What To Do If Your Dog Is Anxious on Walks

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Walking your dog should be fun, but for anxious pups, it can be a major source of stress. Signs of anxiety during walks include refusing to take treats, erratic walking, trembling, or even freezing in place. In more severe cases, anxious dogs might bark or lunge at triggers they find unsettling.

Unfortunately, a stressful walk can do more harm than good. The benefits of exercise and enrichment can be overshadowed by the negative impacts of ongoing anxiety. That’s why it’s important to address these feelings early.

To help your dog feel more comfortable on walks, we’ve gathered insights from two certified dog trainers: Annie Grossman of School for the Dogs and Tanya Lim, founder and head trainer at Family Pupz. In this article, we’ll share how to train an anxious dog to walk confidently, when to call a professional, and alternative exercise options.

Why Is My Dog Anxious on a Walk?

Dogs experience anxiety on walks for a variety of reasons. Trainer Tanya Lim says a key factor is inadequate socialization in the early developmental stages. If a dog isn’t exposed to different environments, people, and other animals, they may feel overwhelmed by new sights and sounds. Past trauma, like a negative encounter with another dog, can also contribute to their stress.

Some dogs are frightened by specific triggers, such as other dogs, children, men, loud noises, cars, skateboards, or people with distinctive features (people with hats, beards, umbrellas, etc.).

Some dogs may have a genetic predisposition to generalized anxiety, making them naturally more nervous on walks. Additionally, if your dog hasn’t been properly leash trained or isn’t used to a harness, it can add to their stress.

The best way to identify what bothers them is to pay close attention to your dog’s body language on walks.

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How To Ease Dog Anxiety on Walks

With the right approach, you can ease your dog’s fears and make walks more enjoyable for both of you. Here are some practical strategies to help your dog feel comfortable and relaxed.

Take shorter, more frequent walks

Trainer Annie Grossman recommends keeping your walks brief. Short outings help prevent “trigger stacking,” where multiple stressors pile up and overwhelm your dog. (For example, your dog gets spooked by a car backfiring, then gets barked at by a dog, and then sees a scary person with an umbrella.)

If your dog seems restless or anxious, it’s perfectly fine to cut out early. A short, relaxed walk is better than a long, stressful one. As your dog grows more comfortable, you can gradually extend the length of your outings.

Choose quieter times for walks

​​Plan your walks for quieter times of the day when fewer people and pets are around. This could mean taking a very early morning stroll or a late evening walk. Try to incorporate more slow, relaxed decompression walks into your week, taking your nervous pup to less busy areas where they can let down their guard, sniff, and explore to their heart’s content.

Avoid your dog’s fears and triggers

Your main goal in training your anxious dog to walk is to make them feel safe. If you know certain situations cause anxiety, it’s best to avoid them altogether rather than forcing a confrontation. According to Grossman, putting them in these scenarios can make your dog’s anxiety worse.

Steer clear of the things that stress your dog out, whether it’s unfamiliar people or other animals. If your dog is afraid of other dogs, avoid dog parks or routes with heavy foot traffic. If you spot a potential trigger, like another walker or dog, create distance by changing direction or crossing the street.

Create positive associations with treats

Whenever your dog encounters something that makes them nervous, offer some of their favorite high-value treats. (Just ensure you have plenty of space away from the trigger so your dog can think clearly and calmly.)

“The goal is to pair the sights and sounds that typically trigger anxiety in dogs with positive things they enjoy, such as treats, praise, or play,” explains Lim. Over time, your dog will connect these situations with something they love.

Use lickable treats

Grossman also recommends offering a lickable treat like dog-friendly peanut butter in a tube or cream cheese. The act of licking calms dogs and shifts their focus to something enjoyable.

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Stick to the same route

While adventurous dogs thrive on new sights and sounds, anxious pups benefit from routine and predictability. Once you find a route with minimal triggers, Lim advises sticking to it. When your dog knows what to expect, they’ll feel safer and more relaxed.

Use cues to help your dog focus

You can keep walks with your anxious dog engaging by incorporating simple tricks. Lim explains that practicing cues like “find it,” “watch me,” or “touch” can redirect your dog’s attention and distract them from stressors on the walk.

Try scatter feeding

Toss a handful of treats on the ground when your dog encounters a stressful situation. This diversion lets your pup engage in foraging and sniffing, which are naturally soothing behaviors.

Communicate with accessories

You can outfit your dog with bright (typically yellow) accessories like harnesses, leads, or bandanas that say “anxious dog” or “I need space.” These visible signals help others understand your dog’s needs and reduce confrontations.

Supplement training with calming products

Finally, various calming products can ease nerves while you work on training your anxious dog to enjoy walking outside. Lim says you might see benefits with items such as:

• Anti-anxiety vests or wraps, like the ThunderShirt
• Calming supplements, CBD oil, or calming treats
• Pheromone collars, sprays, and calming diffusers

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When To See a Professional

Anxiety can be hard to manage, but you’re not alone. If your dog is showing signs of fear-based aggression or you’re feeling stuck, it’s time to seek professional help from a trainer, veterinarian, or behaviorist.

For pups with milder anxiety, a positive reinforcement trainer can help build confidence on walks—in your dog and in yourself. For moderate cases, a certified behavior consultant can help by identifying the underlying cause of your dog’s anxiety.

In more severe cases, a veterinarian or veterinarian behaviorist can determine if anxiety medication or supplements are appropriate. They can also check for underlying medical conditions that could be causing your dog pain and escalating any anxiety.

If you have pet insurance, check with your provider. Some plans may cover consultations with veterinary behaviorists.

Exercise Alternatives

If your dog struggles with anxiety during walks, don’t worry—there are plenty of enjoyable alternatives for exercise and enrichment. One great option is booking a private dog field through platforms like Sniffspot. A flirt pole can also get your dog moving by offering an outlet for their natural canine behaviors.

Scent work is another good choice. Dogs love using their noses, and hiding treats around your yard can turn exercise into a fun scavenger hunt. You could also set up a simple agility course in your backyard or even a beginner agility set in your living room for a change of pace.

Indoor games are fantastic for burning off energy while you’re working on training. Activities like tug-of-war, fetch, or puzzle toys can stimulate your dog’s mind and body without the pressure of outdoor walks.

Progress is possible—it just takes time. “Helping an anxious dog feel more comfortable on walks takes patience,” Lim reminds us. So, hang in there—better walks are on their way.