Why don’t people go for walks without dogs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
In the several Bethesda neighborhoods I walk in, I see LOTS of people walking sans canine.

Same. I walk several days a week, either in the neighborhood or on the Crescent Trail. Now that it's light later I mostly do the Crescent Trail.

For me at least it was Covid that changed it. Our dog died early in 2020 but I was so desperate to get out of the house I kept walking anyway. There were tons of walkers then, and I think a lot of people, without dogs, have kept it up.

[Anonymous]

Where r u getting your info. OP?

[Anonymous]

I see people walking in my neighborhood without dogs, but they’re often retirees (often couples). I see people my age walking without dogs too but they’re usually on what looks like a work call with AirPods. I walk with my dog and tbh I am so sick of walking the same neighborhood streets a dozen plus times a week that I wouldn’t want to walk an extra walk without him unless it was a different neighborhood to explore.

[Anonymous]

You're not paying attention. I live in a highly unwalkable city but I see at least 15-20 people daily out walking without dogs in my neighborhood. Just out for a walk-sometimes with a friend but a lot alone.

Just go for a walk if you want to.

[Anonymous]

You do not need a dog to exercise or to just take a walk. I live off the millennium trail and I frequently see people walking without a dog.

Unfortunately, because you recently lost a dog, you are seeing what your mind is training you to see. You miss your dog and so you're noticing all of the dogs.

[Anonymous]

Going on walks is far more a European tendency than American one, for sure. I'm European and I walk my 3 miles every day, dog or no.

[Anonymous]

I mostly walk without my dog, in fact I prefer it!

[Anonymous]

Because I can’t walk anywhere without a d*mn dog jumping on me.

[Anonymous]

What are you on about? We walk everyday at least 3 miles. We see many other people walking without dogs while walking. Where do you live?!

[Anonymous]

I think you are just missing your dog. I see people all the time walking without dogs. A lot of people have dogs in this area. What I'd like to see is people going on walks without looking at their phone.

[Anonymous]

I used to feel this way - like the only people walking for exercise were considered weirdos. But in my area Covid really changed that and made walking emptyhanded a totally normal thing!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What are you on about? We walk everyday at least 3 miles. We see many other people walking without dogs while walking. Where do you live?!

Midlothian, VA

[Anonymous]

I walk without a dog every day around my neighborhood (not for exercise, just because I enjoy walking). Sometimes I listen to music or podcasts while I walk, often I just walk.

I have noticed on my walks that almost every other walker does have a dog but there are definitely a few like me who are without dogs and are just out walking, not dressed for exercise/not power walking.

[Anonymous]

what the heck. if you want to go for a walk go for a walk. i just got back from a one mile walk.

[Anonymous]

I live in an Arlington with sidewalks that is also near the W&OD. People are out walking all the time. I sometimes walk with my toddler in a stroller or on my own while listening to a podcast. Sometimes I just do a lap around the walk to stretch my legs during the workday. I see plenty of other walkers without dogs.