You’ve Got Time: Making the Most of Life with Your Dog

In today’s world, we’re constantly on the go. “I have to be there!” “I must do this!” “I don’t have the time!” “I’m too busy!” “I’m exhausted!” Sound familiar? But here’s a question worth pondering: Have you got time for your dog? More importantly, have you got time for your life?

The Tale of Two Walks

In my many years working with dogs, I’ve observed countless human-canine pairs on their daily constitutionals. Some walks are absolutely beautiful to witness—true partnerships where owner and dog actively engage with each other through play, chase, affection, and plenty of praise and rewards.

However, what I more commonly see are dogs and humans on two entirely different walks. The human is glued to their mobile phone, perhaps clutching a ball thrower (I absolutely detest these contraptions!), while their dog either mindlessly chases a ball or seeks their own entertainment—sometimes to the detriment of other walkers and their dogs.

Who’s Really in Control?

Think about your dog’s life for a moment. We make every major decision for them:

• What they eat, when they eat, and how they eat
• When they go out to toilet
• When, where, and how they go for walks
• Where they sleep, when they sleep, and even how they sleep

Dogs are inherently social creatures. Most dogs absolutely adore our attention—they become ecstatic when we return home (who else does that for you?), eagerly await our undivided attention, and hang on our every word, movement, and breath. They celebrate our happiness and comfort us in our sadness.

So, are we giving THEM enough of OUR precious time?

Quality Over Quantity

A walk shouldn’t be about getting from point A to point B in record time. It should be about the shared adventure that unfolds between those points. I’d much rather see you and your dog enjoy a 30-minute stroll where you’re both fully engaged than watch you power through an hour-long walk where you might as well be strangers.

This mutual engagement is far more beneficial for both you and your dog—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

The Athlete Paradox

Here’s something to consider: if you constantly train your dog to run, they’ll naturally become brilliant at it, building stamina and requiring longer and more frequent walks to tire them out.

Congratulations—you’ve trained an athlete! But ask yourself: do you really want to live with one? They’re incredibly hard work, so why create that situation?

Creating Mutual Adventures

Here are some ways to transform your walks into shared experiences:

1. Explore New Places: Even on-lead walks can be magnificent adventures. Some of my best walks with my dog have been on-lead explorations, discovering lovely places filled with calming flowery scents and beautiful vistas.
2. Let Your Dog Lead: Sometimes I let my dog choose our direction. Once, she actually led me across town to a pet shop she’d never visited before—now it’s become her favourite destination! (Pro tip: bring some money, just in case they fancy a shopping spree!)
3. Incorporate Play and Training: Try hide-and-seek games, chase-me activities, or work on training exercises. Practice recall, loose-lead walking, or learn new tricks together. Balance work on tree stumps or proprioception exercises can add variety.
4. Simply Be Present: How often do you just sit with your dog during walks? Take time to appreciate a vista, smell the roses, or enjoy a mutual picnic.

Beyond the Walk

Quality time isn’t limited to walks. Here are other ways to strengthen your bond through time for your dog:

• Take them on social visits (ensuring they’re comfortable with the environment)
• Allow them to sleep in your room—even sleep time can be bonding time
• Explore pet-friendly shops together
• Attend dog training classes as a team
• Have genuine conversations with them—not just commands
• Try meditating together
• Make grooming a bonding experience
• Plan dog-friendly holidays instead of kennelling them

The Benefits for Humans

Spending meaningful time with our pets offers numerous advantages:

• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces stress
• Helps combat depression
• Encourages physical activity
• Supports heart health
• Maintains social connections
• Releases happy hormones

Final thoughts – Time for your dog

Remember: You aren’t here forever, but you’ve got time—spend it wisely. No regrets.

About the Author: Emma runs dog training classes and works with dogs and their owners to create stronger bonds. Visit below for more information about available classes.