We don’t pack walk
‘Coming home tired doesn’t always mean it was a good day.’
What is a pack walk?
Pack walking involves a single walker managing a large group of dogs, often more than four, all at once. These dogs, collected from different households, are typically transported in a van before being walked together—sometimes on leads or even off-lead in a park. With just one person responsible for the group, safety and attention can be compromised. Shockingly, there’s no legal requirement for dog walkers to have any formal training or credentials, leaving many dogs in the hands of unqualified individuals. This approach can pose risks for the dogs, the walker, and others nearby, prioritizing quantity over quality care.
Why is pack walking bad?
Large packs are nearly impossible to supervise effectively.
Every dog owner understands how challenging it can be to keep track of just one dog. Now imagine trying to manage five or more at once! From busy roads and livestock to other dogs, cyclists, people, and children, there are countless distractions and potential hazards to navigate. On top of that, the walker must constantly monitor interactions and dynamics within the pack, making proper supervision nearly impossible.
The risk of injury increases significantly
Hazards can arise in an instant, and the more dogs involved, the harder it becomes to ensure their safety—from environmental dangers to conflicts within the group. While addressing one issue, another can quickly emerge, with multiple dogs running around unchecked. In no time, the walk can spiral into complete chaos, making it nearly impossible to maintain control and ensure the well-being of every dog.
A dog walker weighing around 11 stone trying to manage six large dogs, each weighing 8 stone, faces an immense physical challenge in maintaining control. This issue isn’t limited to larger dogs—handling a large number of smaller dogs can be equally overwhelming. Such physical strain not only compromises the safety of the dogs and those around them but also places undue stress on the walker, potentially undermining their confidence and ability to provide proper care.
Limited physical control
The risk of fights increase significantly
The larger the group, the higher the chances of fights breaking out—even among dogs that typically aren’t aggressive. In pack settings, smaller or more timid dogs often become targets as dominant dogs assert their position. While it might appear as though all the dogs are playing and enjoying themselves, many are actually trying to avoid confrontations with pack leaders who may challenge or intimidate them. This creates a stressful and potentially unsafe environment for vulnerable dogs.
Pests and diseases can spread rapidly.
When dogs mix in large packs, the risk of illness and disease spreading increases significantly, no matter how cautious the owners or walkers may be. The larger the group, the harder it becomes to track the source of an outbreak, posing a greater threat not only to the pack but also to other dogs in the community.
We’ve yet to meet a dog who doesn’t love a good walk! Walks are not only essential for keeping dogs fit and healthy but also help burn off excess energy while providing the new, stimulating experiences they crave.
Dogs are naturally social creatures, often eager to make friends with others they meet along the way. That’s why we typically walk them in small groups of two, three, or four (from a maximum of three households). These walks offer the perfect balance of play, socialization, and enrichment—three key elements that every dog needs to thrive.
The We Love Paws Way…
Just like their human owners, dogs often enjoy making friends. We pay close attention to their interactions and quickly notice when a dog bonds with another during regular walks. If a dog seems anxious or hesitant, it’s a sign they may not enjoy the other’s company, so we’ll pair them with a more suitable walking companion. Our goal is to ensure every dog is matched with the perfect playmate, creating positive and enjoyable experiences on every walk.
Perfect Walking Companions
Some dogs are naturally timid and prefer to stick close to their owner when walking alone. This might be due to a past negative experience or a lack of socialization opportunities as a puppy. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help these shy pups build confidence and enjoy the world around them.
With the owner’s consent, we gradually introduce them to carefully chosen canine companions that match their temperament. This gentle approach helps them develop the social skills they need while exploring new environments, boosting their mental stimulation and overall well-being. Together, we’ll help them discover the joy of new places, smells, and friendships at their own pace.
Building Social Confidence
Our dog walkers bring a wealth of experience and training to every walk. All are certified in pet first aid as a minimum. Every team member undergoes thorough background checks and is personally vetted as a genuine animal lover you can trust.
More than just facilitators of fun playtimes, our walkers keep a watchful eye on all dogs—whether they’re confidently off-lead or need a little guidance in social interactions. Their expertise ensures every dog enjoys a fulfilling, enriching walk while staying safe at all times. With us, experience and training make all the difference.
A Skilled and Trained Eye
