The 1 Thing You're Probably Doing On Walks That Drives Your Dog Nuts

Walks are critically important for dogs ― and their humans. They give your dog opportunities to get plenty of exercise, mental stimulation and socialization. And the same goes for you: It helps you get enough physical activity , which is key to preventing chronic diseases and boosts your mental health .

Research shows people enjoy seeing their dogs happy on walks ; it’s a potent stress reliever. But it’s the 21st century, which means many dog owners don’t solely focus on their pets when they’re out and about. Instead, they multitask by scrolling on Instagram, flipping through TikTok or getting lost in a gripping true-crime podcast.

Some animal experts have likened this to “ distracted driving .” If you’re not paying attention to your dog and the environment around you, you could easily wind up in a dangerous situation ― or lose out on bonding with your pet.

As Dr. Katherine A. Houpt , a professor emerita of behavioral medicine at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, puts it: When you’re out walking, “your dog’s safety should be paramount.”

Here’s why it’s so important to be present with your dog when you walk them:

You could run into triggers or risky situations

Most dogs know exactly what they want to do on a walk, which is, most likely, to sniff or, perhaps, catch up with another dog that’s a quarter mile ahead, Houpt said.

But it’s not all interesting scents and fun, new friends. Some dogs might want to battle the approaching hound, snap at a nearby child or snatch a sharp chicken bone lying on the sidewalk. Worse, they could gobble up something poisonous such as chocolate, marijuana or candy containing xylitol.

“Not keeping your eyes on your dog and what’s around is bad because various things