Sourced from CNN | July 6, 2023, by Brandon Griggs
Multitasking while walking our dogs is a common sight these days, as more people use that time juggling simultaneous activities. Whether we're engrossed in our phones, chatting with friends, or incorporating exercise into our walks, it can feel like a productive use of time in our fast-paced lives. However, animal experts raise concerns about this practice.
“You need to be alert at all times,” says Jacob Hollier, founder of Crate Escape, a dog-walking and pet-sitting service based in Atlanta. “If there’s a car out of control or a scooter coming on the sidewalk … at any given moment, it could be dangerous and possibly be fatal.” | Cindy Ord/Getty Images
“It’s kind of like the dog walking equivalent of distracted driving”
”
”You’re not paying attention to the signs that your dog is uncomfortable, you’re missing all those clues because your head is somewhere else, that’s a problem”
Distracted dog walking can lead to safety issues. Not being fully attentive can confuse or frustrate our pets due to conflicting signals, and jeopardizes the safety of both the dog and the owner, akin to distracted driving. When we fail to notice potential threats, such as approaching vehicles or unleashed dogs, accidents become more likely.
Injuries to both dogs and owners are not uncommon, with distracted walkers potentially tripping over sidewalks or their own pets. Dogs may also consume harmful substances unnoticed, as our lack of attention prevents us from promptly addressing the issue or providing timely medical care.
Beyond physical safety, multitasking while walking dogs can harm their behavioral training and mental well-being. Failing to reinforce basic commands or not recognizing signs of agitation or fatigue in our dogs can lead to confusion and frustration. Since dogs communicate primarily through non-verbal cues, not paying attention to those cues hinders our ability to understand and meet their needs.
Dog walks should offer both physical and mental stimulation for our pets. Allowing them to explore and follow their noses enriches their experience and contributes to their overall well-being, and distracted walking hinders this opportunity for mental enrichment. Consider this: All that pausing and sniffing is their way of reading the news, or, catching up on Pee Mail.
Distracted walkers may also miss out on precious bonding moments with their dogs. Interacting and having fun together during walks can foster a lifelong connection between owner and pet.
It may seem natural to multitask during walks to accommodate busy schedules or family commitments, but it is crucial to prioritize our dogs' well-being during such outings. Focusing on our pets' needs and building a strong relationship with them should be the main objective of every walk. After all, for many dogs, this daily stroll may be the highlight of their day.
Keep in mind that while multitasking during dog walks may seem efficient, it poses significant risks to our pets' safety, behavioral training, and mental health. To ensure a positive and enriching experience for our dogs, it's essential to be fully present and attentive during their walks, offering them the care, attention, and bonding they deserve.
