How to Encourage Your Puppy to Enjoy Walks: Expert Tips



Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting experience filled with firsts — the first cuddle, the first game of fetch, and, of course, the first walk. Walking is not just a way for your pup to get some exercise; it’s an essential part of their physical development, mental stimulation, and socialization. However, not all puppies take to the leash instantly. Some may feel hesitant, fearful, or simply uninterested in walking at first.

And, this is perfectly normal behaviour.

As a responsible pet parent, it’s important to patiently encourage your puppy to enjoy their daily walks. Building positive experiences early on lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits, happy adventures, and a well-socialized dog. In this blog, we’ll dive into why walking is crucial for puppies, expert-recommended ways to make walks fun, and useful puppy walking tips to ensure every outing is safe and enjoyable.

Why Do Puppies Need to Walk?

Walking plays a critical role in a puppy’s growth and development. It’s much more than just physical exercise; it’s about exploring the world, building confidence, and learning new skills.

Daily walks help puppies:

• Burn off their abundant energy, reducing behavioral issues at home.

• Strengthen their growing muscles and joints.

• Learn important socialization skills by encountering new sights, sounds, smells, people, and other animals — helping your pup grow into a confident dog.

• Improve mental stimulation by exploring new environments, which keeps their curious minds engaged.

• Establish trust and deepen the bond between you and your pup.

Skipping regular walks can lead to pent-up energy, frustration, and even behavioral problems such as excessive barking, chewing, and anxiety. That’s why early leash training and positive walking experiences are essential.

6 Ways to Encourage Your Puppy to Enjoy Walks

Helping your puppy fall in love with walks is all about patience, encouragement, and understanding their pace. Here are six expert-backed strategies you can use:

1. Start Indoors First

Before heading out into the big, noisy world, it’s wise to introduce your puppy to the concept of walking inside the comfort of your home. Clip the leash onto their collar or harness and let them walk around indoors. Encourage them with treats, praise, and a cheerful tone of voice whenever they move in the desired direction. One of the most effective dog walking tips is helping your puppy get accustomed to the feeling of the leash without overwhelming stimuli.

2. Choose the Right Equipment

Using the correct walking gear makes a huge difference. Opt for a lightweight harness instead of a collar for small puppies, as harnesses reduce strain on their delicate necks and give better control. Make sure the leash is light and comfortable to hold. Investing in quality equipment ensures your puppy’s first walking experience is safe and comfortable.

3. Keep Walks Short and Positive

In the beginning, keep walks very short — even just 5–10 minutes. Your puppy’s attention span and stamina are still developing. The goal is to build a positive association with walks, not to exhaust them. Celebrate every little success with lots of praise and small, healthy treats. Remember, at this stage, it’s more about the experience than the distance covered.

4. Introduce New Environments Gradually

Puppies can easily get overwhelmed by too much too soon. A good dog walking tip is to gradually expose your pup to different walking environments like quiet streets, parks, or grassy fields. Watch for signs of fear or anxiety — like tucked tails or flattened ears — and back off if needed. A slow introduction allows them to build confidence at their own pace.

5. Use Treats and Toys for Motivation

Using high-value treats or favorite toys can work wonders to motivate reluctant puppies. Carry a few treats such as Dogsee Mini Pops in your pocket and reward your puppy frequently when they walk alongside you or show curiosity towards new surroundings. Positive reinforcement helps them associate walks with fun and rewards, making them eager to venture out.

6. Let Them Sniff and Explore

Walking isn’t just about moving forward. For dogs, sniffing is an important mental activity. Let your puppy stop, sniff, and investigate their environment during walks. This satisfies their natural curiosity and helps them feel more comfortable and confident. It’s often said that a “sniff walk” can be more tiring and fulfilling for a puppy than a brisk jog!

Tips to Remember While Going Out for Walks

While encouraging your puppy to enjoy their walk, a few extra precautions can make the experience even smoother and safer:

Be Patient and Stay Calm

Your puppy will pick up on your emotions. One of the key puppy walking tips is to stay calm and patient—if you’re frustrated or rushed, they’ll sense it and might become anxious. Keep your energy calm, patient, and positive to make walks feel safe and enjoyable.

Stick to a Routine

Dogs thrive on routine. Try to walk your puppy at roughly the same time every day. Predictable outings help them anticipate and look forward to their daily adventure.

Mind the Weather

Extreme temperatures can be dangerous for puppies. Avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day, and check surfaces like asphalt, which can burn delicate paw pads. During colder months, consider dog sweaters or paw protection if needed.

Watch for Hazards

Puppies love to explore but don’t always know what’s safe. Keep an eye out for dangerous items like broken glass, toxic plants, sharp objects, or other animals that could pose a threat.

Bring Water and Poop Bags

Carry fresh water, especially on longer walks or warmer days, and don’t forget poop bags. Cleaning up after your dog poops is part of responsible pet parenting and keeps public spaces enjoyable for everyone.

Tackling other aggressive dogs

Stay alert for signs of aggression in other dogs, like stiff posture or growling. Calmly change direction or cross the street if needed. Keep your puppy close and use a confident voice to help them feel safe.

Don’t Rush the Process

Each puppy is different. Some might enjoy walks immediately, while others need weeks of patient encouragement. Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate every small victory!

Conclusion

Helping your puppy fall in love with walks is one of the most rewarding moments of early pet parenting. Through positive reinforcement, patience, and a focus on fun and exploration, you can turn every walk into an exciting adventure your pup looks forward to.

Remember, it's not just about exercise — it’s about building a bond, nurturing confidence, and opening up a world of new experiences for your furry friend.

At Dogsee, we believe that healthy, happy puppies make for great companions. Whether you’re using Dogsee’s natural treats as training rewards or our innovative toys like the Treatoy for engagement, we’re here to support you in every step of the way.

Start slow, stay positive, and enjoy the many adventures that await you and your puppy on every walk!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. At what age can I start walking my puppy?

Answer: You can start leash training indoors around 8 weeks, but wait until your puppy has completed core vaccinations (typically 12–16 weeks) before walking them outside.

2. How long should puppy walks be?

Answer: Puppy walks should be short—generally 5 minutes per month of age, up to twice a day. For example, a 3-month-old pup can handle about 15 minutes per walk.

3. What if my puppy refuses to walk?

Answer: Try using treats, toys, or gentle encouragement. Start indoors or in quiet areas, and let your puppy explore at their own pace without pressure.

4. How do I teach my puppy to walk on a leash without pulling?

Answer: Use positive reinforcement, stop walking when they pull, and reward them when they stay close to your side. Patience and consistency are the key.

5. Is it safe to walk my puppy in public parks?