Digital Dog Training Hub

🚶‍♀️ Lead Walking Woes?

You’re not alone — and you’re not doing it wrong

Lead walking is one of the most common reasons people feel frustrated, embarrassed, or unsure — and it’s something I help clients work through every single week.

If walks feel hard, inconsistent, or exhausting, it’s rarely because your dog is being stubborn or because you haven’t trained enough. More often, it’s because something in your dog’s world is tipping them out of balance before they even have a chance to respond well.

Pulling, zig-zagging, freezing, lunging, or switching off aren’t “naughty behaviours”. They’re information.

Why lead walking can feel so difficult

Lead walking brings together a lot of challenges at once:

• New environments

• Movement restrictions

• Excitement, worry, or over-arousal

• Sensory overload (sounds, smells, people, dogs)

For many dogs, especially enthusiastic or sensitive ones, this can quickly push them into a state where thinking becomes difficult. When that happens, skills they can do at home simply aren’t available to them outside.

That doesn’t mean the training has failed — it means your dog’s nervous system needs support before learning can happen.

What this interactive chart helps you explore

The interactive chart below is designed to help you pause and look at the bigger picture, rather than jumping straight to correction or control.

It will help you:

• Identify what might be driving your dog’s behaviour on the lead

• Understand the difference between excitement, stress, and overwhelm

• Recognise when your dog is no longer able to think or respond

• Explore practical, force-free strategies that support regulation and focus

This isn’t about quick fixes or “perfect” walking.
It’s about helping your dog feel safe enough to choose calmer responses.

How to use the chart

Take your time.

You don’t need to work through everything at once or apply every suggestion. Often, one small change — made consistently — can make a noticeable difference.

Use the chart to:

• Reflect on what your dog is telling you

• Adjust expectations for different environments

• Choose strategies that suit your dog, not someone else’s

Progress comes from understanding first, not pressure.

If walks still feel hard

Sometimes lead walking struggles are tied to:

• Emotional regulation

• Arousal levels

• Previous learning experiences

• Or simply doing too much, too soon

If you find yourself stuck, support can make all the difference — whether that’s through a lead walking guide, a class, or one-to-one training tailored to your dog.

You don’t have to navigate it alone.

A gentle reminder

Your dog isn’t giving you a hard time. They’re having a hard time.

Understanding that is often the first step towards calmer, more enjoyable walks for both of you.

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If you find you need a bit more guidance, you’re very welcome to explore the lead walking eBook or get in touch to talk things through. Sometimes having a plan — or a conversation — makes all the difference.