I had always heard that dogs pick up on our energy. But it wasn’t until I started working with Nina from Confident Canine , something I wrote about in my previous blog From Fear to Confidence, that I truly began to understand what that actually means in real life.
Working with Nina made me far more aware of the tiny signals we send without realising. Our breathing. Our posture. The tension in our hands. The pace of our walk. Especially with a sensitive spaniel, those details matter.
But one of the biggest lightbulb moments came from something completely unexpected: my shoes.
I bought a new pair of Columbia walking shoes with proper grip and waterproofing, and almost overnight my dog felt different on walks.
Calmer. More confident. Less hesitant.
I hadn’t changed our route. I hadn’t introduced new training. I hadn’t consciously adjusted anything at all.
The only difference? I wasn’t subconsciously walking carefully anymore.
I had owned my old shoes for ages. I hadn't noticed that slowly the grip was not as good. I just knew that on wet grass, muddy fields or frosty pavements, I’d brace slightly, and when I slipped in the current muddy weather, it made me really notice just how worn down the grips on my old shoes had become. Tiny adjustments in stride. A subtle tightness through my body. Nothing dramatic just that quiet awareness of don’t slip. I wasn’t even fully conscious of it.
When I mentioned this to Nina, she didn’t hesitate. As a sensitive dog, she explained, he would absolutely have been picking up on that uncertainty.
And suddenly it all made sense.
Do Dogs Really Pick Up on Subtle Changes?
We often ask why our dog seems unsettled on walks. Why their confidence fluctuates. Why they react more on some days than others.
We look at external triggers, other dogs, traffic, noises but rarely at ourselves.
Dogs read micro-signals constantly. Changes in muscle tension. Breathing patterns (Nina has taught me a great breathing method to ground myself when I feel stressed on walk) Stride length. How firmly we’re holding the lead.
Even when we feel calm mentally, our bodies can tell a different story.
Without realising it, my cautious footing was likely communicating that something wasn’t entirely secure. And for a sensitive spaniel like Harvey that’s enough to shift behaviour.
Why the Right Shoes Matter When You Walk Your Dog
When people search for the best shoes for dog walking, they usually mean comfort, waterproofing or something suitable for muddy countryside walks.
All of that matters, especially here in the UK!
But I’d now add something else to that list: confidence.
Here’s what genuinely changed things for me:
Grip
Proper traction on wet grass and woodland paths meant I stopped scanning the ground for slippery patches. My stride became more natural. My shoulders softened.
Waterproofing
Not worrying about soaked socks or puddles removed another small layer of tension.
Stability, support & speed
A well-structured walking shoe improved my posture without me consciously trying to stand differently. It has also meant that I feel confident walking a bit faster- I know it sounds silly but the grip is giving me traction that I didn't have before and with an English Springer Spaniel who is happier at a brisk pace this has meant being able to keep a comfortable pace for us both for longer.
It wasn’t about the brand in a promotional sense but my new Columbia shoes give me exactly what I need, grip, comfort and reassurance underfoot.
And when I feel steady, he feels steady.
The Unexpected Link Between Footwear and Dog Confidence
We spend so much time focusing on building our dog’s confidence through training, enrichment, careful exposure and support.
But sometimes the shift isn’t about doing more.
Sometimes it’s about noticing the subtle things that affect us.
A slippery pair of trainers.
A slightly shortened stride.
A barely-there tension in the lead.
Sensitive dogs don’t miss those details.
Changing my footwear didn’t just improve my comfort on muddy dog walks. It changed the energy I brought to them. And that changed him.
Choosing the Best Shoes for Dog Walking
If you’re looking for good dog walking shoes, especially for wet or uneven terrain, I’d suggest considering:
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Strong grip suitable for mud and grass
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Waterproof or water-resistant materials
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Good ankle and foot support
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A secure fit that allows a natural, confident stride
Not just for your comfort, but for the message your body sends your dog.
Final Thought
In From Fear to Confidence, I shared how much progress we’ve made through awareness, training and patience.
This felt like another layer of that learning.
We often ask our dogs to trust us. To feel safe. To be confident.
But confidence flows both ways.
And sometimes, it starts with something as simple as what’s on our feet.
