What article is for walking dogs? - briefly
The definite article "the" is used when referring to a specific activity or routine involving walking dogs. For example, "I enjoy the walk with my dog every morning."
What article is for walking dogs? - in detail
To determine which article should precede the phrase "walking dogs," we must first consider the context in which it is used.
In English grammar, articles are used before nouns to specify whether something is being referred to in a general sense or as a specific instance. The definite article "the" is used when referring to something specific that both the speaker and the listener are already familiar with. For example, "I am going to walk the dogs." In this case, it is assumed that there are particular dogs known to both parties.
On the other hand, if we are talking about the activity of walking dogs in a general sense, without referring to any specific dogs, then no article should be used. For instance, "Walking dogs is her favorite pastime." Here, "walking dogs" refers to the act of taking dogs for a walk as a general activity or hobby.
In summary, when using the phrase "walking dogs," if you are talking about a specific group of dogs that both you and your listener know, use "the walking dogs." If you are referring to the action of walking dogs in a general sense, no article is needed before "walking dogs."