Introducing Walks, Lead Training & Socialisation
Taking Those First Steps
Once your dog’s initial decompression period is complete, it is important to introduce new experiences gradually.
Never assume your dog has been taught how to walk on a lead, navigate unfamiliar environments or interact appropriately with other dogs and people.
Even if your dog has previously enjoyed walks, everything may feel different in their new home.
Take your time, be patient and build their confidence at a pace they can manage.
Introducing Lead Walking
We recommend beginning lead training in the safety and familiarity of your garden before venturing out into the wider world.
- Allow your dog to become comfortable wearing their lead and walking alongside you.
- Use treats, encouragement and praise to make the experience positive.
- Practise walking calmly beside you, rewarding your dog for staying close and paying attention.
- Introduce simple exercises such as stopping, sitting and changing direction. Keep sessions short, positive and enjoyable.
- If your dog is reluctant to leave the house, do not force them. Give them time to investigate the doorway and surrounding environment. You can step outside first, allowing them to watch and follow when they feel ready. Reward small steps forward and allow them to retreat if they become overwhelmed.
Safety on Walks
Your dog must remain securely attached to you using the double-lead system recommended by the rescue until they are walking confidently and safely. This is particularly important during the early weeks, when your dog may be startled by unfamiliar sights, sounds or situations.
Please remember:
- Never assume your dog will behave on walks as they did during their assessment or in foster care.
- Keep walks short and manageable initially, gradually increasing their duration and complexity.
- Avoid busy roads, crowded environments and situations that may overwhelm your dog.
- Maintain a secure hold on their leads and remain aware of potential escape risks.
- Do not allow your dog off lead until you have established a reliable relationship and thoroughly assessed their recall. We strongly recommend hiring a secure dog field for your dog’s first experiences of off-lead freedom. This may not be appropriate until several weeks or even months after adoption.
- Recall should be thoroughly practised in secure environments and around distractions before considering off-lead walks in public. No dog’s recall can be guaranteed 100%, so always consider the environment, potential distractions and proximity to roads or other hazards.
Encountering New or Frightening Things
Your dog will take confidence from your calm, predictable behaviour.
When approaching something unfamiliar, keep your dog close enough to maintain control without unnecessarily tightening the lead. Speak calmly and confidently, allowing them time and space to assess the situation.
If they pass something calmly, reward them with praise or a treat.
If your dog becomes frightened, barks, lunges or reacts, do not punish, scold or force them closer to whatever is worrying them. Instead, calmly increase the distance, redirect their attention where possible and move away from the situation.
The aim is to help your dog learn that unfamiliar experiences are manageable and that they can trust you to keep them safe.
Using Your Recommended Walking Equipment We will discuss the most suitable walking equipment for your individual dog during handover. For some dogs, we may recommend a properly fitted figure-of-eight lead arrangement,