Bringing a new dog home is exciting. But once the honeymoon phase fades, reality sets in, especially if daily walks start to feel like a battle.
“What’s important to me is bringing peace into a family,” says Orlando dos Santos from Results Dog Training. “And that starts with understanding your dog.”
Orlando joined us to share how to restore calm, not just during walks, but in your home life too.
The Real Reason Dogs React on Walks
It’s common for dogs to bark, lunge, or pull on the lead, leaving owners feeling frustrated and unsure of what went wrong. But Orlando says there’s always a reason. “We need to cut through the noise so we can listen to the signal.”
In other words, don’t focus on the barking alone, try to understand why your dog is reacting. Common triggers include:
- Other dogs
- People
- Cars or bikes
- Loud sounds like planes or vacuum cleaners
It Starts Before You Even Open the Door
Most owners grab the lead and go, but Orlando says preparation begins well before you step outside. “There are three parts: the human emotion and skill, the dog’s emotion and learning, and the equipment.”
1. Your Emotions Matter
Dogs are incredibly attuned to human emotions. If you’re tense or stressed, your dog will sense it. “The emotion we have has a contagion effect on the dog,” says Orlando.
2. Your Dog Might Be Confused Not Stubborn
Some dogs aren’t being difficult; they’re overwhelmed. “It’s like taking a test. You studied hard, but your brain goes blank in the exam room.” Distractions, past trauma, or unclear signals can push a dog beyond their emotional threshold.
3. The Right Gear Makes a Difference
A poorly designed harness can actually increase your dog’s anxiety. “A lot of harnesses are made to restrict, which adds pain and stress instead of helping.”
Calming the Chaos Before It Starts
Many dogs get overstimulated the moment they hear the leash jingle. “We say ‘walkies!’ and they’re already at level six before leaving the house,” says Orlando. “One more thing, and they snap.”
To prevent this, slow things down:
- Put the leash on early
- Let your dog wear it around the house
- Speak calmly
- Exit the house slowly and mindfully
How Habits Are Formed (And How to Break Them)
Dogs form habits through a simple loop: cue, routine, reward. For example:
Cue: The leash jingles
Routine: The dog jumps or spins
Reward: The walk begins
“The brain wants to save energy, so it automates,” Orlando explains. “That’s how dogs end up at level six in seconds.”
To change the pattern, change the process:
- Create calm routines
- Reward calm behaviour
- Interrupt the loop early
“Dogs are wired for chaos,” Orlando says. “We need to train for calm.”
Use the Zones of Regulation
Before stepping outside, assess your dog’s emotional state. Orlando uses a simple traffic light model:
- Green zone (1–3): Calm and relaxed
- Amber zone (4–6): Alert but not reactive
- Red zone (7–10): Highly reactive or aggressive
“If we walk out the door at level 2, we’ve got room for surprises. At level 6, we’re already on edge.”
If your dog starts pulling or getting worked up, turn around, go back inside, and try again later.
Why Dogs Pull on the Leash
Dogs pull for two main reasons:
- Fear and anxiety – They want to increase distance
- Excitement and frustration – They want to decrease distance
“A fearful dog thinks, ‘Get me out of here.’ A frustrated dog thinks, ‘Let me get closer.’ Either way, they’re reacting to proximity.”
If barking makes the “threat” move away, dogs learn that it works. Over time, this reinforces the behaviour.
Learn to Read the Signs
Dogs give warning signs before they react. Watch for:
- Stiff posture
- Leaning forward
- Fixating on something
“If we ignore those signs, dogs escalate to protect themselves because we didn’t step in,” Orlando says.
Stay Calm, Stay Present
Your job as the owner is to observe, respond, and stay grounded. It takes practice, but it gets easier. “Desensitise the cues, monitor the zones, and manage the distance. That’s the recipe for a better walk.”
It’s Not Just About the Dog
Reactive walking isn’t just a behaviour issue it’s about the relationship between you and your dog. When you tune into your dog’s emotions and adjust your own responses, everything changes.
“It’s amazing how understanding each other’s language brings peace,” says Orlando.
If walks have become stressful, you’re not alone. The good news? You can start creating calm long before you step outside and Orlando’s team is here to help.