As dog professionals, we hear it all the time:
“My dog has to be walked twice a day.”
But what happens when life suddenly changes?
What happens when the vet says:
“Your dog needs strict rest.”
No walks.
No running.
No zoomies.
No normal routine.
For many dog guardians, that moment can feel overwhelming.
And for dogs that are used to constant movement, stimulation or routine, it can be incredibly frustrating too.
That’s exactly why I was so excited to welcome Laura Carter IMDT onto The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast recently.
Laura is a dog trainer with over 20 years’ experience, author of The Vet Says Rest and founder of Wags Without Walks – an online membership designed to support dogs who can’t, shouldn’t, or simply don’t need traditional walks every day.
And honestly?
This conversation was such an important reminder that sometimes less really can be more.
The Story Behind “The Vet Says Rest”
Laura explained that the inspiration behind the book came from working with two very young large-breed dogs who suddenly found themselves on strict crate rest following serious injuries and surgeries.
One was a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy who fractured his leg playing in the garden.
Another was a Bullmastiff undergoing multiple surgeries.
In both cases, the guardians felt completely lost.
How do you cope with a young, energetic dog who suddenly can’t go outside?
What do you do when your dog becomes frustrated, emotional or overstimulated?
How do you maintain your relationship with them?
And perhaps most importantly…
Where do you even find support?
Laura realised there simply weren’t enough practical, realistic resources for guardians navigating these situations – so she created one herself.
Walks Aren’t Always the Answer
One of the biggest takeaways from our chat was the idea that many dogs don’t necessarily need more walking.
Sometimes they actually need:
- more rest
- more decompression
- more enrichment
- more emotional regulation
- more connection with us
Laura spoke openly about her own rescue Spaniel, Mungo, who actually became more overstimulated from walks rather than calmer.
And honestly?
I think many dog professionals will relate to this.
Not every dog benefits from endless physical exercise.
Some dogs become:
- hyper-aroused
- stressed
- reactive
- unable to switch off
And in those cases, slowing things down and engaging the brain can make a huge difference.
Enrichment Is More Than a Kong
Another point Laura made brilliantly was that enrichment isn’t just about stuffing a Kong and hoping for the best.
True enrichment involves:
- thinking
- problem solving
- choice
- agency
- natural behaviours
- adapting activities to the individual dog
That could mean:
- scent games
- shaping exercises
- calm problem-solving activities
- decompression
- chewing
- searching
- simple training games
- relaxation work
And importantly, enrichment can often be adapted for dogs recovering from surgery, injury or restricted exercise.
The Evolution of Dog Training
I also loved hearing Laura reflect on how much the dog training world has changed over the last 20 years.
One example really stood out.
Laura shared that when she first trained, puppies wearing harnesses weren’t encouraged in classes unless there was a medical reason.
Now?
Most ethical trainers actively recommend harnesses as the safer, kinder option.
That really highlights how much the industry has evolved towards:
- relationship-based training
- consent and choice
- emotional wellbeing
- natural behaviours
- connection over control
And thankfully, we’re continuing to move in that direction.
Dogs Don’t Measure Happiness in Miles
This was probably my favourite line from the entire episode.
“Dogs don’t measure happiness in miles.”
Because it’s true.
Our dogs don’t care whether they walked 10 miles.
They care about how they feel.
They care about:
- safety
- connection
- fulfilment
- emotional wellbeing
- spending time with us
And sometimes, sitting on the sofa together doing a calm enrichment game is far more beneficial than forcing a stressful walk because we feel guilty.
Final Thoughts
This episode was such a refreshing reminder that slowing down isn’t failure.
Sometimes it’s exactly what both dogs and humans need.
Whether you’re supporting:
- a recovering dog
- a reactive dog
- an older dog
- an overwhelmed dog
- or simply yourself as a pet professional…
There are alternatives.
And there’s no shame in doing things differently.
You can listen to the full episode of The Pet Business Wellbeing Podcast with Laura Carter wherever you get your podcasts.
And honestly?
I think this is one every dog guardian should hear.
Links & Resources
Laura Carter Canines Website
Wags Without Walks Website
Laura Carter Canines Facebook
Nathan Dunleavy Website
Free Pet Pro Rescue Plan
Free Dog Walking Business Resource
Join The Pet Business Wellbeing Circle (Free Facebook Community)
