@sue4
I had a 3 level MILD done which is a little less invasive.

Surgery pain was really not much more than my presurgery sciatic pain, just in back instead of legs and at least pain meds helped unlike my sciatica

Was able to walk right away but pre surgery sciatic pain level didn't improve at all for 5 weeks.

You'll have PT, mine started at about 6 weeks I think. Yours might be longer.

Walking as tolerated is probably most important thing to do, I went from 2 days on walker as pain got worse after surgery, to a cane and then without anything.

I was allowed to drive as soon as off pain meds, a couple weeks for me.

Lifting restriction probably 8-10lbs.
Dog walking (just to back yard) at 3 weeks although surgeon wanted 6.
I would guess they will want you not to for 3 months. You can't be jerked around. Depends on your dog. Mine is 70lbs of shepard/lab who takes of after Turkey's ducks, rabbbits squirels Etc

Good luck with your surgery/recovery, I'm sure you will do fine