Mark your calendar, because National Walk Your Dog Day is every February 22nd. It’s designed to encourage humans to take their pup for proper walks. National Walk Your Dog Day is the pawfect excuse to grab the lead, pop on your comfiest shoes and head out for some tail-wagging adventures together. From joyful sniffaris and friendly hellos with other pups, to peaceful pack bonding time and little training wins along the way, daily walks help create those precious Pawprints of Happiness.
So what are the benefits of regular dog walks?
A Happier You
In 2026, life can feel overwhelming - it's hard to exercise, relax and switch off.
People are disconnecting from technology. Digital detoxes are back in vogue - helping you reduce stress and anxiety, sleep better and reduce social media fixation. Some burnt out users are swapping their phones for old school tech - flip phones, wired headphones, CD Walkmans - or packing ‘analogue bags’.
Ironically starting as a TikTok trend, these ‘stop scrolling’ bags can include books, magazines, disposable cameras, crafts, travel games, toys for your dog - anything to keep you busy, occupied and off your phone.
But If giving up all your tech feels too much at once, you can start with something smaller - like a phone sober walk with your pooch!
Phone Sober Walks
The physical and mental health benefits of walking are well known. And leaving your phone at home during a walk with your four-legged friend is a pawsome way to be fully in the moment with your pupper. It’s a wonderful mindfulness technique. You can notice the wind whispering through the trees, listen for birdsong - you might even spot the squirrels before your pooch! It’s also a great opportunity for small interactions with other dog owners, especially if you stop at a dog friendly cafe part way.
It may not seem like a big habit swap, but studies show that small, positive changes are much more effective than trying to fix everything at once. Adding a pawsome new habit - rather than giving something up - is more successful and enjoyable. As a bonus, staying off your phone means your entire focus will be on your pup - making both you and them so much happier!
A Happier Pooch
Walks are one of the best parts of a doggy routine - and not just for the exercise. Most impawtently, the sniffing is everything. Letting your pup explore is mentally stimulating and satisfying for them, and helps them catch up on the local ‘news’. The novelty and variety of new walks helps keep their minds sharp and instincts honed. And of course, regular walks are a fabulous way for your canine companion to bond with their human, and getting your full attention on a phone free walk will absolutely make their day.
Add in social time with other dogs and friendly faces, and it’s a pawfect recipe for a great day. When dogs get the exercise and socialisation they need, everyone enjoys those wonderful Pawprints of Happiness 🐾
Celebrate National Walk Your Dog Day
To celebrate the day, why not try something new? You could start with a sniffari. This is where you let your dog lead and sniff whatever they want, for as long as they want, with no agenda on your part. This can be super fun for older dogs who can't walk as far, anxious or reactive dogs who find busy walks overwhelming, and furry friends recovering from injury can all benefit hugely from a slow, sniff-led outing.
For more relaxed or social pups, group walks can be really enriching. They’re more likely to chase, play, engage and burn energy. Parks often host breed meetups, or restrict them by size, helping the pooches match up safely and happily. And you can finish up the day at a dog friendly cafe, with a latte and an all important puppuccino!
