Some people hook up together in the morning or evening to go for a power walk or even a jog to make the task more fun and keep them on track. You can do the same with a fellow dog owner, making plans to meet on a particular corner and walk your dogs together. This can be great for you — and great for the dogs.

A word of caution, however: Be sure the other dog(s) you walk with are friendly — and that yours is, too! Before plotting out the next several months with your friend, talking about the various parks you want to visit, introduce your dogs and make sure they get along.

The toughest thing about introductions between dogs on leashes is — the leashes! The leash is a conduit of your feelings about the other dog or person you're about to meet, and vice versa. If you sense your pup getting excited or nervous, you will hold the leash differently. If you restrain her, she may sense that you are nervous, too, and may think that she needs to protect you or be on guard. So while the leash may send the wrong message to your dog, it is also essential that you keep it on, because if you do need to yank your pup out of a situation, you have to have it.

The best-case scenario is to spend some time with your friend's dog without your dog. If you're sure you can trust it, you have nothing to fear when making the introduction with your dog, and you won't need to choke up on the leash. When it's time, ask your friend and her dog to meet you in neutral territory for your dogs — not at either of your houses, where territorial feelings may surface.

While on your walks, keep an eye out for other dogs and try to read their body language or the body language of the people walking them. Avoid any that seem to be straining too much or are unusually distracted. When you approach another dog, always ask the person with it if the dog is friendly.