safety for You and Your Walking Buddy”; PetMD, “Staying Safe While Walking with Your Dog at Night”; Chewy, “5 Crucial Tips for Walking a Dog at Night.”