Joshua Butler, 22, hit Stuart Blackwell, 40, and his faithful labrador Oscar as they walked along the pavement in Lichfield, Staffordshire, before driving off.
Mr Blackwell was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.
Stuart Blackwell (right), pictured with dog
Oscar, who he walked on a country lane every morning. Joshua Butler
(left) confessed to knocking him and his dog down and driving away
Butler, from Lichfield, handed himself in to police the following morning where he was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop.
He pleaded guilty to both charges and was today sentenced at Stafford Crown Court.
DC Andy Weatherley, from Staffordshire Police, said: 'Mr Blackwell was a responsible dog walker who took the same route at the same time every week day for eight years.
'His wife and daughter always expected him to return home and when he didn't it was the worst news they could ever receive.
'Butler's car mounted the pavement and hit Stuart and Oscar before Butler left the scene.
'He is now in prison which will, hopefully, bring some closure for Stuart's family as they continue to mourn his tragic and unnecessary loss.'
Mr Blackwell's wife Clare, 39, said: 'Making an early guilty plea was the one thing Mr Butler could do which will allow our family to begin to face our future without my husband, Stuart.
'I believe this decision took bravery and compassion and I was glad to see that Mr Butler had the support of his family in court.
'A custodial sentence will not bring Stuart and Oscar home from their walk but I very much hope it will deter other drivers from making irresponsible choices in the future.
'As the legal process draws to a close, my daughter and I can begin to grieve for our loss and remember Stuart as a caring, fun-loving, devoted daddy and husband.'
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