There are plenty of reasons why a dog might need to stay on lead during walks, or for certain parts of their walk. There may be legal reasons, or perhaps they feel anxious around other dogs or unfamiliar people. Maybe they have a strong instinct to chase wildlife, or they simply haven’t mastered recall yet.
Whatever the reason, lead walks don’t have to be boring! You can make them an enjoyable, varied experience that your dog will love. Here are five ways that you can make your dog’s lead walks safe, fun, and enriching.
Choose safe, comfortable equipment that allows for natural movement
It’s essential that your dog is comfortable and able to move and breathe naturally on their walks, so any equipment that tightens around the dog’s throat, face, or body should be avoided. Dogs can find walks so exciting that they don’t seem bothered by tight or uncomfortable equipment, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t causing any damage.
We recommend a well fitted, Y-fronted harness – this style of harness doesn’t restrict shoulder movement like some other types, and if the dog pulls or lunges for any reason, the pressure is spread evenly across their chest and shoulders rather than concentrated on their throat. A harness won’t encourage pulling, but it can make lead walks safer and more comfortable for your dog.
If your dog walks beautifully on lead and doesn’t lunge, then a flat, non-tightening collar attached to a lead is usually fine. But if you’re using a long line, a Y harness is essential for your dog’s safety.
Use a longer lead
A longer lead gives your dog more freedom to explore, sniff, and make choices about where to go and what to interact with. This extra space often reduces frustration and can even help decrease pulling, as your dog has better access to the things they find interesting. Sniffing is a vital part of a dog’s wellbeing – check out our blog ‘why do dogs love sniffing so much?’ to learn more.
Let your dog lead the way
When it’s safe and practical, allow your dog to choose the route. This simple change adds autonomy and variety to their day, boosting confidence and making walks more enjoyable.
Add games and interaction
Engagement games are a fantastic way to strengthen your bond and keep walks exciting. They also encourage your dog to check in with you regularly, which supports skills like recall and loose lead walking. Try games like ‘find it’, tug with toys, or even DIY agility using natural obstacles. For more ideas, visit our ‘engagement games’ page.
Prioritise loose lead walking over a strict heel
Walking to heel can be useful in certain situations (like navigating narrow pavements) but keeping your dog glued to your side for the entire walk limits their ability to sniff and explore. Loose lead walking strikes a balance, allowing your dog to engage with their environment while still staying under control. For step-by-step guidance, see our Training Tips page.
If you’re looking to add some variety to your dog walking routine, why not visit our where to walk page and find a new route near you?
