Dog expert says owners are all making the same mistake on walks

An expert has named one key mistake that dog owners are making while out on walks. According to renowned dog trainer Danny Wells many are becoming “obsessed” with the idea of lengthy walks for their canine companions. However, too many owners fall into the trap of spending that time glued to their phones, rather than interacting with their pets.

Danny, co-author of the book What Your Dog is Thinking, instead believes dogs would prefer “quality” time with their owners. He believes dogs would find 30 minutes of playing in the garden with their family more fulfilling, because you are “present”.

“I promise you now, your dog would bond with you more [doing that],” Danny told The Times. He also encourages owners to become adept at recognising their pet's emotions.

According to a 2024 study walking a dog can have positive effects on both the physical and mental health of the dog owner and the pet, reports the Mirror US. It said: “There is evidence supporting the emotional bond between owners and dogs, as well as higher levels of physical activity.”

Notably, the report revealed those who regularly walk their dogs tend to experience “fewer negative emotions” compared with non-dog walkers, pointing to the reciprocal advantages of the human-canine relationship.

The study also revealed that individuals who regularly walk their dogs demonstrate stronger emotional bonds with their canine companions. It added: “This study found that the more emotionally attached an owner is to their dog, the more frequently they go on walks together. These findings highlight the role of pets as a source of motivation and social support for engaging in physical activity.”

Dr Melissa Bain, a clinical animal behaviour science professor at UCDavis Veterinary Medicine, advocates for dog walkers to cherish the moments spent ambulating with their pets. She expressed to HuffPost: “When owners walk their dog, the hope would be that it is a time that they can spend one-on-one with their dog, enjoying their company with one another.”

Danny's research partner, neuroscientist Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton has voiced her concerns that many people often misinterpret their dog's stress or anxiety for excitement.

Sabrina also suggests that a common false assumption is the belief that all dogs enjoy being petted, which might not be the case for many animals. She fears a lack of training among dogs has also led to a rise in bites in parks.

According to the scientist, an assessment of YouTube clips showcasing seemingly unprovoked dog bites reveals a concerning trend. She insists there “absolutely were warning signs” before the attacks.

Sabrina points out tell-tale indicators like dogs becoming rigid, their eyes dilating, or a slight lifting of the lip, which is meant to convey a “back off” message, signalling the need for space from the dog.