09/09/2025
🍎📚🧠🌟
We often get quite a few enquires about dogs starting out on group walks straight away. And I think sometimes it can put a few people off when I say, that’s not how we do things here 😅👇🏻 So, let me explain!
There’s a few reasons why we would never introduce new dogs straight away to our groups here at Pack of Hounds. And instead, we actively encourage all our beginners on our introductory solo’s!
⭐️ So, here’s why we do it:
• Assessment Time – It allows us to observe the dog’s behaviour, energy levels, lead manners, recall, and triggers in a calm setting. Good awareness & etiquette are all fundamentals for group walking!
• Builds Trust – A solo walk gives the dog time to bond with us without the distraction of other dogs. This trust, helps them feel more secure when they’re later placed in a group.
• Confidence Building – For shy, nervous, under-socialised dogs (or even over socialised!), one-to-one time helps them adjust gradually instead of being overwhelmed by multiple dogs at once.
•Safety First – Not every dog is ready for group interaction. This is not a bad thing! Being able to recognise this reduces the risk of conflicts, accidents, or stress until we know for certain how they’ll cope.
• Training Opportunity – We can reinforce good walking habits, basic commands, and impulse control on one-to-one, which makes group management considerably easier later down the line.
• Health & Wellbeing - Solo’s allows us to assess each dogs physical ability. Group walks consist of a full hour of intense exercise. It’s important to know if the dog has the stamina and is physically able to manage the longer walks with us! 🐾
👉🏻 We may come across a little more regimented - but this careful approach keeps dogs safe, happy, and sets them up for positive social experiences later down the line!
