Are You Walking Your Dog the Wrong Way?

Your Regular Walks Could Be Doing More Harm Than Good

Dog walking isn't just about physical exercise—it’s an opportunity for connection, stress relief, and overall well-being. But here’s something surprising: most people unknowingly walk their dogs in a way that actually increases their stress instead of reducing it.

If you’ve ever said, “My dog has so much energy! I just need to walk him more,” you’re not alone. But the truth is, more exercise doesn’t always lead to better behaviour. In many cases, it can have the opposite effect.

Let’s take a fresh look at dog walking and learn how to do it the right way.

Why More Walks Won’t Solve Your Dog’s Energy Issues

Many people believe that high-energy or working breeds need more exercise to burn off excess energy. But here’s the real issue: that energy often comes from stress, not a lack of movement.

• Stress triggers adrenaline and cortisol, making dogs appear hyperactive or restless.
• Too much exercise can actually reinforce stress, keeping dogs in a constant state of hyperarousal.
• Overworked dogs don’t necessarily get tired—they get overstimulated.

If you want a calmer dog, you need to engage in activities that promote relaxation. Think of it like yoga instead of high-intensity cardio. Instead of focusing on exhausting your dog, focus on teaching them how to be calm.

The Wrong Way vs. The Right Way to Walk Your Dog

A rushed, distracted walk with a dog pulling on the leash isn’t just frustrating—it’s counterproductive. It keeps your dog in a heightened, reactive state.

❌ What an ineffective walk looks like:

• The owner is distracted—on their phone, or mentally checked out.
• The dog is overly excited, pulling, and disengaged.
• The goal is simply to tire the dog out instead of working together.

✔️ What a quality walk looks like:

• The owner is present and engaged.
• The dog walks calmly, checking in with their owner.
• The walk focuses on connection rather than just physical movement.

A mindful walk isn’t about how far you go—it’s about how you experience it together.

The Hunting Instinct: What Your Dog’s DNA Tells Us About Walks

To understand why structure and teamwork matter on a walk, we need to look at a dog’s natural instincts. 

Dogs are hunters. But in the wild, successful hunts don’t happen every day. When a pack catches prey, they rest for days before hunting again. Constant movement isn’t natural—it’s exhausting.

Even in domesticated breeds, their instincts shape their behaviour:

🐾 Livestock guardian dogs have been bred to suppress their hunting drive.
🐾 Herding breeds focus on controlling movement rather than chasing prey.
🐾 Retrievers naturally have the urge to carry objects.
🐾 Sight hounds have a strong instinct to chase fast-moving things.

Hunting was never meant to be a daily activity. If dogs were still part of a working pack, they wouldn’t be walking long distances every day. They’d work together, then rest. That’s balance.

When (and Why) Some Dogs Need Daily Walks

Not every dog requires a daily walk—but for some, it’s essential.

Dogs who benefit from daily walks:

• Dogs that spend long hours outside or in kennels.
• Dogs with little mental stimulation at home.
• Dogs with minimal human interaction.

If your dog is actively involved in your daily life—spending time with you, engaged in activities—they may not need a walk every single day. But for dogs that spend most of their time alone, a walk might be their primary opportunity for interaction and stimulation.

However, if a dog is experiencing stress, an improperly structured walk can actually make things worse.

How to Walk Your Dog the Right Way

A great walk isn’t measured by distance—it’s measured by quality.

1️⃣ Be fully present. Put away distractions and focus on your dog.
2️⃣ Slow down. Let your dog sniff, explore, and take in their surroundings.
3️⃣ Encourage teamwork. Walk together—your dog shouldn’t be pulling or ignoring you.
4️⃣ Observe their energy. If your dog seems more excited after a walk, try slowing things down next time.

Think of your walk as a shared experience rather than just a form of exercise.

Final Thoughts: Walk With Purpose

Dog walking shouldn’t be about following a strict schedule—it should be about understanding and meeting your dog’s individual needs.

If your dog is constantly full of energy, ask yourself:

• Do they truly need more movement, or are they stressed?
• Am I walking them in a way that promotes relaxation, or am I reinforcing hyperactivity?

Walking your dog shouldn’t be about draining their energy—it should be about teaching them how to be calm.

💬 Do you walk your dog every day, or do you prioritise quality over quantity? Let’s discuss in the comments!