I'm curious why you are asking your GP. It seems maybe your best treatment answers would come ftom your surgeon or back specialist. Someone once ask me the same question but added "you wouldn't go to a foot doctor for heart medication right?"

I don't believe GPs should even prescribe psych meds. Esp antidepressants and they do it all the time. Everyone has a specialty and hopefully keeps up with the latest. Its impossible for a GP/PCP to be abreast of all new treatments for every ailment.

Personally, I think walking a dog is dangerous unless you are willing to let go of the leash immediately. If a dog on really any size starts to run after a squirrel, you will be jerk by the leash. PT is very controlled. Walking a dog, you never know what can happen -even another dog attacking your dog. What would you be able to do to stop it?

Slow controlled motions. When people are told not to drive after surgery they frequently don't follow drs orders. I didn't either after my left knee replacement. I needed to get to PT and our local medical transport van service was a nightmare. Except its not even always about us driving. Its also aboit them hitting us which we can't control. Walking a dog has a similar lack of control theme.
Best of luck. Ask your specialist???