How to Keep Your Dog Calm Before Walks
For many dogs, the word “walk” is like hitting the jackpot. Excited barks, spinning in circles, jumping at the door, it all feels harmless at first. But if left unmanaged, this overexcitement quickly leads to leash pulling, lack of focus, and stressful walks for both you and your dog.
Here’s the good news: you can teach your dog to stay calm before the walk even begins. And it all starts at home, with structure, consistency, and a few key training strategies.
🧠 Why Dogs Get Overexcited Before Walks
Dogs are creatures of habit. When they start to associate certain cues like picking up the leash or putting on your shoes with “fun” and high-energy, they build up anticipation.
This builds adrenaline before you even step outside, and if your dog is already in a heightened state of mind, they’re far more likely to pull, bark, or ignore you on the leash.
Think of it like trying to teach a child to sit quietly after giving them a can of soft drink and telling them it’s party time. It’s too late, they’re already wound up.
🛑 Why Overexcitement Leads to Leash Pulling
Excitement turns into energy and energy without direction becomes chaos.
When your dog is over-aroused at the door, they enter the walk in “go mode.” This makes it nearly impossible for them to focus on you, respond to leash pressure, or even notice commands.
That’s why the behaviour before the walk sets the tone for everything that follows.
✅ How to Keep Your Dog Calm Before a Walk
Here are simple, effective strategies to help your dog stay calm and focused from the moment you pick up the leash:
1. Wait for Calm Before Clipping the Leash
Don’t leash your dog while they’re jumping, barking, or pacing.
🔁 Put the leash down if they get overexcited. Wait quietly until they offer calm behaviour like sitting or standing still then try again.
🎯 Repeat as many times as needed. You're teaching them that calmness = walk. Excitement = delay.
2. Practice “Sit and Wait” at the Door
Before opening the door, ask your dog to sit and wait. This creates structure and gives them time to settle.
🛑 If they break the sit, close the door and start again.
👍 Only move forward once they’ve calmly held the sit while the door opens.
This builds patience and makes them look to you for what’s next.
3. Structured Release Cues
Use a clear command like “free” or “let’s go” to release them from the door.
❌ Avoid letting them bolt out as soon as it opens.
✅ This teaches your dog that you control the start of the walk, not them.
4. Use the Right Training Tools
Once outside, you want to keep that calm state going. Tools like the Kontroller Head Halter or Korrection Slip Leash can help you maintain gentle, clear communication and prevent pulling before it starts.
5. Stay Calm Yourself
Dogs mirror our energy. If you’re flustered, rushed, or impatient, your dog picks up on that.
🧘 Take a breath. Move with calm intention.
🎤 Use a steady tone when giving commands.
Your calmness sets the tone.
