Spending Time With Your Dog Isn’t Enough – It’s About The Right Kind of Time
I recently stumbled across an article about horses, of all things. It talked about how giving horses the right environment actually reduces stress—not just for the horse, but for the owners and livery yard staff too. It was one of those lightbulb moments. It made me think: we talk a lot about “spending time” with our dogs, but what does that really mean?
A trainer I know often says, “Give your dog the time they deserve.” And she’s right. Dogs aren’t just a tick on the daily to-do list. They’re not something to be “walked” like a household chore. They’re living, thinking, feeling companions who thrive when we give them meaningful time. So if we’re not going to give them that—what’s the point of having a dog at all?
Now, before you panic and cancel your dog’s evening walk, let me explain. I’m not saying walks are bad. I’m saying they’re not everything—and in some cases, they might even be doing more harm than good.
Let’s Talk About “The Daily Walk” Myth
Where did this idea come from—that we must walk our dogs twice a day, every day, no matter what? Somewhere along the line, that rule got baked into dog ownership like it was written on stone tablets.
But here’s the truth: some dogs love their walks. Others? Not so much. And for nervous, reactive, or overwhelmed dogs, daily walks can actually be a source of stress, not enrichment.
If your dog is pulling like a freight train, barking at every pigeon, or shutting down completely, is that really quality time? Or is it just… routine?
There’s a Better Way to Bond
Here’s the game-changer: 15 minutes of mental stimulation in your home or garden can be more beneficial than an hour-long walk around the park.
Yep, you read that right. A short brain workout can leave your dog more fulfilled, more relaxed, and more connected to you than a long, overstimulating walk where they’re just “doing their own thing.”
We’re talking about fun, engaging activities like:
- Scent games in the garden
- Hiding their dinner in small portions around the house and garden
- Simple training sessions (yes, even 5 minutes counts!)
- Slow, calm decompression time with you just being present – a great opportunity to do those body checks
This kind of interaction isn’t just tiring in a good way for your dog — it builds trust, strengthens your bond, and teaches your dog to look to you as their safe space.
So… What’s the Takeaway?
Spending time with your dog isn’t a checkbox. It’s not “walk = good owner.” It’s about being intentional. It’s about doing things with your dog, not just around them.
So yes—give your dog the time they deserve. But make sure it’s the right kind of time. Tune into what they need. Think about what will help them thrive. You’ll be amazed at how much closer, calmer, and happier your relationship becomes.
And hey—if that means skipping a walk in favour of a sniffy treasure hunt in the garden… your dog will thank you.
Want to understand your dog better? Check out our dog boot camps and our online course programme.
