Are you trying to catch ‘em all and walk your dog? It can be done safely! Catch these 10 Pokémon Go tips while out walking your dog.
One summer when I was underemployed on the Big Island of Hawaii, I spent a weekend in a costume at the 2007 Pokémon TCG World Championships. I was bewildered and charmed by all the people who would see a giant cartoon penguin walking toward them, squeal, “Piplup!” and snap a photo with me.
Earlier this month when Pokémon Go became a national craze, it piqued my curiosity. I signed up for the free game and started wandering around with my phone trying to find little Pokémon characters that randomly appear in my neighborhood. I found I love the satisfying feeling of lobbing a virtual “Poké Ball” at the critters and seeing goofy lights and stars and the phrase “Gotcha!” light up the screen with a successful capture. It’s super silly and fun.
Like pretty much every other activity in life, playing Pokémon Go is even better with a dog. In fact, my dog Rio and I spent his Gotcha Day searching for Pokémon and loading up on bonus balls at “PokéStops.” He was thrilled to sniff new smells and greet people all around our Colorado mountain town. Here’s what I learned on our PokéDog Walk:
1. Look for PokéStops in public parks.
2. Take silly photos.
3. Hand someone else the leash on pavement.
4. Reward your dog for being patient.
5. Resist the urge to game and drive.
6. Play in home improvement stores.
7. Look up from time to time.
8. Remember a tired dog is an obedient dog.
9. Search at night together.
10. Don’t panic if you can’t connect to the server.
Freelance journalist Jen Reeder is an award-winning member of the Dog Writers Association of America.
