One of the most common questions I get is: “What will my dog’s walk actually look like?”
I completely get it -- handing your dog’s lead over to someone new isn’t something you do lightly. When we do a Meet & Greet before confirming a booking, we'll cover your dog's needs and talk everything over. But, if you're like me, you might want to be extra prepared and know what's in store for your dog before we even meet!
That’s why I want to give you a clear picture of what a typical walk looks like with me, from the moment I arrive to when your pup is back home and settled.
Hello, pup!
Every walk begins with a proper hello. From the minute I walk through the door, I take the time to connect with your dog, whether they’re excited and bouncing or a bit shy and reserved. I’ll always meet them at their level and then set a calm, positive tone for the outing ahead. We don't get riled up before the walk!
Ready, Set...
Before we head out, I make sure your dog’s harness or collar is comfy and secure, their ID tag is attached to their collar (this is a legal requirement and I cannot walk your dog without this), and your dog looks healthy, happy, and ready to walk.
If you're happy to provide poo bags & treats, that is amazing and really helps us out, thank you! Otherwise, I do also have my own to hand.
Go!
No two walks are exactly the same, and that’s the way it should be. I only provide solo or same-household walks, so we go straight from your house which means there's no long van journeys while we pick up other dogs (some love this, but it's not for everyone!). I usually pre-plan a number of different routes near your home and will head to the greenest spaces nearby.
I adjust the pace and route based on your dog’s energy, age, and needs (& just like us, what they need might even change day to day!). Whether your pup wants a fast-paced adventure or a slow sniffari, I make sure they get the right balance of physical and mental stimulation.
Sniffing is more than just a pastime, it’s an important part of canine enrichment. Dog have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about six million in us, so they really do explore the world largely through their sense of smell! That’s why I always give your dog time to explore the world through their nose and I'll never tug or force them away from enjoying a good smeller session.
On-the-Go TLC
Throughout the walk, I keep an eye on your dog’s comfort and mood. If they need water, a quick rest, or just a moment in the shade (walks may be rescheduled or cancelled if it's too hot or too cold to safely walk), we take it. I’m always watching for signs of fatigue, or any kind of discomfort, and I adjust accordingly. I also keep an eye on their energy level on the opposite end.
If they need to let out some extra energy, we can go a bit faster, even switch into a jog if that's what they want. And yes, I always clean up after them!
Socialising
While we won't be on a group walk, your dog will still experience socialising with other dogs if that's what they want. There's usually at least a couple of other dogs and their humans out for a walk, wherever we go, so if your dog (and the other dogs we see) are up for saying hello, and even a little play, we can make sure that happens!
Likewise, if your dog is nervous or reactive around other dogs, we can keep our distance or continue any training that you've already been implementing to help them work through their worries. I'm not a trainer, so I can't implement or recommend any new training, but we can keep up with what you've been doing if you'd like, to make sure your pup has that all-important consistency!
Off the Lead, On the Same Page
Whether your dog is on-lead or off during our walks depends on a few important things: your preferences, the safety of the environment, and the level of trust and communication I’ve built with your pup.
If you’re happy for your dog to have some off-lead time, and it’s in a secure or appropriate area, I’ll only do so if I know your dog has reliable recall and we’ve built a strong bond first.
Every dog is different, and I’ll always prioritise their safety, your comfort, and what works best for your pup.
Home Again
When we return home, I’ll give them a towel down if we got wet/muddy, wipe paws, top up their water bowl if needed, and make sure your pup is relaxed before I leave. I’ll send you a quick update with photos to let you know how the walk went and anything worth noting (you are welcome to let me know how frequently, or infrequently, you'd like these "pupdates").
You’ll come home to a calm, content dog who’s had a great time -- and is probably ready for a long nap.
Becoming Besties
I don’t just walk dogs, I build real, lasting connections with them. Over time, I get to know your dog’s habits, preferences, and personality! This consistency builds trust, not just with your dog, but with you too. That means less stress for your dog, and more peace of mind for you.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about ticking a box, it’s about making sure your dog has fun on our walks! It's important they get to socialise, and exercise their body and their brain with someone they trust.
It’s a beautiful thing, gaining a new friend! It’s one of the reasons I love what I do.
Ready to Set Up Your Dog’s First Walk?
If you're thinking about booking or just want to chat more about your dog’s routine, feel free to reach out. I’d love to meet you both.
