Our own confidence, or lack thereof, has a bigger impact on our dogs than we might think. Dogs are experts at reading us – our body language, energy, and emotions. If I feel insecure, anxious, or afraid during a walk, my dog will pick up on it immediately.
This can lead to a situation where the dog feels the need to take control because they sense that their owner isn’t capable of handling it. A stressed or uncertain dog might react by lunging or barking to "take charge" of the situation.
Many factors influence how we communicate security to our dogs, including how we hold the leash, how we walk, and our posture. However, in this blog post, I won’t dive into training for reactive dogs (that’s a topic for multiple blog posts on its own!). Instead, I want to focus on three simple tools that can make a huge difference for our own safety – and therefore, our dogs’.
👉 Note! I am not sponsored by any of the brands I mention; these are just my personal experiences.
1. Ice Cleats – Secure Steps in Any Weather
Winter means snow and ice. Have you ever found yourself thinking:❄️ "What if I slip?"❄️ "What if my dog pulls me over?"❄️ "What if I drop the leash?"
Just having these thoughts can make you feel more insecure when walking your dog. And the more insecure you are, the more it affects your dog. What if you could eliminate these worries? Would your walks feel different? The answer is most likely – YES!
Not worrying about slipping boosts our confidence more than we realize. Many dog owners use ice cleats, and they make a real difference! Personally, I prefer shoes with built-in ice cleats, because I lost too many of the slip-on ones while walking – and that just added another "what if?"
I highly recommend Icebug shoes, which I’ve been using myself. At first, I thought built-in cleats seemed strange, but I inherited a pair from my mom and decided to give them a try. What’s clever about them is that the cleats adjust to the surface – they retract slightly when you walk on hard surfaces, like store floors. However, I would not recommend walking on wooden floors with them... 🙈
Sure, they cost more than regular slip-on cleats, but if you take care of them, they are a great long-term investment in both your and your dog’s safety.
2. Hip Belt – More Stability Than a Waist Belt
Many dog owners use a waist belt without realizing that there’s a more stable option – the hip belt. The key difference is how the belt distributes force when your dog pulls:
🦺 Hip Belt – Sits just above the hips, giving better stability and reducing forward pull. Ideal for strong or large dogs.
🎽 Waist Belt – Sits around the waist, which can pull you forward if your dog lunges. Works better for smaller dogs.
For me, with a large and strong dog, a hip belt is the best option. It gives me more stability and lowers the risk of losing my balance.
My hip belt is from Biltema (a Swedish store), and it’s the best one I’ve used so far – both affordable and sturdy! But there are many great brands out there. Whatever you choose, make sure it is:
✅ Well-padded – The wider, the better for pressure distribution.
✅ Equipped with a strong buckle – For safety.
✅ Has both a solid hook and a strong ring – So you can attach both a leash and a long line.
I always use my hip belt, no matter what type of walk we’re on. It gives me extra security and eliminates the "what if I drop the leash?" worry.
3. Tactical Leash – Instant Control When You Need It
A tactical leash has an extra handle near the clip, allowing you to quickly shorten the leash without wrapping it around your hand. I also use a tactical handle on our long lines and highly recommend it!
Especially in dog encounters or unexpected situations, a tactical leash is incredibly useful – it provides a better grip and faster control, making you feel more secure.
I bought my long lines (10 m and 15 m) from Taros Hundsport. There, you can customize your leash by adding extra handles exactly where you want them, choosing the type of clip, and even adding a bungee section—which I have on almost all of my leashes, both short and long.
This helps absorb sudden jolts in the leash, reducing strain on both the dog's neck and spine as well as the owner's shoulders and arms.
Bonus Tip: Check Your Leash Clips!
A small but important detail – the clip on your leash. Make sure it’s appropriate for your dog’s size!
🐶 Large dog? Choose a sturdy, strong clip.
🐾 Smaller dog? A lighter clip works, but make sure it’s durable.
Clips wear out over time, especially in rain, snow, and cold weather. I’ve had clips break without my dog even pulling – both on busy roads and in the woods. So, make it a habit to check your leashes and collars regularly!
Conclusion: Eliminate "What If?" and Enjoy Your Walks
By using ice cleats, a hip belt, and a tactical leash, you eliminate several risk factors that can make you feel uncertain during walks.
When you feel safe, your dog will too. And a confident dog is a dog that can relax and enjoy the walk with you.
Do you have any favorite safety tools for walks? Share your tips in the comments! 💬🐾