Dog walks aren’t always as peaceful as we imagine. One minute you’re heading out for a relaxing stroll — the next, your dog is pulling like a freight train, barking at a passing cyclist, or wrapping the lead around your legs. If every walk feels like a disaster waiting to happen, you’re not alone.

The good news? Most walking problems have simple, practical fixes. And the first step often starts with your gear. Something as basic as switching to a well-designed dog harness from https://us.dogfriendlyco.com/collections/dog-harnesses can give you more control and help your dog feel safer and more comfortable on the lead.

Here are some of the most common dog walking challenges — and what you can do to solve them.

When Your Dog Pulls Like Mad

Pulling is one of the most frustrating things for dog owners. It turns a nice walk into a tug-of-war match. While it’s normal for dogs to be excited, pulling shouldn’t be a regular part of the walk.

A no-pull harness is a great place to start — it gives you better control and makes it harder for your dog to lunge forward. But you’ll also need to retrain how your dog thinks about walking. Stop each time they pull, and only move forward again when the lead goes slack. Yes, it takes patience, but they’ll soon learn that pulling gets them nowhere.

When They Bark at Everything

Some dogs turn into alert systems the second you step outside. Birds, cars, other dogs — everything sets them off.

To manage this, try walking in quieter areas or during off-peak times. Bring treats and reward your dog when they stay calm around triggers. Teaching a cue like “look at me” helps redirect their focus and breaks the habit of reacting to every little thing.

Over time, your dog will start to check in with you instead of barking at the world.

When the Lead Turns into a Tangled Mess

Does your dog zigzag in front of you or constantly switch sides? It’s easy to end up wrapped in the lead or tripping over it.

Pick a side — left or right — and stick with it. Keep the lead short but relaxed, and reward your dog every time they stay beside you for a few steps. The more consistent you are, the quicker they’ll get the idea. You can also try changing directions suddenly when they start veering — it encourages them to pay more attention to your pace and position.

When Your Dog Slips Free

A dog that wriggles out of their collar or harness can be a real safety risk. If this has happened to you, it’s time to double-check the fit of your gear.

Harnesses should be snug without being tight. Make sure they can’t back out of it or slide out when they pull. A quality harness made for active walking is far less likely to shift or loosen mid-walk than a basic or old one.

When They Refuse to Walk

If your dog plants their feet and refuses to budge, they might be unsure, nervous, or just not in the mood. Instead of dragging them (which never helps), take a step back — literally.

Try walking in quieter places. Keep the outing short and positive. Bring along a favourite treat or toy. For young pups or recently adopted dogs, the outside world might still be a lot to take in. Be patient, stay upbeat, and let them build confidence at their own pace.

When They Get Overstimulated Fast

Some dogs hit sensory overload within minutes of stepping outside. They start barking, spinning, or trying to chase every moving thing — and once they’re worked up, it’s hard to bring them back down.

Instead of trying to “tire them out” with a long, high-energy walk, do the opposite. Take short walks in calm areas with minimal distractions. The aim is to stay just below the point where they get overwhelmed. Gradually introduce new sights, sounds, and smells over time. With regular, low-stress exposure, their threshold will grow — and walks will start to feel less like a battle.

Every dog is different, and not every walk will go perfectly. But with the right mix of patience, training, and well-fitted gear, most of the common problems can be turned around.

You don’t need to be a professional trainer — just someone willing to meet your dog where they’re at and make a few smart changes. Those daily walks don’t have to feel like hard work. With the right approach, they can become one of the best parts of your day.