The phenomenon of hobby dogging - bizarre or true love for dogs?

Of course, it seems extremely bizarre when adults walk empty collars on stiff leashes. It seems even crazier when the imaginary dog owners take part in agility training and guide their fictional four-legged friends through the course. All of this is hobby dogging! However, the purpose behind it doesn't seem so silly when this leisure activity isn't just a pastime for people without dogs. We at Reico sales partner Team Hundefutter Vital are interested in everything that concerns our beloved four-legged friends. We also took a closer look at hobby dogging - you never know what something might be good for! In fact, we found an important difference to hobby horsing and reveal why serious dog training is possible even without a dog. Table of contents 1. Where does the hobby dogging trend come from? 2. What are the advantages of hobby dogging without a dog? 3. How do you get started with hobby dogging? 4. That's why a real dog is even better!

Where does the hobby dogging trend come from? German dog trainer Barbara Gerlinger from Bad Friedrichshall invented hobby dogging. In fact, this avid dog lover offers professional courses - sometimes with dogs, sometimes without. In the beginning, at the end of 2025, the whole thing seemed like a viral gag that even spread to China via TikTok and Instagram.

At first glance, this hobby resembles hobby horsing for adults - but with the fundamental difference that hobby dogging is mainly aimed at real dog owners. They only show up at the dog school without their beloved four-legged friends in exceptional cases to complete a kind of mental training with Gerlinger.

"You can't work with the animal if you're not with the animal," says the dog expert, who is delighted that people can clear their heads during the "dry runs" and then engage much better with their animals. Ultimately, hobby dogging serves to train people, because in the best case scenario, owners will then have a much better understanding of how to handle their animals on the training course.

What are the advantages of hobby dogging without a dog? There's no question that the trend has now also caught on among people without dogs. This can also make sense, especially in terms of animal welfare: ? Enjoy the benefits: People with little money and/or too little time can enjoy some of the benefits that come with living with a dog.

? Live out your creative freedom: The great responsibility for a real animal is eliminated, replaced by the creative freedom to simply invent a dog with all its lovable qualities. ? Build community: In group courses, (lonely) people can socialize and build a community.

? Encouraging exercise: Through walks and agility courses, hobby dogging promotes physical activity, for example among older people. ? Environmental protection: There is no need to consume the resources required for a real dog. All you need is a leash with a collar or harness - and a good dose of imagination.

? Small consolation for allergy sufferers: Those who desperately want a dog but are allergic to our faithful four-legged friends or have a small apartment may find consolation in hobby dogging. As bizarre as it often seems to outsiders, everyone can and should have their own enjoyable hobby - and despite its strange appearance, hobby dogging has only positive effects.

How do you get started with hobby dogging? You can start this hobby on your own or together with others. Get yourself a leash with a collar or harness and stiffen it, for example with wire or mounting adhesive. You can find further inspiration in Barbara Gerlinger's online tutorials. Perhaps you even live near Bad Friedrichshall and can join their group. Or you could start your own hobby dogging club in your region. That's why a real dog is even better! However, if you have the time, money, and heart for it, you should always opt for a real dog. Our furry friends are incredibly loyal companions and have wonderful personalities! Scientific studies show that dog owners live healthier and often even longer than people without dogs. If the dog is also healthy and happy, the everyday satisfaction of its two-legged friends increases as well. That's why we recommend our professional food advice to dog owners (and those who want to become one). It costs nothing and comes with no obligations.

We will not only inform you about species-appropriate dog food, but also about the benefits of supplementary feed. These help to keep your pet fit or regenerate its body in special situations. Whether pregnancy, chronic colds, or digestive problems: there are suitable nutrients for every circumstance that can help in a natural way. When shall we talk about it?

REICO Partner Hundefutter Vital
Am Kaspersberg 35
63654 Buedingen
Germany

Herr Fabian Alber
0 60 49 / 95 25 832

pr@allvitus.de

Welcome to Team Hundefutter Vital - Reico's distribution partner from the very beginning. Healthy food. Happy dogs. Friendly advice included.

This release was published on openPR.