07/03/2026
Hot take (literally): your dog does not NEED to go on a walk today.
Yeah.... I said it. Maybe they're reactive and every walk is a gamble. Maybe you're both still working on leash skills. Maybe it's 100 degrees and you’re in an extreme drought (looking at you, Durham 👀), and neither of you wants to be outside in it. Maybe you had a long day, or an old injury is flaring up, or your dog's hips are bothering them today. Whatever the reason, skipping the walk IS OKAY. In fact, it might just be the key to your dog’s progress.
We've had it pounded into our head that walks are necessary for dogs. From the time we're kids begging for a dog, our parents are asking us (or you as the parent are asking your kid!), "Are you going to walk it every day? Even when it's raining? Or hot? Or cold?"
This is not to say walks don't serve a purpose, or are a waste of time. Walks are super valuable! But they're not the epitome of everything dog.
Motion is Lotion after all, but is the motion serving you and your dog? When you go, does their reactivity increase? Do they come home all jazzed up and unable to settle? Do they bark more at nothing after a walk? Are they restless? Does it increase their pain or worsen their medical condition? Does it worsen YOUR anxiety? Or do they get so hot that their tongue looks like it’s going to fall out of their mouth and they’re gasping for breath?
When you're looking to eliminate walks, first you want to think about what your dog is getting out of the walk, and what your goal for after the walk is. How can you achieve that same goal? Here are some ideas.
If you need more help coming up with a plan to reduce or eliminate walks, reach out! I love coming up with other things!
What are you going to do today instead of a walk? 🐾
