walk the dog

Meaning

This phrase means to take a dog for a walk, usually for exercise and to let it relieve itself. It is a standard daily chore for pet owners and is used in casual, everyday contexts.

Examples

• I need to walk the dog before it starts raining.

  I need to walk the dog before it starts raining.

• Whose turn is it to walk the dog tonight?

  Whose turn is it to walk the dog tonight?

• She walks her dog in the park every morning.

  She walks her dog in the park every morning.

• Could you walk the dog while I'm at work?

  Could you walk the dog while I'm at work?

• Walking the dog is a great way to get some fresh air.

  Walking the dog is a great way to get some fresh air.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I will go to walk the dog.

  ✓ I'm going to walk the dog.

  While grammatically possible, native speakers rarely use 'go to walk' in this way. They prefer 'take the dog for a walk' or simply 'walk the dog' to express future plans.

• ✗ I walked with the dog.

  ✓ I walked the dog.

  'Walk' is used transitively here. 'Walk with the dog' sounds like you and the dog are walking side-by-side as independent companions, rather than you taking the pet out for its routine exercise.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Don't forget to ___ before you go to bed.

  💡 Take your pet outside for exercise.

  Show answer

  walk the dog

• It is your turn to ___ today.

  💡 Take care of the pet's daily outdoor routine.

  Show answer

  walk the dog