Meaning
To take a dog out for exercise, usually on a leash.
Cultural Background
In the US, professional dog walking is a multi-billion dollar industry. Apps like Wag and Rover allow people to hire 'walkers' as easily as ordering a pizza. The 'dog walk' is a staple of British weekend life, often ending at a 'dog-friendly pub' where the pet can rest while the owner has a drink. In cities like Paris, you will see people walking dogs of all sizes on very short leashes. It is common to see dogs inside cafes after their walk. Dog walking in Japan often involves high-tech accessories, including 'etiquette bottles' to clean the pavement, reflecting the culture's high value on cleanliness.
Use 'my' or 'the'
Always use an article. 'I walk dog' is incorrect. Say 'I walk the dog' or 'I walk my dog'.
Silent L
Remember that the 'L' in 'walk' is never pronounced. It sounds like 'wawk'.
Meaning
To take a dog out for exercise, usually on a leash.
Use 'my' or 'the'
Always use an article. 'I walk dog' is incorrect. Say 'I walk the dog' or 'I walk my dog'.
Silent L
Remember that the 'L' in 'walk' is never pronounced. It sounds like 'wawk'.
The 'Excuse' move
In English, 'I have to walk the dog' is a perfect, polite way to end a phone call or leave a party.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the daily routine.
I usually ______ the dog at 7 AM before I go to work.
'Walk the dog' is the standard collocation for this activity.
Which sentence is the most natural?
Choose the best option:
This uses the correct transitive verb and the necessary possessive adjective 'my'.
Complete the dialogue between two roommates.
A: It's raining outside. B: I know, but someone still needs to ______.
In a casual household context, 'walk the dog' is the most common way to refer to this chore.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Dog Walking Essentials
Gear
- • Leash
- • Collar
- • Harness
Places
- • Park
- • Sidewalk
- • Beach
Practice Bank
3 exercisesI usually ______ the dog at 7 AM before I go to work.
'Walk the dog' is the standard collocation for this activity.
Choose the best option:
This uses the correct transitive verb and the necessary possessive adjective 'my'.
A: It's raining outside. B: I know, but someone still needs to ______.
In a casual household context, 'walk the dog' is the most common way to refer to this chore.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's less common. 'I am walking my dog' is the standard way to say it.
'Walk the dog' is the idiomatic collocation. 'Walk with the dog' sounds like the dog is your companion on a hike.
You can say either 'the dog' or 'my dog'. Both are very common.
Usually no. People will understand you, but it sounds funny because cats aren't usually walked.
A person you pay to walk your dog for you.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
Yes, though the UK often says 'take the dog for a walk' more frequently.
Rarely. It's almost always literal, unlike 'walk the plank' or 'walk the talk'.
It's a causative verb here, meaning 'to make the dog walk'.
Yes, many people list it as a hobby on their social media profiles.
Related Phrases
Take the dog out
similarTo let the dog go outside for a bathroom break.
Dog-walker
builds onA person whose job is to walk dogs.
On a leash
specialized formControlled by a long strap.
Walk the talk
contrastTo do what you say you will do.
