How To Calm An Overexcited Puppy During Walks Using Positive Reinforcement

Walking a puppy should be a joyful experience for both pet and owner. Yet many new dog guardians find themselves being pulled down the sidewalk, tangled in leashes, or embarrassed by their pup’s uncontrollable excitement at every passing dog, squirrel, or mailbox. Overexcitement on walks isn’t just frustrating—it can be dangerous if the puppy lunges, barks excessively, or injures themselves from pulling too hard. The good news is that with patience, consistency, and the right techniques, you can teach your puppy to walk calmly by your side. Positive reinforcement is not only the most humane method but also one of the most effective for shaping long-term behavior.

Understanding Puppy Excitement on Walks

Puppies are naturally curious, energetic, and easily overwhelmed by their environment. Everything—from rustling leaves to distant barking—is new and fascinating. Their underdeveloped impulse control means they react first and think later. When a puppy sees something stimulating, their instinct is often to lunge forward, bark, or spin in circles. This isn't defiance; it's a normal developmental stage.

The key to managing this behavior lies in understanding that excitement is fueled by adrenaline and dopamine. Every time a puppy gets what they want (e.g., rushing toward another dog), their brain reinforces that action. Without guidance, they learn that pulling works. Positive reinforcement flips this script: instead of rewarding reactivity, you reward calmness, focus, and self-control.

“Puppies don’t misbehave out of spite—they act based on what has been reinforced. Our job is to reinforce the behaviors we want to see.” — Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, Applied Animal Behaviorist

Step-by-Step Guide to Calming Your Puppy on Walks

Changing your puppy’s walking behavior takes time, but a structured approach yields fast results. Follow these steps consistently for best outcomes:

1. Start Indoors or in Low-Distraction Areas
   Begin training inside your home or a quiet backyard. Practice walking short distances with your puppy on a leash. Reward them frequently for staying near you and looking at you.
2. Use High-Value Treats
   Select treats your puppy loves—small pieces of chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats. These will help capture attention in distracting environments.
3. Teach ‘Focus’ or ‘Look At Me’
   Hold a treat near your eyes and say “Look” or “Watch.” When your puppy makes eye contact, immediately click (if using a clicker) or say “Yes!” and give the treat. Practice this until they respond instantly.
4. Introduce the ‘Heel’ or ‘Let’s Go’ Cue
   While walking slowly, take a few steps and mark/click when your puppy stays beside you. Reward after two or three steps. Gradually increase distance before rewarding.
5. Stop When They Pull
   If your puppy surges ahead, stop moving. Stand still like a tree. Wait for them to turn back or slacken the leash. The moment there’s slack, mark and reward. This teaches that pulling doesn’t get them forward.
6. Change Direction Frequently
   Use unexpected turns to regain attention. Say “This way!” as you pivot. When your puppy follows, reward generously. This builds responsiveness and keeps them engaged.
7. Practice Near Distractions Gradually
   Once your puppy masters basics in quiet areas, move to sidewalks, parks, or streets with controlled exposure. Start far from triggers (e.g., other dogs) and slowly decrease distance as your puppy succeeds.
8. End on a Positive Note
   Keep early sessions short—3 to 5 minutes—and end after a successful calm walk segment. This builds positive associations with walking politely.

Tip: Always carry treats on walks during training. Even after your puppy improves, occasional rewards maintain the behavior.

Positive Reinforcement Tools and Techniques

Success hinges on timing, consistency, and choosing the right tools. Here’s what works best:

• Treat Timing: Deliver the reward within one second of the desired behavior. Delayed rewards confuse puppies.
• Clicker Training: A small mechanical clicker marks the exact moment of good behavior, bridging the gap between action and reward.
• Verbal Markers: Use a consistent word like “Yes!” or “Good!” to signal approval before giving a treat.
• Leash Type: Use a front-clip harness (like a Gentle Leader or Easy Walk) to gently discourage pulling without pain or fear.
• Training Collar (Optional): For persistent pullers, a head halter may help—but always pair with positive reinforcement, never correction.

Do’s and Don’ts of Calming an Excited Puppy

Do’s	Don’ts
Reward calm behavior immediately	Yank or jerk the leash to stop pulling
Use high-value treats in distracting areas	Scold or shout at your puppy when excited
Keep training sessions short and fun	Allow pulling to get them where they want to go
Practice daily in varied environments	Expect perfection after a few tries
Gradually increase difficulty	Train in highly distracting areas too soon

Real Example: Training Bella the Border Collie Mix

Bella, a 14-week-old Border Collie mix, would bark, lunge, and spin every time she saw another dog or cyclist. Her owner, Maria, was exhausted after just two blocks. They started training in their driveway, practicing “Look at me” and short heel sequences. Within three days, Bella learned to make eye contact when cued.

Maria then walked Bella around the block at quiet times, carrying boiled chicken. When Bella noticed another dog in the distance, Maria stopped, asked for eye contact, and rewarded heavily. If Bella started to pull, Maria turned and walked the opposite way, making it a game. After two weeks of consistent 5-minute sessions, Bella began checking in spontaneously during walks. By week six, she could walk past other dogs at 20 feet with only mild tension. Today, at six months old, Bella walks calmly on a loose leash through busy city streets.

This transformation wasn’t magic—it was repetition, timing, and rewarding the right behaviors at the right moments.

Building Long-Term Walking Habits

Once your puppy begins to walk calmly, your role shifts from teaching to maintaining. Continue reinforcing good behavior intermittently—even an occasional treat after a stretch of calm walking keeps the habit strong.

Incorporate real-life scenarios into training:

• When passing a jogger, ask for a sit before continuing.
• Reward your puppy for ignoring dropped food on the sidewalk.
• Practice “leave it” when approaching tempting smells.

Remember, walking is more than exercise—it’s mental stimulation and relationship-building. A puppy who learns to walk politely gains confidence, focus, and trust in their handler.

Tip: Rotate treat types to keep your puppy motivated. One day use chicken, the next cheese or peanut butter on a spoon.

Essential Checklist for Calm Walks

Use this checklist before each training walk to set yourself and your puppy up for success:

• ✅ Use a comfortable, properly fitted front-clip harness
• ✅ Fill a treat pouch with high-value rewards
• ✅ Choose a low-distraction route for early training
• ✅ Set a timer for 3–5 minute sessions (gradually increase)
• ✅ Bring a clicker if using one
• ✅ Plan to end the walk after a successful calm segment
• ✅ Stay patient and avoid frustration—even small progress counts

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to train a puppy to walk calmly?

Most puppies show improvement within 2–3 weeks of consistent daily practice. Full reliability in all environments may take 3–6 months, depending on breed, age, and individual temperament. Short, frequent sessions yield faster results than infrequent long ones.

What if my puppy ignores treats when excited?

When arousal levels are high, even favorite treats may lose appeal. In these cases, increase treat value (try freeze-dried liver or hot dog bits). You may also need to increase distance from the trigger. If your puppy won’t take food at all, you’re likely too close to the distraction—back up and restart from a calmer zone.

Can I use negative corrections to stop pulling?

No. Yanking the leash, using prong collars, or shouting can damage your puppy’s trust and increase anxiety. Punishment-based methods often suppress behavior temporarily but can lead to fear aggression or redirected biting. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and strengthens your bond.

Conclusion: Transform Chaos into Connection

Calming an overexcited puppy on walks isn’t about control—it’s about communication. By using positive reinforcement, you’re not just teaching loose-leash walking; you’re building a language of trust and cooperation. Every time your puppy chooses to look at you instead of lunging toward a squirrel, they’re learning self-control. And every reward you give strengthens your relationship.

Progress may feel slow some days, but consistency is your greatest ally. Celebrate small wins: a single step without pulling, a glance back at you, a deep breath taken while passing a trigger. These moments add up to lasting change.

💬 Have a puppy walking success story or tip? Share your experience in the comments—your journey could inspire another dog owner struggling with a bouncy pup!