The 10 best road safety tips when walking your dog

*UPDATED 2026*

Before your doggo drags you out the front door at top speed, it’s worth taking a moment to think about road safety.

Busy roads, being distracted, and lots of stimulation can turn an ordinary walk into a challenging one. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can help keep tails wagging for all the right reasons. 

Common road safety risks when walking your dog:

Dogs don’t usually misbehave near roads on purpose. They respond to excitement, habit, and instinct. But near traffic, those instincts need a little steering.

In order to make your walks with your dog safer, it’s helpful to anticipate some of the behaviours that might lead to your dog getting too close to traffic. Here are some common ones:

Pulling at crossings and curbs

Many dogs quickly learn the rhythm of their usual walk. They start to anticipate crossings and may surge ahead before it’s safe. That small burst of enthusiasm can be risky near roads, especially if it catches you off guard.

Lunging at triggers

Other dogs, cats, wildlife, scooters, even familiar places can trigger sudden lunges. It only takes one moment of excitement as a car drives past for things to become unsafe.

Slipping free or escaping their harness

A loose collar, an unclipped harness, or a dropped lead can turn a normal walk into a scramble. Even calm dogs can surprise you if something startles them.

…And, you being distracted!

Shout-out to those who walk and scroll social media on their phone, or who have headphones in and can’t hear a car reversing out of a driveway.

10 road safety reminders when walking a dog:

1. Use the “two-second rule” near roads

Before crossing any road, ask your dog to pause for a couple of seconds rather than immediately stepping off the kerb. Make sure the command is consistent every time you approach an intersection. “Sit” or “wait” (or both) are ideal for a situation that requires clarity! This reinforces good leash manners, but also:

1. Gives you time to check for cars, bikes and scooters
2. Prevents dogs from darting after birds, cats or dropped food

2. Keep your dog on the side away from traffic

When walking beside a busy road, position yourself between your dog and passing vehicles whenever possible. Think of yourself as the crash barrier! Why? Because if they’re planning to over-excitedly lunge out towards traffic, you have an extra second to divert them away from potential danger.

3. Shorten the lead, but don’t tighten it

A common mistake is gripping the lead tightly whenever traffic appears. A constantly tight lead can actually make some dogs more reactive or anxious. Instead:

• Keep the lead shorter near roads,
• Leave a little slack, and
• Avoid wrapping the lead around your hand

4. Assume drivers haven’t seen you

Many drivers are scanning for cars and kids, not so much dogs. Even if you technically have right of way, make eye contact where possible before crossing. It seems obvious when crossing the road or at roundabouts, but the areas that pose a road safety risk are driveways and carparks.

5. Make yourself visible in winter

Shorter days mean more walks happen in low light. Not to mention rain and fog making it harder to see. And a black dog on a dark evening can become surprisingly hard to spot!

Get a reflective collar, harness or lead, or a rechargeable light-up dog collar. And, don’t forget your own gear! Get a clip-on LED light and even a reflective jacket or vest to wear on walkies.

6. Watch the pavement, not just the weather

Cold weather can create additional hazards! Be on the lookout for wet (slippery) leaves, and muddy nature strips. Many winter walk injuries happen because someone slips. Once you’ve consumed these 10 tips, head over to our other helpful article about keeping your pet safe in Winter >

7. Give older dogs a little longer to warm up

Just like humans, senior dogs can feel stiffer in colder weather. Be sure to start at a slower pace, and take the easiest route – opt for even ground, and avoid steep hills or slippery surfaces. And if they want to stop and sniff their surroundings every 10 seconds, let them. You’re not losing time on a big walk, you’re simply creating a more enjoyable time for them.

If your doggo’s showing signs of joint pain, take a read of how curcumin offers a natural remedy for arthritis in dogs >

8. Check paws after wet-weather walks

After winter walks, inspect your dog’s paws for:

• Mud packed between toes
• Small stones or grass seeds
• Irritated skin

A quick towel-off at the door can prevent a lot of discomfort.

9. Be extra alert around umbrellas

It sounds oddly specific, but many dogs find sudden umbrella openings, flapping raincoats and wind-blown objects more startling than traffic itself!

There’s a lot more to be on the look-out for in wilder weather so just stay attuned so you can comfort them.

10. Leave the headphones at home (or keep one ear free)

Busy roads already come with a soundtrack of engines, cyclists, horns and pedestrians. Being able to hear what’s happening around you gives you extra warning if something unpredictable happens. Because you never know – a dog could escape their backyard and come running over, or a bike can approach from behind and cause a fright.

Your doggo’s counting on you to have their back!

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