Try 13 dog walking tips for first-time dog owners or beginners

The nicest way to spend time with your dog is by taking a stress-free walk. If you’ve never walked a dog, you might assume it’s relatively easy.

But it takes some planning, training, and patience to master the art of dog walking and make daily walks fun for you and the dog.

Consider the dog’s age and size if you want to get your children involved in walking the dog. Then, consider the child’s age to determine whether the child is old enough to walk the dog.

If you are a new dog owner or want to prepare yourself before taking your furry friend for his first stroll, here are 10 beginner dog-walking tips.

Dog walking is a great way to keep your pet healthy and happy.

However, people make some common mistakes when they’re first starting.

Here are 10 things that every beginner should know about dog walking.

1. Plan a routine

An efficient dog routine is essential for a happy and healthy dog. It’s also crucial for their owners, as it helps build a strong bond of affection between them.

A general dog routine has four major parts: diet, grooming, sleep hygiene, and dog walking (exercise). When preparing a routine for your new dog, it is recommended that you seek advice from a professional vet.

Dogs are loving pets and deserve care and time in return. Dedicate some time specifically for your dog; take him for a walk after getting home or play fetch or frisbee with him in a dog park.

Spend time daily with your dog to strengthen the relationship.

And don’t forget to bring along poop bags so you can clean up after your dog.

2. Find the best time for your dog’s walk

The best time to walk your dog is in the morning so that they can poop in the early morning to avoid unwanted accidents afterward.

Morning walks allow your dog to burn off some of their energy early and account for a better mood throughout the day.

Avoid walking your dog during a storm; they might get scared and run off.

Moreover, taking a day off on a hot and humid day is better, as the dog might get too hot and dehydrated during leash training.

Stay off hot sidewalks in the day’s peak heat that can burn your dog’s paws. Or you can use booties to protect your pup’s paws.

3. Lead your walks

Leading walks is an essential part of dog ownership. You’re in charge of where your dog goes, what it sees, and what it does.

Many first-time pet parents think letting the dog lead the walk is more natural, but this can be dangerous because you don’t know what your dog will do next.

The first thing you should do when leading a walk with your dog is to take control. If your dog is pulling on its leash, stop immediately and not move forward until it stops pulling.

As a dog owner, establishing yourself as the pack leader by walking in the front is essential.

On the other hand, if the dog dominates the walks, they may never recognize you as a leader, which can also affect the dog’s obedience training.

You ought to be the first person in and out of the house. While walking, dogs should be either at your side or the back.

4. Use a front-clip harness and a short leash

The front clip harness and short leash are advised for first-time dog owners with little to no experience walking their dogs.

The main advantage of these dog accessories is that they assist owners in maintaining better control when their dog pulls, which makes walking easier and more comfortable for the dog.

Unlike dog collars, it does not choke the dog’s neck, interrupting natural blood flow as dogs aggressively pull on the leash. Lack of blood flow may cause blood clotting and damage your dog’s organs in the long run.

5. Let your dog get familiar with the leash and harness

A dog’s first experience with a leash is an exciting time. It can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is ensuring the dog is comfortable and not afraid of the leash or harness.

The first step in leash training a new dog or puppy is to introduce them to the leash and harness. You want your pup to sniff the leash but not chew or tug on it too hard.

Start by placing the harness on the dog and allowing him to roam around the home or backyard to get used to it.

6. Choose a spot with few distractions for leash walking

We want to teach our dogs to focus and walk without distractions. If we are not careful, the environment can be too distracting for our dog to learn anything.

People screaming, yelling, crying, fighting, or arguing. Dogs are sensitive to such emotions and can get scared or anxious when they hear such noises.

Many distractions may distract your dog while leash training. So, choose a place that is less crowded or does not have other animals, such as ducks, squirrels, or cats, nearby.

Leash walking can also help reduce the dog’s stress levels as he tries to learn new things while training.

7. Start with small, interactive training sessions

Short training sessions are beneficial for a new owner and their pup. A less stressful leash training session enables a puppy to learn leash manners without getting bored or tired.

If training is long, especially for a small puppy, it is likely that the puppy will not learn anything and will eventually start hating such sessions.

Short walking sessions help a puppy build stamina and gradually focus on what they are being trained to do.

First-time dog owners are primarily unaware that puppies, regardless of breed, cannot walk that far.

As starters, small dogs should only be trained for a maximum of 25 minutes. As your dog gets older and more experienced, you can slowly advance toward longer walks.

8. Reward good behavior with delicious treats

Rewarding your dog is a part of the training process, where you encourage the dog to continue listening to your commands. It’s how you teach your dog that good behavior is worth the effort.

You can also use positive reinforcement dog training, a popular technique in rewarding your dog with something they want, like food or praise, when they do something well. Use dog treats and praises like “good boy” and “good dog” to motivate the dog.

It’s not always the simplest task to train your dog to behave in training, although it is not impossible. It’s crucial to understand how and when to give your dog rewards.

When you have dog treats in hand, a dog will most likely listen to you, so it is best to reward them when they’ve listened to you or shown good behavior. Giving dogs treats whenever they ask encourages bad manners and won’t help in dog training.

9. Prepare for dog walks

The owner should be prepared for any situation when a dog is on a leash. A well-trained dog and the right equipment are essential.

Some tools may aid you in walking your dog. You should never forget some standard accessories like collars, harnesses, leashes, and dog waste bags.

In addition, you should keep a hand towel, an extra water bottle, an extra leash, and some dog treats.

To ensure that you may be ready for anything, it is a good idea to stock up on all the essential things before going on a walk with the dog.

10. Get a GPS tracker for your dog

The best advice for new dog owners is to properly tag their dogs with their contact number or track them through a microchip.

A GPS tracker is a device you attach to your dog’s collar or harness. It will track where your dog is at all times. This can be helpful if you’re worried about your dog roaming outside or if it’s prone to get lost.

Another smart idea is to put your phone number and dog’s name on a dog tag that he is wearing.

11. Keep your dog hydrated

When taking your dog for a walk, it is crucial to ensure they are correctly hydrated.

Like humans, dogs can become dehydrated, especially when engaging in physical activity such as walking.

Providing plenty of water is essential for maintaining your dog’s overall health and well-being. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues for dogs, including organ failure and heat stroke.

Always bring a water bottle and a collapsible water bowl during walks, especially in warm weather.

Remember to offer your dog water regularly, and be mindful of signs of dehydration such as excessive panting, dry gums, and weakness.

Prioritizing proper hydration will help ensure your dog stays happy and healthy during walks.

12. Recognize fatigue

Recognizing signs of fatigue or overheating in your dog while walking is crucial for their safety and well-being.

Watch for excessive panting, drooling, and high body temperature, which indicate your dog is overheating.

Other signs of fatigue may include lagging, reluctance to continue walking, and excessive stopping or lying down.

Additionally, watch for symptoms such as disorientation, vomiting, and bright red gums, as these could be signs of heatstroke.

If you notice any of these symptoms, finding a shaded area for your dog to rest and offer it water is essential.

If the symptoms persist, it’s essential to seek veterinary care promptly.

13. Tackle walking multiple dogs

When walking multiple dogs, it’s essential to establish control and ensure the safety of both your dogs and those around you. Here are some tips for safely walking and managing multiple dogs at once:

Use proper equipment

Invest in sturdy leashes and harnesses appropriate for your dog’s size and strength. Consider using a hands-free leash around your waist to free your hands and maintain control.

Start with obedience training

Before attempting to walk multiple dogs simultaneously, make sure each dog is well-trained to walk on a leash and respond to basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “heel.” This will make managing them easier.

Introduce the dogs gradually

If your dogs are new to walking together, introduce them to each other gradually in a controlled environment before attempting walks.

Maintain a consistent pace

Walk at a pace that suits the physical abilities of all your dogs. Be mindful of each dog and ensure they are comfortable with your pace.

Stay alert

Pay close attention to each dog’s body language and behavior. Be proactive in preventing any potential conflicts or distractions. Anticipate situations that could lead to tension between the dogs and act accordingly.

Plan a route

Choose a familiar and safe walking route free from potential hazards and distractions. Avoid crowded areas, busy roads, or places with heavy foot traffic to minimize stress and potential conflict.

Practice positive reinforcement

Reward good behavior with treats and praise to encourage your dogs to stay focused and well-behaved during the walk.

Be prepared to adapt

Be prepared to adjust your walking route or pace based on your dogs’ behavior. If one dog seems agitated or distracted, be ready to make changes to keep the walk peaceful and enjoyable for everyone.

Final thoughts on dog walking tips for beginniners

After reading through these dog-walking tips for beginners, I realize they may all seem overwhelming. Let’s simplify everything.

The first step is to familiarize your dog with going for walks. The simplest way is to take them on short, repeated walks around the house or backyard.

Additionally, ensure you always have a spare leash and collar available.

Consider what your dog likes and doesn’t like when picking a route. You should also consider whether other dogs are in the area, as your dog has socializing issues.

To avoid this, consider walking your dog during off-peak hours.

Camila Coleman is the managing editor at DogsBestLeash.org, which focuses on leash training, pet walking, and traveling with your pet. She’s been a dog owner for 15 years and worked as a professional content writer and dog walker.

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