Yesterday, we had some pretty nasty weather: wind, rain, cold - you know the kind of day I mean! And this was all day. So it got us thinking: Do you REALLY have to walk your dog every single day? 🤔🌧️ Short answer: no. Long answer: it’s a lot more nuanced than the internet would have you believe. We hear “dogs must be walked daily” so often it feels like a moral obligation. But if we’re honest, it doesn’t always line up with reality — especially on days like yesterday when it’s cold, wet, stormy and miserable. Here’s the thing: 🐺 In the wild, dogs’ ancestors absolutely conserved energy. In bad weather or tough conditions, they rested. They didn’t force themselves out for a “non-negotiable daily walk”. 🐕 Modern dogs aren’t wolves anyway. Many breeds were designed for short bursts of activity, companionship, or hanging around humans most of the day, not endurance hikes in sideways rain. 🚶‍♀️ Walks aren’t sacred: needs are. Walks are just one way to meet: - Physical exercise - Mental stimulation - Emotional wellbeing If those needs are met in other ways, skipping a walk now and then is completely fine. 🌧️ When it’s absolutely okay to skip a walk - The weather is grim or unsafe - Your dog is tired, older, sore, or unwell - You swap the walk for enrichment at home - Your dog is generally well exercised across the week Dogs don’t keep score. They don’t know it’s “day 173 of walking streaks.” They know whether they feel settled. 🏠 Great alternatives on miserable days - Sniff games & scatter feeding - Short training sessions (10 mins can exhaust a brain) - Tug, hide & seek, hallway fetch - Chews, lick mats, frozen Kongs - And yes… sleep (rest is biologically normal) 🐾 Breed, age & personality matter A working-line collie is different to a greyhound, which is different to a senior spaniel, which is different to a companion breed. Some dogs genuinely need daily physical outlets. Others are perfectly happy missing a day and snoozing through a storm.

Now the weather is getting so cold here in the UK, we're seeing a lot of dogs on walks in coats and jumpers. We do have a little raincoat for Pip as her fur collects wet and dirt so easily, but we don't tend to put it on her very often as it makes her run in a strange sideways manner! We also have some towelling coats for when they are wet (which are brilliant, btw!) What are your thoughts? Do you dress up your dog in the cold, or just make the walks shorter/stay indoors and play games instead?

I’m so pleased you’ve joined our community of dog lovers, where we can share experiences of life with our favourite thing - dogs! Let’s start the conversation right with introductions. Please share: - your name - Your dogs name/s - Your dog’s favourite thing - A picture If you don’t have a dog yet, let us know your favourite breed and why. Look forward to meeting you!

Hi everyone! 👋My name is Mic, and I’m a 3D modeling artist. I create 3d game environments, product visualizations, miniatures, collectibles and character assets using Unreal Engine, Unity, and Blender. I joined this community because I love connecting with creative people and learning from others building awesome things. I’m also growing my 3D modeling business, so I’m hoping to collaborate, share value, and support anyone who needs help bringing their ideas to life in 3D. http://linktr.ee/luwase_art

This is our daily check-in thread. Each day of the 7-Day Happier Dog Challenge: 1. Do today’s action in the Classroom 2. Post a comment here with: - 1 photo of your dog today - What you did (from today’s lesson) - 1 visible change (mood, body language, energy) 💡 Keep it short. Celebrate others (drop a like + a kind reply). Your likes give points — points level you up, unlock goodies, and keep the vibes strong. Stuck? Ask a question right in your comment — pros and experienced owners are watching. Let’s make tails wag, every day. 🐕✨