If Curtis Johnson had ever had the gumption to tell a teacher, “The dog ate my homework,” chances are the classic excuse wasn’t far-fetched. Raised in a household of huskies, beagles, schnauzers and a homeless mutt named Charlie, a pup he rescued off the street, dogs have been his pals and his passion.

I ran into this energetic 47-year-old dad, track coach and canine-care professional while jogging around our city lake in Minneapolis. Distracted by squeals of delight from oncoming toddlers in strollers and chuckles from power-walking seniors, I was caught off guard at the sight smack in front of me as I rounded a bend.

Tethered to carabiners in both of Curtis’ hands were 12 disciplined dogs he addresses on a first-name basis on their four-mile walk: Winnie, Oliver, Cokie, Guinness, Reggie, Ruby, Mulligan, Caddie, Borris, Rocco, Ayla and Mollie.

On a break on the patio at Java Jack’s coffee shop, where the dogs sprawled out under a tree, I picked up on Curtis’ core philosophy: To make them great citizens, love dogs unconditionally, but treat them conditionally. “Dogs behave well when they know they have to earn their keep. They are bred to work,” he said. “Right now, they are working as they catch my eyes and know what I expect of them.”

He added that the July “dog days of summer” are an important time for families to pay special attention to dog care. Here are his three safety tips:

1 . Healthy dogs need robust exercise every day. Give them water before, during and after a walk. On a hot day, wet them down beforehand, keep them off hot sidewalks and walk instead on wet grass or wet pavement to protect paws. Rest in shaded areas.

2 . If your kids are excited to pet a dog you encounter on a summer hike or walk, ask the owner first.

3 . In the car, dogs should never hang their heads out of open windows. Always keep your dog in the back seat or back area of vehicle to avoid danger of inflated airbags in the front seat.

Extra tip : For teens who wish to start a dog-walking job this summer, start as a volunteer and walk dogs of neighbors who would appreciate the service. Remember to stay alert at all times. Avoid wearing an iPod or talking on a cell phone when the dog is under your care.

Resource: Visit Curtis’ blog and Web site for more tips and information: www.citizenkanine.net.