We’ve all been there—scrolling emails, catching up on texts, or taking a work call while walking the dog. It feels efficient. But here’s the thing: multitasking during walks can actually undo the training progress you’ve worked so hard to build.

Dogs are incredibly tuned in to our attention. When we’re distracted, they notice. You may find your dog pulling more, reacting to other dogs, or checking in with you less. That’s because, from their perspective, you’re not really "on the walk" with them. You're physically present, but mentally elsewhere—and that inconsistency can erode leash manners, responsiveness, and trust over time.

In training, consistency is everything. If sometimes you correct a behavior and other times you miss it because you're deep in a podcast or mid-text, your dog learns that the rules are unpredictable. This can lead to confusion, frustration, and setbacks in behavior.

That doesn’t mean every walk has to be a formal training session. A balanced approach means knowing when it’s okay to relax and when your dog needs more of your focus. For example, if your dog is still learning leash manners or is reactive around triggers like dogs or people, those walks require your full presence. But if your dog is calm, in a familiar environment, and you’ve already given them some structure and engagement early in the walk, a short call might be just fine.

Here’s a simple way to find balance:

• Start the walk with structure. Give your dog some guidance—reward check-ins, practice loose leash walking, or cue a short “heel” near distractions.

• Build in decompression time. Let your dog sniff, explore, and relax once they’ve checked into you and the environment feels safe.

• Be honest about your dog’s skill level. If they still need support, your attention is one of the most powerful training tools you have.

The more intentional you are on walks, the more your dog learns to trust your guidance—and the smoother your walks become over time.

Need help building a walk routine that fits your dog’s needs and your lifestyle? At Lupa K9, we specialize in balanced dog training in San Diego—from leash manners to off-leash reliability. Contact us to get started.