Last Updated: 03/02/2026
5 Essential Dog Walking Tips: A Vet Guide to Safer, Happier Strolls
Want to turn your daily walk into the highlight of the day? Learn how to manage lead pulling, choose the right gear for neck sensitivities, and stay safe in the Australian heat with these 5 essential dog walking tips from the Pet Circle vet team.
Author: Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 7 minutes - short read
Walking your dog is about so much more than just a quick bathroom break; it is a vital opportunity for exercise, mental enrichment, and bonding. However, between exuberant lead pullers and the scorching Australian sun, a simple stroll can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. Whether you are navigating busy footpaths or exploring local trails, being prepared with the right equipment and safety knowledge ensures that every outing is a positive experience. Follow these five vet-approved tips to keep your pup safe, fit, and wagging all the way home.
Choose the best gear for safety and comfort
With so many great options available for harnesses, collars, and leads, there's no excuse not to keep your dog safe while out and about.
Retractable Leads: Be Wary
If you are using a retractable lead there are some important things to be aware of to prevent injury to you or your dog.
Retractable leads can be convenient in certain situations, but they can lead to certain dangerous situations if not used correctly.
- It is best not to let the lead out too far; it should be long enough that you still have effective control
- Be sure to lock it off when it has reached the desired length so you aren't caught unawares
- If the lead is too long you or your dog may become tangled or your dog could run into the way of incoming traffic!
What about dogs with neck sensitivities?
For dogs who suffer from a sensitive neck or upper back, we recommend opting for a soft, gentle harness, and considering an anti-jolt, bungee lead.
This is particularly important for dogs who have a history of neck injuries or those prone to intervertebral disc disease, such as dachshunds. There are a number of soft harnesses that provide proper restraint without applying too much pressure to the neck and worsening your pup's pain.
Learn more in:
How to stop your dog from pulling on the lead
Proper training is vital in order to stop your dog pulling on the lead, and it usually requires a great deal of persistence, patience, and mental fortitude!
What are the best anti-pull harnesses and collars?
To augment your training, there are a number of essential products that are routinely recommended by dog trainers and vets. Rather than opting for an outdated, pain-inducing device like a choker chain or spiked collar, we recommend products that cleverly redirect your pup's pulling power. Headcollars have a padded nose strap which works by gently directing the head, steering your dog into the desired position. Likewise, no-pull harnesses like the Halti Harness or the Rogz Stop Pull Harness redirect your dog's pulling and don't require attachment to the face.
Some dogs who pull also benefit from being off leash. Of course keeping your dog on a lead at all times is the safest way to walk, but if you are confident in their ability to come when called, off leash walking can be great fun for you both. Always make sure that you check the council regulations regarding off leash walking in your area, or you may cop a hefty fine!
The importance of microchipping and ID tags
Even the best made plans can go awry, so it is important to have a way of getting your dog returned to you if they run off. Microchipping is a safe, affordable and lifelong way to ensure that your pet is always able to be identified. In fact, most states and territories now require dogs and cats to be microchipped. Your vet or local council can give you more information. Remember that if your contact details change, you need to update them with your pet's microchip registry. Read more about microchipping in our New Puppy Guide.
ID Tags are not only fashionable, but provide another way in which your pet can be quickly identified. Unlike a microchip which needs to be read by an electronic reader, an ID tag instantly allows anyone who finds your pet to get your contact details.
Road safety and night-time visibility tips
If you are walking at night time, invest in an reflective collar, harness or lead, reflective jacket and light up pendant to increase your visibility to passing drivers.
When walking along roadways, stick to the footpath wherever possible. If you do have to walk on the road, it is best to do so facing oncoming cars with your dog on your side furthest away from traffic. It's important to train your dog to walk beside you, obey your commands, and avoid the road.
Learn more in our 10 Tips for Walking Your Dog at Night.
Protecting your dog from the Australian heat
Dogs don't sweat apart from on their paws, and rely solely on panting to regulate their body temperature on hot days. This method of temperature regulation is not very efficient and they can quickly overheat, especially in the Australian summer.
Brachycephalic breeds (dogs with short snouts) like pugs, bulldogs and boxers are particularly susceptible. To reduce the risk of heat stress, avoid walking your dog during the heat of the day and provide plenty of opportunities for them to rest and drink water. To help keep your pup hydrated, we recommend taking a drink bottle and collapsible travel bowl or travel water bottle on every daytime walk.
Signs of heat stress include excessive panting, heavy drooling, very red gums, weakness and loss of consciousness. If you think your dog may be affected it is critical that you get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Remember: AUSSIE ROADS GET HOT! Another thing to be mindful of in the summer months is the temperature of the footpath or bitumen. The soft pads on your dog's feet may burn and blister if they are walked on a surface that is too hot. If the road or pavement is too hot for you to hold the back of your hand against for a count of five, it is too hot for your dog to walk on.
Learn more in our guide to Heatstroke in Dogs.
FAQs
A consistent walking routine is one of the best gifts you can give your dog, supporting their physical health and keeping their mind sharp. By investing in the right gear, staying vigilant about the weather, and ensuring their identification is up to date, you can enjoy your adventures with total peace of mind. Remember, every dog is an individual - so take it at their pace, keep those tidy-up bags handy, and enjoy the many benefits of staying active together!
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed 4 Feb 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)
Head Veterinarian, BVSc (Hons)
Pet Circle's Head Veterinarian, Dr Teagan graduated from the University of Queensland in 2010 and went on to work in small animal and mixed practice in various locations around QLD & ACT before joining Pet Circle in early 2016. Dr Teagan has special interests in dermatology, nutrition and preventative health care. She feels privileged to witness the special bond people share with their pets on a daily basis and enjoys forming lasting relationships with pet parents and their fur children.
