Why You Still Need to Walk Reactive Dogs – And How to Do It Right

We get it – walking a reactive dog can feel like stepping into a battlefield. You gear up for what should be a calm, enjoyable outing, only for your dog to lunge, bark, or completely unravel at the sight of another dog, person, bike or whatever their trigger may be. And while it’s becoming more common for dog trainers and social media voices to suggest avoiding walks altogether, we’re here to explain why that approach often creates more problems than it solves.

At Paws Academy, we believe that dogs – even the reactive ones – still need walks. Not just for physical exercise, but for mental wellbeing, exposure, confidence-building, and progression. Let’s dig into why ditching walks altogether can be damaging, how enrichment games are valuable but not a complete substitute, and most importantly, how to tailor your walks to actually support your dog’s behavioural journey – not stall it.

The Misleading Message: “Just Stop Walking Your Dog”

There’s a growing trend among some dog trainers suggesting that you should stop walking your reactive dog. The idea is that if walks are stressful for both you and your dog, it’s better to eliminate them and focus on enrichment at home. While this advice may come from a well-meaning place, the issue is that it lacks nuance and doesn’t consider the long-term behavioural effects.

Reactive dogs are usually not behaving this way “just because”. Their reactivity often stems from fear, anxiety, frustration, or a lack of coping skills. Removing walks entirely doesn’t remove the underlying problem – it simply avoids it. And over time, this avoidance can actually compound the issue. Without exposure to the outside world, dogs can become even more sensitive to triggers, struggle more with impulse control, and develop new behavioural issues like frustration barking, obsessive behaviours, or separation-related distress.

Enrichment Is Brilliant – But It’s Not a Replacement

Let’s be clear – we love enrichment. Puzzle toys, scent games, foraging, scatter feeding – they all have a solid place in your dog’s routine. They build confidence, provide mental stimulation, and can absolutely take the edge off high arousal levels.

But they are not a replacement for outdoor exposure. Dogs are hardwired to explore their environment. They gain valuable experiences from being out and about, even if that’s just a ten-minute sniffy walk down a quiet lane. No toy can replicate the real-world sights, smells, and sounds that walking provides.

Enrichment should be used alongside a carefully considered walking routine – not instead of it.

A Better Approach: Modify the Walk, Not Eliminate It

Rather than cutting out walks entirely, the smarter – and more effective – strategy is to adapt them.

That might mean:

• Walking at quieter times of the day.

• Choosing routes with fewer people or dogs.

• Driving to peaceful areas for nature trails.

• Using longer leads for decompression walks.

• Taking breaks mid-walk to let your dog reset.

• Walking parallel to triggers at a safe distance, not directly towards them.

This isn’t about “flooding” your dog or forcing them to face their fears. It’s about setting up situations where they can succeed. Gradually, gently, and positively.

Real Life Example: From Reactive to Relaxed – Max’s Journey

Let’s take Max, a two-year-old Border Collie who came to us after his owners were advised to stop walking him due to his intense reactivity towards other dogs. For several months, they stuck to back garden enrichment and avoided any public outings. What followed was a deterioration in Max’s behaviour – he began barking at any outside noise, pacing indoors, and showing obsessive behaviours with shadows and light.

When Max joined Paws Academy, our first step was not to throw him back into a busy park. We created a tailored behaviour modification plan, which included:

• Identifying lower-stress walking areas, like woodland trails and country paths.

• Scheduling walks during off-peak hours.

• Using a 10m line to allow for freedom of movement and scent exploration.

• Incorporating calm behaviours before and after walks (like sniffing games and treat searches).

• Gradually exposing Max to dog-shaped stimuli.

• Using rewards and distance as reinforcement for calm behaviour.

Over time – and yes, with a lot of consistency – Max started to associate the presence of dogs with good things, rather than stress or fear. His tolerance increased, his barking reduced, and his recovery time after seeing a trigger shortened. Fast forward a few months, and Max can now walk in public parks, pass other dogs calmly at a distance, and even engage in off-lead decompression walks in certain environments.

Had we stuck with the “just don’t walk him” approach, Max’s progress would have plateaued. Instead, we supported him through the challenge, not around it.

Why This Matters – For You and Your Dog

Reactive behaviour doesn’t mean your dog is broken. It means they need support, not avoidance. Walks are not the enemy – stressors are. And when you learn to remove or reduce the impact of those stressors, walks become an opportunity for growth and progress.

Of course, this takes time, patience, and the right support. That’s exactly where we come in.

Let Us Help You

If your dog is struggling with reactivity and walks have become a source of stress, we’d love to help. At Paws Academy, we specialise in behaviour modification and practical training plans that work for your life – not a one-size-fits-all approach. We offer in-person sessions in select areas and virtual consultations worldwide, so no matter where you are, we’ve got your back.

Reach out today and let’s start making walks enjoyable again – for both you and your dog.