We know through common sense that being on our phones while driving is dangerous. But would you have ever through that being on your phone while walking your dog is also considered to not be safe? Experts share that people should stop multitasking while walking their dogs, and they gave reasoning to back it up.
We're all probably guilty of pulling out our phones while on a stroll with our pet, or engaging in other distractions like carrying a toddler in our arms or talking with a friend. But experts are saying that trying to multitask while walking a dog could put not only their safety, but also our own safety at risk.
"It's kind of like the dog-walking equivalent of distracted driving," said Leslie Sinn, certified veterinary behaviorist. "You're not paying attention to the signs that your dog is uncomfortable … and if you're missing all those clues because your head is elsewhere, that's a problem."
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According to animal behaviorists that CNN spoke to, they routinely see people on their phones or pushing strollers while walking dogs in their neighborhoods. They noted that those people usually appear to be largely ignoring their pets.
And of course, being distracted can become dangerous when our attention should be focused on the task at hand. According to the experts, distracted dog walkers might not notice potential threats, such as bicyclists, joggers, cars, or other unleashed dogs.
Research has also shown that only a small percentage of people can multitask effectively. "You need to be alert at all times," said Jacob Hollier, founder of dog-walking and pet-sitting service, Crate Escape. "If there's a car out of control or a scooter coming on the sidewalk … at any given moment, it could be dangerous and possibly be fatal."
Jacob requires that his employees be free of distractions while walking dogs during work. He only allows them to use their phones to take a photo of the pet to send to the owner.
Experts also noted that they've seen distracted dog walkers injure themselves tripping over sidewalks or even their own dogs. A study found that humans' injuries while dog walking increased from 2001 to 2020.
Experts also said that being distracted can affect a dog's behavioral training and their mental health. Valli Parthasarathy, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at Synergy Veterinary Behavior, says that owners can miss out on opportunities to train and grow with their dogs. "Everyone's trying the best that they can," she said. "But going for a walk with your dog should be about building that relationship and focusing on what your dog needs."
