Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Germany's Bizarre Hobby Dogging Trend Gains Traction
In Germany, there's a new trend called 'hobby dogging' where people pretend to walk and train imaginary dogs.
They use special leashes and set up courses with cones and obstacles.
The founder, Barbara Gerlinger, started this as a way to practice dog training techniques without a real dog.
Some people think it's silly, but others find it helpful for focusing and preparing to train real dogs.
It's become popular on social media, with millions of views and a mix of reactions from people around the world.
Hobby dogging involves adults simulating walking and training imaginary dogs using reinforced leashes and obstacles.
The trend originated in Bad Friedrichshall, Germany, founded by dog trainer Barbara Gerlinger.
Participants claim it helps with mental training, focus, and concentration, and serves as a practice tool for real dog training.
The trend has gained millions of views on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, drawing both fascination and ridicule.
Some psychologists suggest it may serve as a therapeutic activity for loneliness or stress relief.
- Who
- Adults in Germany, particularly those interested in dog training
- What
- Hobby dogging, a trend involving simulating walking and training imaginary dogs
- When
- Gaining traction in 2025
- Where
- Originated in Bad Friedrichshall, Germany, and spread online
- Why
- Participants claim it brings joy, freedom, and a sense of community; some see it as a therapeutic activity
- Origin
- Bad Friedrichshall, Germany
- Founder
- Barbara Gerlinger
- Platforms
- TikTok, Instagram
- Purpose
- Mental training, focus, concentration
- Participants
- Adults simulating walking and training imaginary dogs
- Equipment
- Reinforced leashes, cones, obstacles
- Psychological Perspective
- Therapeutic for loneliness or stress relief