To wonder why my dog is calmer when I don’t walk her

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My beautiful dog is an an anxious, nervous wreck. She’s constantly on alert, constantly “guarding”, dog reactive, man reactive, fear aggressive …. On top of this she’s bouncing off the walls 24/7, so hyperactive I could run her all day and she’ll still be pacing and whining all evening because she just can’t settle.

One thing I noticed with her was on the odd days I didn’t walk her, she was actually calmer in the house. If I didn’t walk her for 2 days in a row she was calmer still.

Now, feel guilty about this but for the past 3 weeks she hasn’t been walked at all. We’ve hired enclosed dog fields to let her have a good run but no actual walks.

She’s a different dog. Sleeping most of the day, calm and quiet on an evening, level headed … totally different dog. Having a break from walks was on the advice of our behaviourist who suggested that as she’s so highly strung, the walks (although she loves them) we’re actually stressing her out.

Now, my dilemma is I can’t afford the field every day. Twice a week max. She’s a large energetic breed but genuinely seems happier without the walks. I feel guilty as she does love her walks … I’m so torn.

Also a part of me wonders if she’s so quiet now because she’s depressed!!?

I want her to enjoy her life but I also need to look after her mental health 😭 any insight?

Just want to add this was NOT how I envisioned our life with her, she excelled in obedience classes, I had started her in a hoopers class with a view to compete, I envisioned a very active and fulfilled life for her. Unfortunately she turned 6 months old and suddenly changed. I’ve spent a fortune on trainers, vets and behaviourists and the general consensus is bad genetics. Breeder has disappeared of course, all her siblings are the same 😭

Our dog is constantly on alert as well. Maybe dial down the walks for a bit then build up to shorter walks. I try and take our boy to very quiet places. Maybe do some brain games at home with your girl to give her some stimulation.

Look up trigger stacking.
She may need s few days to decompress after a stressful (to her) occurrence.
Prioritise sniffing, puzzle toys, brain games etc. Something to chew or lick (calming activities) after a walk.

It sounds like not walking your dog is best for your dog, no need to feel guilty.

Try reading Stop Walking Your Dog by Niki French.
puptalk.co.uk/product/stop-walking-your-dog-book/

Are there any woods /national trust places / country parks near you that allow off lead dogs? These are often quieter in the week and a run round might be enough for her.

I wouldn’t let a large nervous dog off leash if there’s even a chance of other people being around. Suggest you talk to the behaviourist & see what they say. My uncle was advised to give his dog up in this situation as his garden wasn’t big enough to plug in the difference - she was rehomed with someone who did have the space.