Proper Equipment for Safe Dog Walking (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)
- UpDog Pet Services
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
Most people think of walking equipment as a comfort choice: Collar or harness? Short leash or long leash? Uninformed handlers tend to simply go with what feels easiest. But in practice, walking gear functions as a safety system, and when that system isn’t fitted or maintained correctly, small issues can turn into real problems very quickly. Many walking accidents don’t happen because a dog is “out of control.” They happen because something slips, snaps, or fails at the exact wrong moment.
A loose collar might be fine on a calm walk, until a dog startles and backs out of it. A harness that isn’t adjusted properly might seem secure, until the dog finds just enough room to slip an elbow through. A leash that’s starting to fray might hold for months, until one hard lunge puts it under pressure it can’t handle. Most equipment failures don’t give you a warning, they just fail.
Collar fit is one of the most basic issues we see. A collar should be snug enough that it can’t slide off over the head, but not so tight that it restricts breathing or causes irritation. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit two fingers underneath, but not much more. If your dog is growing, gaining muscle, or changing shape, that fit needs to be checked regularly. What worked a few months ago may no longer be safe! Retractable leashes deserve special mention, because they’re one of the most common pieces of walking equipment I see causing problems. They’re marketed as giving dogs “freedom,” but in practice they reduce control, encourage constant tension, and fail far more often than people expect. Thin cords can snap, locking mechanisms can slip, and
when something goes wrong it usually happens at full extension, with very little ability to react. They also teach dogs to pull as a default, since pulling is what makes the leash extend in the first place. Even for calm dogs, retractable leashes create unnecessary risk for the dog, the handler, and anyone else nearby.
Harnesses are often a better option for walking, but only when they’re fitted correctly. The stomach strap should sit behind the front legs, not in the armpits, and the harness should be adjusted at every strap, not just one. If a dog can slip an elbow through, the harness is too loose. Harnesses also loosen over time with regular use and washing, which means a setup that was secure at first may not stay that way unless it’s rechecked.
Wear and tear matters more than people think. Plastic buckles can crack, metal clips can rust or stick, and fabric can weaken at stress points. These failures almost always happen under tension, not when things are calm. If a leash, collar, or harness looks questionable, replacing it is far safer than assuming it will “probably be fine.”
Some walking equipment actively works against safety and/or training. Retractable leashes reduce control, encourage constant tension, and fail far more often than people expect. Collar-only walking puts unnecessary strain on the neck and gives you less margin for error if your dog pulls or startles. A well-fitted harness, especially a front-clip design
with minimal bulk, offers better control and reduces strain for both dog and handler.
The bottom line is simple: safe walks don’t happen by accident. They happen because equipment fits properly, is maintained, and is chosen with control and safety in mind. Taking a few minutes to check your dog’s walking gear can prevent injuries, escapes, and close calls, and it makes walks calmer and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
If you’re unsure whether your dog’s walking setup is appropriate, or you’ve had issues with pulling, slipping equipment, or stressful walks, that’s something we can help with. UpDog Pet Services works with dogs and owners one-on-one to build safer, calmer walking habits using properly fitted equipment and clear training. Call or contact us today to get started!
