How to Walk a Dog Properly? Tips and Tricks

Adopting a dog is an enriching, exciting experience that will change your life for the better, forever. You should start training them from day one and, of course, teach them to walk properly on their lead.

On average, we take our dogs out for a walk between three and four times a day — can you imagine your dog spending every walk pulling on the lead? It would be pretty frustrating… That's why we're leaving you some practical advice so you can teach them to walk properly.

What Do You Need to Walk Your Dog?

Whether your dog is large or small, you'll need some gear before taking them out for a walk:

• Lead. You'll find these in different styles, materials and colours. What matters is that it's sturdy and long enough to give them some freedom during walks, but without straying too far from you.
• Collar or harness. Never take your dog out with no collar. It should include their name, your name and a contact number — only this way will you be able to find your dog if they get lost. The collar should also be comfortable, so avoid ones with spikes or ones designed to choke the dog.
• Water. On every outing, it's advisable to bring a bottle of water and a container to keep your dog hydrated (especially in the warm months).
• Poo bags. Plenty of people take advantage of walks for their dog to relieve themselves. If that's you, bring bags to pick up after them.

When to Take a Dog for a Walk?

Dogs need a walking routine to adapt to it and know when they'll be able to relieve themselves (urinate and defecate). It matters that you always stick to these times, so your dog gets used to it quickly.

Ideally, have at least three or four walks a day. The first walk should be when they wake up in the morning; after a whole night sleeping at home, they'll need to get out for some fresh air and relieve themselves.

At midday we should give the second walk, also to relieve themselves. And in the afternoon we should give a walk of at least an hour, so besides relieving themselves, they get exercise, play and interact with other dogs.

Plenty of people take their dogs out for a walk right before going to sleep so they can have one last pee — an excellent idea.

How to Walk a Dog for the First Time?

During the first stretch of the walk, wrap the lead around your hand so the dog walks alongside you. This way, you stop them trying to get ahead of you, since the pressure the lead applies will discourage them from doing so. Keep it at the length needed for them to walk normally, but next to you.

Speak to them gently when they obey and walk by your side. If they try to get ahead, use a firm "No!" and stop. You can also spray them with a little water so they understand what they're doing is wrong. Wait a couple of minutes and start walking again.

When your dog wants to urinate or defecate, stop so they can do it calmly. Never keep pulling on the lead when they want to meet their physiological needs — this only creates anxiety for them.

As your dog learns to walk alongside you, let out the lead and call them back when they wander off, so they come back to your side.

At the end of a satisfying walk, have a reward ready for your dog. This could be a dog treat, a little cheese or cooked ham, or even one of the fruits recommended for dogs.

Over time, your dog will learn to walk alongside you, and you won't need to start walks with the lead wrapped around your hand any more. What's more, you'll be able to vary the routes so they get to know new places.

Recommendations During Walks

Now you know how to walk your dog properly. On top of that, here's some further advice:

• Don't demand too much of your dog during walks. Find out about the type and level of exercise they need based on their breed.
• Wait until they're 3 months old before starting walks.
• Adapt to the weather. If it's very cold, shorten the walks and wrap your dog up warm. If it's very hot, bring more water, don't go out during the hottest hours, and put little boots on them to stop their paws getting hurt.
• Let them sniff around places that catch their interest — this enrichment is good for a dog's life and helps them develop their intelligence.
• Walks are a good time to socialise with other pets and people. If your dog seems curious, let them approach and sniff, while staying alert. Especially at first, they could seem nervous or aggressive when other dogs approach them.
• Taking off the lead is only advisable once the dog has learned to respond to your calls. It's also better to wait until you reach a safe spot, such as a park.
• If the dog turns aggressive with others, move away and stop the walk until they calm down.
• As they learn to walk properly, swap edible rewards for strokes and praise.
• Enjoy the walk! It's a great time to bond and explore new places.