Why Is This Walk So Hard? Common Dog Walking Struggles—and How to Fix Them

At Burbank Pet Sitting, we believe daily walks should be the highlight of your dog’s day—not a frustrating chore for you or your pup. But sometimes, what should be a peaceful stroll turns into a tug-of-war, a constant bark-fest, or a chaotic chase. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. Here are some common dog walking struggles and how to make them better—for both of you.

1. Improper Tools: Ill-Fitting Collars and Leashes

There are multiple collar types to choose from - a typical flat collar, martingale, prong collar, "choke chain" and e-collar a few. Please work with a reputable trainer to determine which collar is right for your dog, and how to utilize it appropriately. An uncomfortable or unsafe collar can make any walk unpleasant. If it’s too tight, your dog might be in pain. Too loose, and they could slip out entirely.

There are just as many leash choices - they come anywhere from 4 to 10 feet, in a variety of material and styles, and this is just your standard leash! Retractable leashes may seem convenient but often give owners too little control and can lead to injuries, for that reason we do not use them at Burbank Pet Sitting.

Quick Fix: Choose a properly fitted flat collar or a well-made harness designed for your dog’s size and shape. Pair it with a standard 4–6 foot leash for better control. We love the Grip Leash and use it for our own dogs!

2. Lack of Training: Especially in Puppies or Newly Adopted Dogs

Walking calmly on a leash is a learned skill. Puppies are naturally curious and easily distracted, while rescue dogs may have had little prior training or even negative experiences on a leash. Every puppy I have had has been a demon on a leash initially, leaving me wondering if they would EVER be able to walk in public!

Quick Fix: Patience and consistency are key. Start with short walks and reward your dog for staying near you. Avoid pulling or scolding—this often escalates things. If you need help reinforcing good walking behavior, we incorporate positive reinforcement and redirection techniques during our drop-in walks and can share tips with you too.

3. Reactivity: Barking, Lunging, or Pulling at Other Dogs or People

Some dogs get overstimulated or anxious around other animals, bikes, or strangers. These reactive behaviors can be stressful and even dangerous if not addressed. In the past I have focused on managing my leash reactive dog, and while that is ok initially - proper training and behavior modification makes walks much more enjoyable for both dog and owner.

Quick Fix: Keep distance from known triggers and use treats to redirect attention back to you. Over time, you can desensitize your dog with calm, positive experiences. We’re experienced in working with reactive dogs and use proven techniques to help them build confidence on walks.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Mental Stimulation

Sometimes the struggle isn’t just physical—it’s boredom. A fast-paced walk with no sniff breaks can be mentally unfulfilling for your dog.

Quick Fix: Let your dog stop and sniff! This natural behavior reduces stress and makes the walk more enriching. We build in time for sniffing, exploring, and decompressing during all our walks.

Struggling with walk-time chaos? We can help.

At Burbank Pet Sitting, we don’t just walk dogs—we support better behavior, happy habits, and peaceful outings. Whether you're dealing with a puller, a puppy, or a pup with anxiety, we have the patience and experience to make your dog’s walks something to look forward to.

📍Serving the Burbank area with walks, drop-ins, and more. contact us today to schedule a meet and greet!