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Group Walks 🐕
Explore, sniff and practise moving comfortably around other dogs.
Join us for guided group walks and hikes where dogs and their people can explore new environments together while practising real-life skills around other dogs. These outings are less about formal obedience and more about giving dogs opportunities to sniff, move, build confidence and experience being around other dogs without being expected to greet or interact with everyone they see.
Dogs remain with their own person throughout the walk, and everyone is encouraged to give each other enough space to stay comfortable. Rabies vaccination is required.
Not yet ready for our group walks? Contact us to explore your options.
Group walks can be a great fit for dogs who enjoy exploring outdoors, need more opportunities to practise walking around other dogs, or benefit from doing something different from their everyday neighbourhood walk. They can also be useful for dogs who become excited around other dogs but are still able to move, eat, respond and recover with reasonable space.
Your dog does not need to be perfectly trained or walk in a formal heel. The goal is for dogs to experience the environment at their own pace while learning that they can share outdoor space with other dogs without needing to interact directly.
Dogs of all sizes can participate unless a particular event is listed for a specific size group. If your dog becomes intensely reactive around other dogs or needs a large amount of distance to remain comfortable, contact me before booking so we can decide whether a group walk, From Barking to BFFs or private training would be the better starting point.
Not yet ready for our group walks? Contact us to explore your options.
What should I expect?
We meet at the location listed for that particular walk and head out together as a group. Routes can include parks, trails and other dog-friendly outdoor spaces, so the experience may change from one walk to another.
Dogs are not expected to march together in a tight formation. We use the available space so dogs can move comfortably, stop to sniff and explore, and create distance when they need it. Along the way, you may naturally get opportunities to practise loose-leash walking, checking in with your dog, moving past distractions and helping your dog stay comfortable while other dogs are nearby.
These walks are intended to feel like an enjoyable outing rather than a 60-minute obedience drill. Sniffing, exploring and simply spending time outdoors are part of the experience.
READ MOREEnrichment group walks! Practice leash skills, confidence & comfortable movement around other dogs.
12.89 Canadian dollars
"..I came across the group on Instagram and I am so glad that I did. Not only has it helped our Sesame with her reactivity, but has provided a great community of other small dog owners. Both Sesame and I look forward to our play sessions and walks with the group. Carlos and team are beyond helpful and provide a safe space to correct behavioural issues without punishment. I’ve been struggling for some time to find a trainer that focuses on redirecting vs punishing. As well they offer a ton of items for rent or purchase such as treat puzzles and other enrichment ideas for your pup! If you have a small dog, pls check them out!"
- Rebekka C.
FAQs
Can dogs of any size attend?
Yes, unless a particular walk is specifically listed for a certain size group. Group Adventure Walks & Hikes are generally about sharing an outdoor experience rather than having dogs directly interact, so dogs do not need to be similar sizes to walk in the same group.
Do the dogs greet each other?
Dogs are not expected to greet one another. We want dogs to become comfortable sharing space and moving around other dogs without learning that every dog they see needs to become a social interaction.
If an appropriate interaction comes up, we can decide in the moment whether it makes sense rather than allowing automatic on-leash greetings.
Can my dog play with the other dogs during the walk?
These walks are not intended as play sessions. Dogs remain with their own people, and the focus is on walking, exploring and becoming comfortable around the group.
If you are specifically looking for supervised social play for a small dog, the Indoor Small Dog Play Sessions are a better fit.
Does my dog need good leash manners?
No. Your dog does not need perfect loose-leash walking before attending.
A group walk can actually provide useful opportunities to practise around distractions. However, you should be able to physically manage your dog safely throughout the outing.
Can my reactive dog attend?
Possibly. Some reactive dogs do very well on group walks because moving in the same general direction can be easier than standing near other dogs.
What matters is whether your dog can participate safely with enough distance. If your dog has intense reactions, cannot recover after seeing another dog or needs substantial space, contact me before booking. From Barking to BFFs may be a more appropriate starting point.
What if my dog barks during the walk?
Some barking does not automatically mean you need to leave. We can increase distance, allow your dog time to sniff or decompress, move to a different position in the group or make the situation easier.
A group walk should give dogs opportunities to succeed rather than expecting everybody to remain silent and perfectly behaved for the entire outing.
Does my dog have to walk beside the other dogs?
No. There is no requirement for every dog to walk shoulder-to-shoulder.
Some dogs may comfortably walk closer together, while others benefit from walking farther ahead, behind or to the side. We use the available space to help everyone remain comfortable.
Can my dog sniff during the walk?
Absolutely. Sniffing is an important part of exploring the environment and one of the reasons these walks are enrichment-focused.
Your dog does not need to spend the entire outing walking in a formal position beside you. We can still practise leash skills while allowing dogs appropriate opportunities to investigate their surroundings.
Is this a dog training class?
Not exactly. Training opportunities naturally happen throughout the walk, and I’m available to help with leash handling, focus, confidence and navigating distractions, but the walk itself is intended to be an enjoyable shared outdoor experience.
If you want a session focused specifically on teaching or improving a particular behaviour, one of the training services will give us more dedicated time for that goal.
What is the difference between this and From Barking to BFFs?
Group Adventure Walks & Hikes are enrichment-focused outings where dogs and their people explore together while practising comfortable movement around other dogs.
From Barking to BFFs is specifically structured around dog reactivity. The dogs work at carefully managed distances and the exercises are selected specifically to help them notice, disengage from and move around other dogs more successfully.
Can a shy or nervous dog attend?
Potentially, yes. A group walk can be a nice way for some nervous dogs to experience other dogs without the social pressure of direct interaction.
You can maintain more distance and let your dog explore at their own pace. If simply seeing other dogs is extremely stressful for your dog, contact me before booking so we can choose a more comfortable starting point.
What vaccinations are required?
Dogs attending the group walks must have a current rabies vaccination.
What should I bring?
Bring your dog’s regular walking equipment, treats they enjoy, water when appropriate and anything else listed in the event details. Because locations can include trails and parks, you should also prepare yourself for the terrain and weather.
How long are the walks?
Walk length can vary depending on the event, but the duration is shown when you book. Many Group Adventure Walks & Hikes are approximately one hour.
Can I come more than once?
Absolutely. Different locations, dogs, routes and environments create different experiences, so returning gives your dog more opportunities to explore and practise around a changing group of dogs.
What training methods do you use?
I use positive reinforcement/reward-based, evidence-based and force-free training. I do not use prong collars, shock or e-collars, leash corrections, intimidation, or dominance-based training. We’ll focus on positive reinforcement, management, clear communication, and work at a level where your dog can successfully learn.
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