Time to Be Present: How Putting Your Phone Down Can Transform Your Relationship With Your Dog
Share
In today’s world, we’re more connected to our devices than ever and at the same time, more disconnected from what’s right in front of us. This is especially noticeable in the time we spend with our dogs.
As a professional dog trainer, one of the most common things I see is people walking their dogs while staring at their phones, barely acknowledging the dog at the end of the leash. It happens daily. And honestly? It’s sad to see.
Your dog doesn’t need constant entertainment, but they do need your presence.
Why Presence Matters in Dog Training
For many people with busy lives, a daily walk is the main one-on-one time they get with their dog. That walk is more than just exercise, it’s a chance to:
- Build engagement
- Reinforce obedience and training
- Strengthen your bond
- Fulfill your dog’s mental needs
But engagement can’t happen if your attention is elsewhere.
If your face is glued to your screen, your dog is learning that you are irrelevant on walks. Over time, this often leads to dogs that are disengaged, reactive, or overly interested in everything except their owner.
The Dog Park Disconnect
This lack of presence doesn’t stop on leash.
At dog parks, it’s common to see dogs running off, playing and self-entertaining, while owners stand on the sidelines scrolling on their phones. The dog is having fun, but not with you.
When dogs consistently get fulfillment without their handler, the relationship becomes optional. Then owners wonder why their dog doesn’t listen, doesn’t check in, or won’t come when called.
Connection isn’t automatic. It’s built.
A Simple Challenge: Put the Phone Down
If you want to improve your relationship with your dog, here’s a simple but powerful challenge:
For one week, put the phone away on your walks.
Instead:
- Bring treats
- Ask for basic commands (sit, heel, down, engagement)
- Reward focus and calm behaviour
- Be intentional with your time
You already spend 30–60 minutes a day with your dog. Make that time count.
Most owners are shocked at how much calmer, more focused, and more responsive their dog becomes when they start showing up consistently.
Your Dog’s Time Is Short—Be Present for It
Dogs are only with us for a small part of our lives. They don’t care about emails, notifications, or social media. They care about you.
Presence is one of the greatest gifts you can give your dog and it costs nothing.
Can Technology Ever Help During Walks?
Interestingly, yes, when used intentionally.
Listening to music while walking or training can actually be beneficial for some handlers. If you tend to feel anxious or talk nonstop to your dog (to the point where commands lose meaning), music can help regulate your energy.
Personally, I prefer using one earbud only. This allows me to stay aware of my surroundings while still calming my own nervous system. As someone who can both overtalk and get anxious, music helps me stay grounded and consistent.
The key is balance: use technology to support presence, not replace it.
Join Our Pack Walks
Looking for a structured way to practice engagement, obedience, and calm behaviour around other dogs?
Our Pack Walks are designed to do exactly that.
- Sign-up details are available on our website
- Open to past and current clients
If you’re not currently a client but are interested in joining, feel free to send us an email—we’d love to connect.
Final Thought
Your dog doesn’t need more time.
They need better time.
Put the phone down. Show up.
Your dog will notice.
— Melissa