Dog Leash Walking Questions? Here Are the 5 Answers You Need!

Walking your dog should be an enjoyable bonding experience—but for many pet parents, it can feel more like a tug-of-war. Whether your pup is pulling relentlessly, lunging at every dog in sight, or stopping to sniff every blade of grass, we understand your frustrations. You’re not alone, and we’re here to help!

This blog will answer five of the most common questions about walking dogs on a leash, offering practical tips to make your walks more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

Question #1: Why Does My Dog Pull on the Leash?

One of the most common complaints from dog owners is leash pulling. But why do dogs do it? It boils down to a mix of excitement, instincts, and a little bit of science:

• Excitement: Most dogs are simply thrilled to be outside. The sights, smells, and sounds are overwhelming in the best way, and all that energy translates to pulling.
• Lack of Training: Many dogs haven’t been taught to walk calmly on a leash. Without guidance, they rely on their instincts, which often means charging ahead.
• Natural Pace: Dogs naturally walk faster than humans. Their pulling is often just them trying to move at their natural pace.

How to Stop Leash Pulling

Here are a few tips to tackle leash pulling and make walks more enjoyable for both you and your dog:

1. Use a No-Pull Harness: A front-clip harness can help reduce pulling by giving you more control without causing discomfort to your dog.
2. Stop and Wait: Stop walking the moment your dog starts to pull. This teaches them that pulling won’t get them where they want to go.
3. Positive Reinforcement: When your dog walks nicely without pulling, reward them with treats, praise, or even a quick sniff break to reinforce the behavior.
4. Be Consistent: Training takes time, so stay patient and persistent.

With practice and consistency, your dog can learn to enjoy relaxed walks—and so can you!

Question #2: What’s the Best Leash and Collar for Walking My Dog?

Choosing the Right Leash

The type of leash you use can make a big difference in your dog’s training and walking experience. Here’s a quick guide to the most common options:

• Standard leash (4-6 ft): This is the go-to choice for most dog owners. It provides excellent control and is ideal for training your dog to walk politely.
• Retractable leash: While these might seem convenient, they’re not the best for training. Retractable leashes can encourage pulling behavior and make it harder to maintain control in busy environments.
• Hands-free leash: Popular among runners or those who want a hands-free experience, these leashes can be great with proper training but may not offer as much control if your dog isn’t leash-savvy.

Remember, the right leash depends on your dog’s training level and your personal walking style, so choose what works best for both of you!

Selecting the Right Collar or Harness

Your choice between a collar and a harness should consider your dog’s size, temperament, and walking habits. Here are some tips to help:

• Flat collar vs. Martingale collar: Flat collars are great for everyday use but may not be ideal for dogs prone to slipping out. Martingale collars provide a snugger fit without choking and are perfect for escape artists.
• Harness types: Front-clip harnesses are designed to reduce pulling, making them a great option for training. Back-clip harnesses work well for dogs that are already well-trained and comfortable on a leash.
• Avoid choke chains and prong collars: These can cause stress and discomfort for your dog. Positive reinforcement using treats and praise is a much kinder and more effective approach to training.

The key is finding the right gear that keeps your dog comfortable, secure, and safe while making walks enjoyable for both of you!

Question #3: How Often and How Long Should I Walk My Dog?

When it comes to walking your dog, their exercise needs depend on their breed, age, and energy level. Here’s a quick guide to help:

• High-energy breeds (e.g., Border Collies, Labradors): Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily to keep them happy and healthy.
• Moderate-energy breeds (e.g., Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs): Typically do well with 30 to 45 minutes of exercise each day.
• Low-energy or smaller breeds (e.g., Chihuahuas, Basset Hounds): 20 to 30 minutes is usually enough for these pups.

Alternatives to Dog Walking

While walks are a great way to meet their physical needs, there are plenty of fun alternatives to keep your dog active:

1. Play games in the backyard
2. Use puzzle toys for mental stimulation
3. Add short training sessions to their routine

Tailor their activities to fit their needs, and remember—it’s all about keeping your pup active, healthy, and content!

Question #4: What Should I Do If My Dog Barks or Lunges at Other Dogs?

Dealing with a dog that barks or lunges at other dogs can be stressful, but it’s a common issue called leash reactivity. Understanding why your dog behaves this way and knowing how to manage the situation can make walks much more enjoyable for both of you.

Understanding Leash Reactivity

Leash reactivity happens for a variety of reasons, such as fear, frustration, or a lack of socialization. Some dogs may feel threatened by the presence of other dogs, while others might just be overly excited and frustrated that they can’t interact.

Whatever the reason, learning to recognize early signs can help you address the problem before it escalates. Look for a stiff body posture, intense staring, whining, or even snapping at the leash—these are all signs your dog is starting to feel triggered.

How to Manage the Situation

1. Stay Calm: Dogs can sense your stress, which may increase their anxiety. Keep your composure to help your pup stay relaxed.
2. Redirect Their Attention: Before your dog reacts, use treats or commands like “sit” or “look at me” to focus their attention elsewhere.
3. Create Distance: If your dog is already reacting, gradually increase the space between them and the trigger. This helps desensitize them over time.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm, non-reactive behavior with treats or praise to build positive associations.
5. Avoid Leash Yanking: Resist the urge to yank the leash—it can heighten their anxiety and worsen the behavior.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog’s leash reactivity is severe or becomes a consistent issue, it might be time to seek professional help. Private training sessions with our experts at Good Buddy Dog Training can be incredibly helpful.

A professional trainer will create a tailored plan to address your dog’s specific needs and help you both build confidence and trust during walks.

Question #5: Is It Okay to Let My Dog Sniff While Walking?

Absolutely!

Allowing your dog to sniff during a walk is not only okay—it’s incredibly beneficial for their mental stimulation and enrichment. Dogs experience the world primarily through their nose, and sniffing helps them gather information, explore their environment, and decompress. Think of a sniff session as their version of reading the news or indulging in a favorite hobby.

That said, there’s a balance to strike.

It’s a great idea to allow sniffing during safe and controlled pauses, like in clean parks or quiet trails. These sniff breaks can make walks more enjoyable and engaging for your dog.

However, there are moments when you’ll want to avoid it—such as near dangerous substances, garbage, or areas where unknown animals might leave potentially harmful traces.

To create the perfect balance, incorporate structured walking alongside designated sniffing moments. For example, you might focus on heel work for part of the walk and then cue your dog to “go sniff” as a reward. This approach keeps the outing both mentally stimulating and well-disciplined, making the walk enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Enjoy Stress-Free Walks with the Right Training

Walking your dog doesn’t have to be a battle. By understanding their behavior, using the right tools, and employing positive reinforcement, you can turn your walks into stress-free, pleasant outings.

If you feel like you need extra help, Good Buddy Dog Training specializes in private, in-home training for leash skills. Contact us and start your journey to happier and more rewarding walks today!