How to walk a big dog

Updated 17/02/2024

Got a larger furry friend in the family? Or perhaps you’re dog sitting for one (or more) of these big-boned buddies? Along with everyday essentials like food and water, ensuring your pooch pal gets their daily dose of exercise is essential for their mental and physical well-being. Not only does this help to ensure they’re on their best behavior, but it also strengthens the bond between pups and their humans and comes with a whole host of benefits for both parties!

However, even the most gentle giants can be quite a handful due to their size, which means preparation is extra important when gearing up to walk a larger dog. 

Understanding how to walk a big dog 

Step one in learning how to walk a big dog is understanding their needs. There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to exercise, and you’ll need to consider your furry friend’s breed, age, health, and temperament when working out how much exercise they need. If you’re house and pet sitting, the pet parents should discuss their expectations with you beforehand. 

Preparing to walk your big dog 

Once you have a good understanding of your furry friend’s needs, it’s time to get ready for walkies. It goes without saying that big dog walking is very different from taking a little Chihuahua around the block, so preparation is key. 

Essential equipment for walking big dogs

Investing in a special heavy-duty dog leash for large dogs will give you better control over your pooch pal and should stand the test of time when used over and over again. This leash for big dogs should be coupled with a properly fitted dog harness, which will add an extra layer of comfort and security while helping to reduce the strain on the neck and giving you better control over your pup. You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and the dog’s body to ensure it’s tight enough to prevent escaping Houdinis but loose enough that it won’t cause chaffing and discomfort. Make sure the harness and leash are properly secured before heading out on your walk, and as always, equip yourself with poop bags and treats.

Mastering the basics of big dog training 

It’s a good idea to get to grips with some basic training skills at home before hitting the pavement with your four-legged friend. Whether you enlist the help of a professional dog trainer or not, research shows that positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train your pooch pal - this means rewarding your dog with a treat and a pat on the head for good behavior rather than punishing them for doing anything bad. Use this technique to focus on both leash walking and recall training, particularly if you plan on letting them off the leash in the future. Remember that training takes time, practice, and patience. 

Choosing suitable walking routes

Tailor your walking route based on your four-pawed pal’s temperament, opting for quieter paths or steering clear of busy roads that might startle them. Consider walking via a dog park with an area specially designed for bigger dogs so they can be let off the leash in a secure environment.

You’ll also need to consider distance if you’re walking a larger dog - sometimes they can’t walk as far as smaller dogs, especially as they get older. If you are a sitter, check with the pet parents how far their dog can usually walk, especially if they are under 2 years old and not yet skeletally mature. It’s very important to protect their developing joints at this age.

Techniques for walking big dogs

Once you’ve done a bit of prep work it’s time to venture out! For those with more than one big dog, walking them individually should give you better control. Here are some training techniques that should help make that walk run a little smoother…

How to train a big dog to walk on a leash

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to train your dog to walk on a leash: 

1. Start by rewarding your dog simply for standing next to you.
2. Next, go for a short walk around the block and reward them for staying by your side.
3. Up the ante by walking a little further each time, taking more complicated routes, and stopping and starting to test out their skills. Reward your four-pawed pal for their good behavior. 
4. It may take some time, but once they’ve got the hang of leash training you can start weaning them off the edible rewards - a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears should eventually be enough.

How to teach your big dog recall

It’s a good idea to have your four-legged friend under voice control simply because of their sheer size - whether you intend to let them off the leash or not, you’ll want to trust they’ll return to you for their safety and your peace of mind.

1. Start your training indoors using a recall command like “come”, and reward your pooch pal when they respond correctly. 
2. Gradually increase the distance between you and your furry friend as their recall skills become more reliable. 
3. Continue practicing in different environments with more distractions such as parks, trails, and around other dogs. Be consistent with your commands and rewards in order to reinforce this positive behavior, and continue to practice regularly. 
   

How to walk a big dog that pulls

A dog that pulls is a dog that wants to get somewhere… and you’re not walking fast enough! Your furry friend shouldn’t learn that pulling on the leash will get them where they want to go faster - either stop in your tracks or turn around and walk in the opposite direction to discourage this behavior. You may also wish to avoid using a retractable leash, as these are thought to encourage dogs to pull. Remember if you’re struggling, a qualified behaviorist can help you work on your dog’s training.

Meet our veterinary expert, Holly

This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!