What Science Says About Dogs on Walks: The Leash Effect

Walking the dog is one of those simple daily routines that we don’t think too hard about. Clip on the leash, grab some poop bags, maybe a coffee, and off we go. But what if I told you there’s actual science studying what our pups do on walks–and how the leash changes everything?

A team of researchers in the UK (Westgarth, Christley, Pinchbeck, Gaskell, Dawson, & Bradshaw, 2010) set out to answer some fun but important questions: how do dogs interact with people, other dogs, and the environment on walks? And what difference does the leash make?

The answers might make you look at your next walk a little differently.

Dogs Love Other Dogs (More Than People)

One of the first things the study found was that dogs are way more likely to interact with other dogs than with people. While our furry friends might get the occasional pat from a stranger, most of their social energy during walks is directed at other pups–sniffing, playing, and sometimes posturing.

That’s not to say dogs don’t enjoy people. But if you’ve noticed your dog passing ten people without much interest and then exploding with excitement when another dog comes into view, science says that’s pretty normal.

The Nose Knows: Sniffing is Serious Business

Dogs also spend a huge portion of their walk sniffing the ground. It’s more than curiosity–it’s their way of collecting information about the world.

Interestingly, the study found that certain breeds, especially Gundogs like retrievers, sniffed more than others. And sniffing often happened just before urination, suggesting dogs are using scent to decide where to leave their own “message.”

So when your dog stops every three feet to sniff a patch of grass, they’re not just stalling. They’re basically scrolling their version of social media.

The Leash Changes Everything

Now here’s the big one: leashes significantly reduce dog-to-dog interactions.

In one part of the study, researchers filmed dogs walking the same route both on and off leash. When dogs were on leash, they were about half as likely to interact with another dog compared to when they were off leash. If both dogs were on leash, the chances of an interaction dropped even further.

It wasn’t just the number of interactions that changed–the quality did too. Off-leash interactions tended to last longer and involve more sniffing and play. On-leash interactions were shorter and often more restrained.

This makes sense if you think about it. A leash restricts movement, changes body language, and prevents dogs from making the natural arcs and circles they’d normally use to greet each other. That can sometimes make meetings tense or awkward. Using the right gear–like a reliable hands-free leash system–can make walks easier for both you and your pup.

The Health Angle: Leashes as Disease Control

The study also touched on something we don’t usually think about: infectious diseases. Close dog-to-dog contact is one of the main ways illnesses like kennel cough or parvovirus can spread. By reducing the number of interactions, leashes can actually lower disease risk, especially during outbreaks.

So while letting dogs run free has great social and mental benefits, there are times–like in crowded parks or during disease outbreaks–when keeping them on leash is the safer choice.

Weekend Walks vs. Weekday Walks

The research even spotted differences between weekday and weekend walks. During the week, dogs were more often seen off leash, sometimes walked by professional dog walkers with multiple dogs. On weekends, there were more family outings, with multiple people but fewer off-leash dogs.

It’s a neat reminder that our human schedules and habits directly shape our dogs’ experiences.

The Poop Scoop: Leashes and Clean-Up

Here’s a funny (but important) finding: owners were more likely to pick up their dog’s poop when the dog was on leash. When dogs were off leash, there was a higher chance of “forgetting.”

It makes sense–you’re more aware of what your dog is doing when they’re right next to you. But it’s also a good reminder that off-leash freedom should come with extra responsibility.

So, Should Dogs Be On or Off Leash?

The researchers concluded that both have their place.

• Off leash is fantastic for socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation. Dogs get to sniff, play, and just be dogs.

• On leash helps reduce unwanted encounters, prevents aggression, and lowers the risk of spreading disease. It also makes owners more attentive to things like poop pick-up.

The key is balance: knowing when it’s safe and appropriate to let your dog off leash, and when the leash is the smarter option.

What This Means for Everyday Dog Owners

1. Pay attention to context. Wide open parks with lots of space? Off leash might be fine. Busy sidewalks or crowded trails? Leash is safer.

2. Watch your dog’s comfort level. Not every dog is a social butterfly. Some do better with space, and that’s okay.

3. Use the walk as enrichment. Don’t rush your dog past every sniff. Remember, their nose is their main tool for understanding the world.

4. Be considerate. Not every person or dog wants to interact. Keep recall strong and leash handy.

Final Thoughts

Walking your dog isn’t just about exercise–it’s a complex mix of social interaction, exploration, and safety. This study shows us that leashes do more than keep dogs close; they shape how our dogs experience the world and other animals.

So next time you’re out with your pup, notice the little things: the way they sniff, how they greet other dogs, how the leash changes their behavior. Science is confirming what dog owners have always suspected–a walk is never just a walk.