Dark evening dog walks: how to stay seen and safe

The clocks went back on Sunday 25 October, and just like that the after-work walk happens in the dark. Your dog doesn't mind. But drivers, cyclists and other walkers need to be able to see you both. Here's how to make that easier.

Bright for dusk, reflective for dark

Bright and reflective aren't the same thing, and the difference matters:

• Bright or fluorescent colours stand out in daylight and at dusk, while there's still some light around.
• Reflective materials bounce light back towards where it came from, so they show up when headlights or a torch shine on them. In full dark, colour alone doesn't do much.

The Highway Code advises pedestrians to wear something light-coloured, bright or fluorescent in poor daylight, and to use reflective materials when it's dark. For a winter evening walk, it's worth having both.

Make your dog easy to spot

A dog in the dark is hard for a driver to see, especially one with a dark coat. Off the lead, they're hard for you to see too.

• A reflective coat or harness gives headlights something to pick out. Look for reflective trim on the sides as well as the back.
• A light on the collar helps you keep track of your dog, and helps other people notice them. Clip-on lights and light-up collars both do the job. Keep their ID tag on their usual collar.
• Keep reflective bits clean. Reflective trim caked in mud doesn't reflect much. Give it a wipe after a muddy walk.

Make yourself easy to spot

• Carry a torch, or wear a head torch. You'll see uneven ground, puddles and whatever your dog has left for you to pick up. A head torch keeps both hands free for the lead and the poo bag.
• Point it down. A torch shone straight at drivers, cyclists or other walkers dazzles them.
• Wear something reflective. A reflective armband or a jacket with reflective strips is easy to keep by the door with the lead.

Choose your route with care

• Stick to routes you know in daylight, ideally with pavements and street lights.
• No pavement? The Highway Code advises walking on the right-hand side of the road, so you can see oncoming traffic. It also suggests crossing well before a sharp right-hand bend, so drivers have a better chance of seeing you, then crossing back afterwards. Keep your dog on the side away from the traffic.
• Use a short lead near roads. The Highway Code says to keep dogs on a short lead on the pavement, on the road, and on paths shared with cyclists or horse riders.
• Think twice about off-lead time. In the dark it's harder to keep track of your dog, and harder for them to find you. If their recall is a work in progress, keep them on the lead, or use a long line in an enclosed space you know well.
• Watch for wildlife. Foxes, deer and rabbits are often out at dusk, and a dog chasing one in the dark is hard to find. Keep your dog on a lead near livestock, whatever the time of day.

Look after yourself too

• Charge your phone before you go, and keep it in a pocket you can reach.
• Tell someone your route if you're heading somewhere quiet, or walk with a friend.
• Keep one ear free if you listen to music or podcasts, so you can hear traffic, bikes and other dogs.
• Trust your instincts. If a route feels wrong in the dark, save it for a daylight walk at the weekend.

A note on charging lights

Plenty of collar lights and head torches are rechargeable. Charge them on a hard surface, not on a bed, sofa or dog bed, and don't leave them charging overnight or while you're out. Make sure they're dry before you plug them in. If anything gets hot, swells or smells odd, stop using it.

Quick checklist before you head out

• Lights charged during the day
• Reflective bits clean
• Torch or head torch in your pocket
• ID tag on and readable, and microchip details up to date
• Poo bags and treats
• Phone charged

Keep the lights and reflective kit on the same hook as the lead, so it all goes out together. A few weeks in, it'll be second nature. And the clocks go forward again at the end of March, which isn't that far off. Honestly.