We've all seen it...
and if you're honest, you may have caught yourself doing it too: scrolling on your phone, headphones in, chatting away, while the dog is just… there.
It might not look like a big deal, but when we zone out, our dogs lose their advocate. And if you’ve ever walked a sensitive or reactive dog, you’ll know how quickly a peaceful stroll can turn stressful.
I often compare walking a dog to driving a car. You might be confident in your own skills, but you’re constantly scanning the environment—watching for the one texting behind the wheel, or the one about to miss a stop sign. That’s what walking a dog is like. You can trust your own, but not always what’s around the corner.
Life is busy, and I completely understand the temptation to catch up on messages or take calls. But a dog walk isn’t the time for multitasking—it’s the time to be present. Here’s why attention matters:
🐕 Other dogs may need space.
🚴 Joggers, cyclists, and kids on scooters appear out of nowhere.
💬 Our own dogs give subtle signals—stress, curiosity, excitement—that we miss if we’re distracted. Even the friendliest dog can cause problems if another dog is scared, reactive, or unwell. One loose dog chasing a ball can completely derail someone else’s day.
A Walk Isn't Just Exercise...
It’s quality time. It’s connection.
It’s how we learn to read our dogs better and reinforce those little good behaviours that make us proud. It's also a rolling training session - eye contact, loose lead walking, recall - all these habits strengthen when you are fully engaged.
Spotting a new scent or watching wildlife is part of your dog's "job" when out on a walk - you being attentive lets you guide and reward that curiosity.
Leaving your phone in your pocket, turns the walk into a mini-mindfulness break - it's a chance to reset.
So next time you clip on the lead, remember: eyes up, phone away, heart open. Dogs depend on you to keep them safe—and to truly share the journey together.
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