We live in a very dog-friendly neighborhood. I can’t go for a walk without seeing another dog. I love this! I like dogs and I like people who like dogs. However, it really peeves me off when I am walking Noke and then I see someone stumbling along head absolutely glued downwards to their phone. I start wondering to myself why they have a dog in the first place if they don’t want to actually spend real time with it. Sure, maybe it’s an emergency and they really have to contact that person then and there. But usually–let’s face it–it isn’t. I bet your walks aren’t more than an hour long, maybe not more than 30 minutes either. You can spare that time to really be with them.
As soon as I see someone on their phone walking their dog, I immediately take Noke to the other side of the street and avoid that person. They have no sense of what their dog is doing, feeling, or intending because they are in some Facebook post. I can’t trust the human to handle their dog correctly, and thus I don’t want Noke anywhere near them. It’s not just the right thing to do, but you can also benefit from just being with your dog:
Noke after a rainy walk
1. Find some refreshing peace. Just walking around the neighborhood, you and your dog, taking all the sights, sounds, smells, feels, and such in. Take a big breath and just enjoy the walk. Let your stress-free attitude reach your dog and walk in peace. You can really get refreshed doing a simple walk. Find balance. Find peace.
2. Strengthen the bond with your dog. You may be walking and your dog may be sniffing this or that, but this a time of togetherness for the both of you. It’s as important as training, eating, napping, and cuddling together. Talk to your dog while you walk, it may sound crazy, but it can make both of you happy. See what interests your dog and go exploring together. Make it an adventure even if it’s the same walk you do every day. I promise this will strengthen your relationship if you are in-tune with your dog.
3. It’s safer for you too. Yeah, I may be the crazy who avoids people who text out of safety, but the safety extends to you as a walker as well. What if you end up walking yourself and your dog in front of a car? What if you let your dog eat something really bad? What if your dog gets into a nasty fight? The negative possibilities are endless with what can happen if you’re not looking around, being aware, and being present. Protect yourself and your dog, look up.
A poor quality selfie of Noke and I working out at the park
So yes, there are a few (and many more) important benefits of being present while you walk your dog. Please don’t be that person I have to avoid or that person who lets their dog get hurt because they were too wrapped up in some social media. I usually don’t even take my phone on walks. Enjoy the walk, bond with your dog, re-connect with yourself. I promise you it’s worth every minute. And as always, stay hungry and fit!
