Life on a lead: keeping walks fun for your dog

Not all owners are able to let their dog off the lead. There are many reasons why this might be the case:  

• Their dog is worried about people or other dogs
• Their dog has a strong prey drive
• Their dog may not have a reliable recall
• Their dog must be kept on a lead in public for legal reasons

If you cannot let your dog off the lead for any reason, you may feel disappointed or frustrated. But, with the right approach, on lead walks can be just as fun for both you and your dog. This page will help you and your dog get the very best out of time on the lead. 

Where to walk your dog

Where you walk your dog depends on many factors. But if you keep your dog on the lead, then you’ll need to consider the best location for walks.

Walks should be an enjoyable and positive experience for you both. So where possible, try to avoid situations that you know may cause them to become overly stressed or worried. For example, if you dog becomes difficult to control or anxious when there are other dogs about, avoid going to a busy park at peak times.

Equipment for walking your dog

When walking your dog, you may need certain equipment. This is to help you manage them safely when you’re out and about. It may take some time for your dog to get used to wearing equipment (such as muzzles, head collars and long lines).

Adjusting to life on a lead

If your dog was previously allowed off lead, remember that they may need some time to adjust to their new lifestyle.  

It’s perfectly normal for dogs to become frustrated at first. To help them get used to this change, you can go to places they do not associate with going off lead. Don’t worry, you may not have to avoid these places forever. Just long enough for your dog to get used to the new ways of walking.

How to make on lead walks fun for your dog

Get exploring!

If you and your dog are the adventurous type, find new areas to explore together – you’ll be surprised how easy it is to miss good walks in your local area if you’re not looking.

You might not need to go far to find a new walking route. There are lots of useful apps with great information on dog walks. Alternatively, a good ordnance survey map will show you hidden pathways you may not have been aware of.  

There are many places to visit that require dogs to be on leads in the UK. This means you won’t have the added worry of dogs rushing up to your dog if they find this challenging.

Scent games

If you're unable to access off-track areas on your walks, don’t worry. A dog’s primary sense is smell. This means road walks can be just as interesting as the park or fields.

People tend to take in scenery and views, whereas dogs enjoy getting their nose down to gather lots of information about their environment. You can enhance this experience by incorporating scent games on your walks. Try scattering a few treats in a grassy verge, or ask them to find a toy you’ve thrown a short distance.

More on scent games

Sniff walks

It’s important that dogs get to sniff on walks. You may have heard the term ‘sniffari’ – this is where you let your dog choose what direction they would like to move and walk in. If it’s safe to do so, allow your dog to explore and sniff wherever they would like. Your job is to follow and keep them safe from roads or eating things they shouldn’t.  

This is a very mentally stimulating walk for your dog. Though it may be at a much slower pace, it can help satisfy your dog and provide huge benefits to their mental well-being. You can do this as many times as you’d like on a walk, or dedicate a few walks each week to this activity.  

If you’ve never gone on a sniff walk before, you’ll be surprised how often dogs use their nose on a walk. Be prepared to take things slower than you might be used to, and don’t be surprised if your dog wants to smell the same blade of grass or a tree stump for several minutes.

Training your dog

Just because your dog is attached to you, does not mean you shouldn’t train your dog in the same way if they were off lead. Training is fun for you both and is very mentally stimulating for your dog. It can help to keep your on lead walks varied and busy.

More on training your dog