‘Hobbydogging’: Germany’s new viral pastime replaces the invisible horse with an invisible dog
The concept is simple: a person walks outside with an empty leash, acting as if a dog were beside them — giving commands, stopping patiently as the “dog” sniffs around, and praising it for good behavior.
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What may sound like an online prank has evolved into a real movement with its own philosophy and growing community. According to German media, the trend began in Heilbronn, where a dog trainer named Sabine organized unusual workshops teaching participants how to hold a leash properly, maintain posture, and walk confidently — all without an actual dog.
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The idea quickly went viral on TikTok, with videos of people walking “invisible dogs” gaining millions of views.
Reactions online are divided. Some users mock the trend as absurd or childish, while others see it as a harmless way to relieve stress and loneliness.
“I live alone and have always wanted a dog but can’t afford one. When I walk my ‘invisible’ dog, I feel calmer. People smile, and that lifts my mood,” one participant shared in a viral video.
Psychologists note that such imaginative activities can serve a therapeutic purpose.
“Hobbydogging helps maintain physical activity and creates an emotional bond that some people may be missing,” experts explain.
While it’s unclear if hobbydogging will become the next global craze like hobbyhorsing, it’s already spreading beyond Germany — with enthusiasts appearing in the Czech Republic, Finland, and the Netherlands.
So, if you happen to see someone earnestly walking an empty leash and chatting with their invisible companion, don’t laugh too quickly — they might just be taking their own way to unwind.