Walking your dog: tips & tricks for an enjoyable walk

Written by Antoinet | April 24, 2025

Walking your dog is more than just a daily routine. It's an important moment for physical activity, mental stimulation, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog. But how can you ensure that every walk goes smoothly and safely? In this blog, we share useful tips and answer frequently asked questions about walking your dog.

Why is walking your dog so important?

Walking your dog isn’t just about letting them do their business. Dogs need exercise to stay healthy and happy. Regular walks not only help your dog burn off energy but also prevent boredom and behavioral problems. Additionally, it’s a great time to socialize your dog, train them, stimulate their sense of smell, and help them relax.

Tips & tricks for an enjoyable walk

Choose the right harness or collar

The right harness or collar can make a big difference in how comfortable the walk is. For dogs that tend to pull, a harness such as a Y-harness can be a great solution. This type of harness distributes pressure evenly across the body, reducing the risk of injury and giving you better control. Not sure whether a harness or collar is better for your dog? Use the decision tool!

Use a suitable leash

Make sure to use a good leash for walking your dog. The type of leash depends on the situation and your dog’s behavior:

Retractable leash: Offers your dog more freedom, but provides much less control. Best suited for dogs that respond well to commands.
Long leash: Ideal for nature walks. Your dog can safely sniff and explore while remaining under your control.
Slip lead: This leash tightens when the dog pulls. It’s only suitable with proper training and correct use. Choose a slip lead with a double stopper to avoid pressure on the windpipe.
Short leash: In busy areas like cities, a shorter leash gives you more control and is therefore preferable.

Collars, leashes and harnesses

Let your dog sniff

Many dog owners find it annoying when their dog stops to sniff, as it slows down the walk. However, sniffing is incredibly important for dogs. They explore the world with their nose and process information through scent signals. By allowing your dog to sniff regularly, you provide mental stimulation and help them relax. Not letting your dog sniff enough can lead to anxiety or behavioral problems. Try to alternate between sniffing moments and walking steadily. This way, your dog gets the chance to explore without the walk becoming too long.

Adjust your walk to the weather

In hot weather, asphalt can get very warm and may burn your dog’s paws. In that case, try walking during cooler parts of the day and consider shortening the walk. Bring a water bottle so your dog can stay hydrated along the way. In winter, a dog coat may be necessary for extra comfort, though not every dog needs one. Wondering if your dog needs a coat? Check out our blog ‘Does your dog need a coat?’. In extremely cold temperatures, your dog might benefit from wearing boots or socks.

Reward good behavior

To encourage good behavior, it’s important to reward it. This can be done with treats, a kind word, or a gentle pet. This teaches your dog that calm walking is rewarded.

Everything for rewarding

Be mindful of other dogs

Always be considerate of other dogs while walking. Not every dog is equally social, so always ask the owner if their dog is friendly before letting your dog approach or sniff. This can help prevent unwanted incidents.

Clean up after your dog

A simple but important rule: use dog waste bags and clean up after your dog properly. This helps keep the environment clean and ensures you don’t inconvenience others. You can easily attach a poop bag dispenser to the leash for convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Walking Your Dog

How often should you walk a dog?

How often you should walk your dog depends on the breed, age, and energy level of your dog. For example, a puppy can walk for a much shorter duration than an adult dog, and an active dog needs more exercise than a less active one. In general, dogs need 3 to 5 walks per day, with at least one being a longer walk.

How long should you walk a dog?

This also depends on the breed, age, and energy level of your dog. Puppies and senior dogs require shorter but more frequent walks, while active breeds need more exercise. On average, aim for about one to one and a half hours of walking per day.

How often should you walk a puppy?

Puppies don’t need as much exercise as adult dogs but do need to be walked more frequently because they have small bladders. A good rule of thumb is five minutes of walking per month of age. So, a two-month-old puppy should walk for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time, a three-month-old for 15 minutes, and so on. Long walks at a young age can overstrain the joints and lead to joint issues later in life.

What if my dog pulls on the leash?

Dogs pulling on the leash is one of the most common frustrations among dog owners. If your dog pulls, you’ll need to unlearn this behavior. There are helpful tools available, such as a Y-harness with a front ring or an anti-pull harness, but these won’t solve the problem on their own. You’ll need to consistently train your dog to break this unwanted habit. Curious how to do that? Read our blog “Help! My dog pulls on the leash!”.