Dog Walking Secrets: Why the Lead Matters More Than You Think

Have you ever wondered what dog walking really means to your dog?

For us, a walk is about exercise, fresh air, or clearing our heads. But for dogs, it’s so much more. A walk is how they burn off energy, stimulate their brains, and — most importantly — understand where they stand in the pack.

Here’s the thing… many owners avoid taking their dogs out because of pulling, lunging, or the stress of being dragged down the street. Others drive to the park, unclip the lead and let the dog run free to avoid the battle. Tempting, I know! But when we do this, we miss one of the most powerful training opportunities available: showing our dogs who the leader really is.

💡 The walk = leadership. It’s where your dog learns whether they can trust you to be in charge, or whether they need to take that role themselves. And when they think they’re the leader, that’s when so many unwanted behaviours start.

A Story That Proves the Point

I once worked with a Westie who’d attacked the family’s cats several times. The house was divided — cats upstairs, dog downstairs — and the owners were at breaking point.

Before we even attempted an introduction, I took the dog out for a structured walk. Calm lead work drained his nervous energy, put him in a follower’s mindset, and reassured the owner too. By the time we returned, he was relaxed and responsive.

When we re-introduced him to the cats, something amazing happened: he looked away (a submissive gesture), lay down in his bed, and the tension evaporated. The owner’s jaw nearly hit the floor! In one session, a “dangerous” situation turned into harmony — all because of leadership on the walk.

The Takeaway Lesson

Dog walking isn’t just about fresh air. It’s a leadership exercise. When you get this right, so many other areas of behaviour fall into place: barking, aggression, separation anxiety, even destructive chewing.

Yes, it takes dedication, but the results are worth it.

So next time you clip on the lead, see it as an opportunity to step into your role as calm, confident leader. The changes you’ll see in your dog can be life-changing.

🐾 Would you like step-by-step training support? You’ll find full guidance in my Dog Training DVDs and Online Courses — trusted by over 26,000 dog owners worldwide. And remember to scroll back up to grab your FREE eBook for kind, proven methods that stop pulling, aggression and unwanted behaviour.