Tips and tricks for having a great time on a walk with your dog
Updated 15 October 2026
In short: a walk isn't just a toilet break: it keeps your dog fit, occupies its mind and strengthens your bond. An adult dog needs several outings a day, including at least one proper walk where it can sniff. Bring a well-fitted harness, a lead, water and bags. In the countryside, keep your dog on a lead around livestock, and on a short lead on open access land from 1 March to 31 July.
Why do walks matter so much?
Staying fit
Regular activity helps maintain a healthy weight and supple joints.
Sniffing, exploring
Smells are its newspaper: sniffing stimulates and calms it.
Calmer afterwards
A dog that has had a good outing settles more easily and gets bored less.
Time together
Play, training, companionship: it's the best part of its day.
How many outings a day?
Often and briefly. It can't hold on for long: take it out after every meal, nap and play session. Walks stay short; the point is gentle discovery.
Several outings a day, including at least one proper walk where it can explore and sniff. Very active breeds need much more. See its exercise needs.
Shorter, more often. Match the distance to how it feels that day, and avoid strong heat and intense cold.
A garden doesn't replace a walk. Even with lots of space, your dog needs new places, smells and encounters every day.
What should you take?
Before setting off, I have:
- Harness: a Comfort Y harness spreads pressure across the chest rather than the neck, especially if your dog still pulls.
- Lead: fixed, about 1.5 m in town, longer in the countryside; a multi-position lead does both. See which length to choose.
- Water: a water bottle with built-in bowls for long outings.
- Bags: always on the lead with a bag holder.
What rules apply?
Leads are compulsory everywhere in the UK.
IT DEPENDSThere's no general rule: it's often local rules (Public Spaces Protection Orders in parks, town centres or on beaches) that require it. On open access land, a short lead is compulsory from 1 March to 31 July to protect ground-nesting birds, and at all times near livestock.
If my dog bites someone, I must report it.
TRUEYes: in the UK, it's an offence for a dog to be dangerously out of control anywhere, including at home (Dangerous Dogs Act 1991). You're liable for the damage, so contact your insurer and see a vet and a qualified behaviourist.
It's fine to let your dog greet every dog.
FALSEGreetings are agreed between humans. Some dogs are ill, old, fearful or in training: ask first.
Heat, cold, car: good habits
- Heat: go out early in the morning and in the evening. If the tarmac is too hot for your hand, it's too hot for its paws.
- Cold and salt: rinse and dry its paws after walking on gritted pavements.
- Meals: avoid intense exercise just before and for an hour or two after a meal, especially for large, deep-chested dogs (risk of gastric dilatation-volvulus).
- Car: secure your dog in the back (safety harness linked to the seat belt, crate or dog guard), and never leave it alone in a car in the sun.
On the walk: play, do a few minutes of training, let it sniff. If a dog comes the other way, call yours back or cross over: greetings are agreed between humans.
Frequently asked questions
How many times a day should I take my dog out?
An adult dog needs several outings a day, including at least one proper walk. A puppy goes out much more often, after every meal, nap and play session.
Do dogs have to be on a lead in the countryside?
In England and Wales, dogs must be kept on a short lead (2 m maximum) on open access land from 1 March to 31 July, and at all times near livestock. The rest of the time, your dog must stay under close control and within sight (the Countryside Code).
What should I do if my dog bites someone?
Exchange details, make sure the person gets medical care and tell your insurer. Have your dog checked by a vet (pain can trigger a bite) and work with a qualified behaviourist. If someone is injured, the police may get involved: under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, a dog must not be dangerously out of control.
Should I wait after a meal before walking my dog?
A short, calm outing is fine. Avoid intense exercise for an hour or two after a meal, though, especially with large dogs.
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