Hobby Dogging: When dog fans have fun while training without a dog!

Hobby Dogging: When dog fans have fun while training without a dog!

In the tranquil Bad Friedrichshall near Heilbronn, a new trend has established itself that is causing both excitement and laughter: thisHobby dogging. While most dog lovers go for walks with their furry friends, participants here train without real dogs. Instead, they use leashes and harnesses to lead imaginary dogs around a course. But don't worry, the exercise is meant to be more than just bizarre. Barbara Gerlinger, a dog trainer from the region, has developed the concept into a real course that is attracting more and more interested people.

The hobby of dogging not only focuses on enjoyment and exercise, but also on learning communication techniques that are important for dog handlers. Barbara Gerlinger has put a lot of effort into designing a varied training session that includes jumping over small poles and “praising” the imaginary four-legged friends. Originally created out of a spirit of schnapps in the clubhouse, the courses have quickly spread and are incredibly popular. On platforms like star and South Germans There are videos of these trainings that have generated numerous clicks.

Unusual leisure pleasure

In our modern world, where owning a pet can quickly become a financial burden, substitute employment is becoming increasingly popular. The dogging hobby offers an elite but also humorous opportunity to get involved with dog ownership without having to worry about animal care or veterinary costs. Many participants appreciate that there is no noise or responsibility for a living creature - so it's the perfect balance for those who want to enjoy the company of dogs without actually owning them.

While some viewers view the trend with skepticism and comment on it with derision, Gerlinger sees it as serious training for aspiring dog handlers. “It helps with concentration and posture training,” emphasizes the trainer. And despite the sometimes mocking comments, she remains calm and is happy about the many registrations for the new courses.

Communicate in a dog manner

The aim of the workshop is to teach participants how they should communicate with dogs and how they can behave in a dog handler group. The exercises, which primarily encourage fun working with animals, have an important social component. “I want people to focus on themselves and learn to practice dog-friendly communication,” says Gerlinger. South Germans reports on the positive feedback that Gerlinger is now receiving, as well as those who view the course as “bizarre”.

It remains to be seen whether the hobby of dogging will last in the long term or is more of a passing trend. But one thing is certain: it brings a breath of fresh air into the world of dog lovers and provides numerous amusing experiences. So if you want to try something different, just stop by!