Daily dog walks don’t need to be a chore; here’s how to make them enjoyable and stress-free.
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Walking your dog should feel like a break from the day, not another task on your list. But for many, it becomes something to rush through, avoid, or dread. Whether you’re managing reactivity, dealing with lead pulling, or getting bored with the same old loop, small changes can make a big difference.
Here are some practical ways to help you and your dog enjoy your walks again.
1. Keep Your Dog Under Control—Even Off Lead
Your dog might be friendly. But not every dog wants to be approached, and not every person wants to interact with a dog.
The Control of Dogs Order 1992 states that dogs must be under control in public places. If your dog runs up to someone without permission, it can cause distress, even if no harm is intended. Dogs don’t need to be aggressive to be classed as “dangerously out of control” under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
Source: Gov.uk – Controlling your dog in public
2. Teach Loose Lead Walking
Dogs aren’t born knowing how to walk nicely on a lead. Pulling is common but can be improved with consistent training.
The Dogs Trust offers helpful resources on loose lead walking, encouraging reward-based training and patience.
Source: Dogs Trust – Teaching your dog to walk nicely on a lead
I recommend using a front-clip harness and practising changes of direction when your dog pulls. Reinforce with treats and praise when they choose to walk by your side.
3. Respect Other Walkers
Respect means picking up after your dog, using a lead where appropriate, and recognising when to give others space.
Being a responsible dog owner helps everyone enjoy public spaces. Organisations like The Kennel Club stress the importance of controlling your dog and being aware of others around you.
Source: The Kennel Club – Being a responsible dog owner
4. Don’t Pick Up Small Dogs When You’re Nervous
When another dog approaches, lifting your small dog might feel protective, but it can escalate the situation. Larger dogs may jump up, and the tension can make both dogs more anxious.
The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) advises using calm, controlled movements and giving dogs space when things feel tense.
Source: APBC – Understanding dog body language
5. Add Variety to Your Walks
Dogs use their noses to explore. New routes, even small changes like crossing the road or reversing your loop, can stimulate their brains and reduce boredom.
Enrichment on walks helps lower stress and increase confidence, especially for nervous dogs. Blue Cross suggests letting dogs sniff and explore different environments to support their wellbeing.
Source: Blue Cross – Enrichment ideas for dogs
6. Let Your Dog Sniff
Sniffing isn’t wasting time—it’s vital for your dog’s mental health. Walks that allow your dog to sniff freely reduce heart rate and stress.
A 2019 study by Duranton & Horowitz found that dogs allowed to sniff on walks showed more optimistic behaviour.
Source: Scientific Report: Let me sniff! Nosework induces positive judgment bias in pet dogs
7. Walk at Quiet Times if Needed
If your dog finds busy parks overwhelming, choose quieter times. Early mornings or mid-afternoon walks are often calmer and help nervous dogs build confidence without constant triggers.
The RSPCA highlights the benefits of slow exposure and supports walking shy or reactive dogs in peaceful settings to build trust.
Source: RSPCA – How to help a fearful dog
8. Use the Right Gear
Choosing the right walking equipment makes a big difference. A double-ended lead or Y-shaped harness can offer better control without discomfort.
The PDSA recommends well-fitted harnesses for dogs that pull, stressing the importance of comfort and safety in equipment choice.
Source: PDSA – How to choose the right collar, lead or harness
9. Walk With Purpose—but Don’t Rush
A calm, unhurried walk allows both you and your dog to reset. Some dogs need brisk exercise, but many benefit from slow, sniffy strolls with time to explore.
Canine Enrichment for the Real World by Allie Bender and Emily Strong also discusses the importance of walks tailored to your dog’s needs—mental stimulation, social time, or calm exposure.
[Book: Canine Enrichment for the Real World (Bender & Strong, 2019)]
10. Share the Pavement
Being considerate builds a stronger dog-walking community. Whether giving space on a narrow path or pausing to let someone pass, small actions help avoid stress and create positive interactions.
Many local councils encourage a community-minded approach and often offer guidance on shared space behaviour for dog owners.
Enjoy the Moment
Walks don’t need to be perfect—they just need to feel manageable and calm. Some days will go better than others, but every positive step, no matter how small, builds confidence for both of you.
Think about what kind of walk would help your dog today. Is it ready for a challenge, or does it need a gentle, quiet route?
If you’d like help making your walks less stressful, I offer one-to-one walks for nervous, reactive, and shy dogs across Finchley and surrounding areas.
Please message me at Finchley Dog Walker to learn how to work together. Here are some things to do on your walk