How Many Dogs in a Walking Pack is Too Many?

At Trails and Tails Dog Walking, we are passionate about providing personalized, high-quality care for the dogs we walk. When it comes to dog walking pack sizes, we believe smaller is better. While there are responsible walkers who carefully curate small, balanced groups, we’ve also seen the downsides of large-scale pack walking. In this blog, we’ll discuss the ideal pack size, the potential risks of walking too many dogs at once, and why we’ve chosen to specialize in one-on-one walks.

Why We Only Do One-on-One Walks

At Trails and Tails, we prioritize individual attention and care. That’s why we only offer solo walks, unless you have multiple dogs living in your home. This ensures that your dog gets the personalized exercise, enrichment, and potty breaks they need.

Benefits of one-on-one walks:

• Full bathroom breaks: On a solo walk, your dog has the freedom to take their time and fully relieve themselves without the pressure of keeping up with a group.

• Tailored exercise: Whether your pup prefers a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk, we can match their pace and cater to their specific needs.

• Undivided attention: One-on-one walks allow us to focus entirely on your dog’s well-being, behavior, and safety.

When Is Pack Walking Done Right?

While we specialize in solo walks, we also recognize that some highly skilled walkers successfully manage small, carefully selected packs. In our experience, responsible pack walkers typically limit their groups to no more than four dogs and ensure they are well-matched in size, temperament, and energy level.

The benefits of small, curated packs:

• Socialization and play: Well-balanced packs can offer dogs a chance to socialize with familiar companions, which can be enriching and fun.

• Experienced handling: Professional pack walkers with strong training skills can effectively manage small groups, keeping the experience safe and enjoyable.

• Balanced group dynamics: A small pack allows for proper supervision and individual attention, ensuring each dog’s needs are met.

The Risks of Large-Scale Pack Walking

Unfortunately, not all dog walkers adhere to responsible pack sizes. Some walkers take as many as ten dogs at a time, parading them in a single-file line. While this may look impressive, it often comes at the expense of the dogs' well-being.

Problems with large pack walks:

1. Limited bathroom opportunities: When dogs are walked in a large group, they often have limited chances to relieve themselves. If one dog in the line needs to stop, they may not get the chance, leading to discomfort or accidents. In some cases, desperate dogs may go to the bathroom while walking, which is unsanitary and stressful for the animals.

2. Excessive car time: Many large pack walkers spend a significant portion of the walk time doing car pickups and drop-offs. Dogs may spend 30 minutes to an hour—or even longer—sitting in a vehicle before their walk begins, reducing their active time and creating unnecessary stress.

3. Lack of individual attention: With ten dogs on leash, it is nearly impossible for the walker to monitor each dog’s behavior, safety, and well-being. Subtle signs of stress or discomfort can easily be missed.

4. Safety concerns: In the event of an emergency, controlling a large group of dogs is challenging. If one dog becomes reactive or if the group encounters an unexpected hazard, it can be difficult to ensure the safety of all dogs.

Why It’s Important to Know What You’re Signing Up For

If you’re considering hiring a dog walker, it’s essential to ask how many dogs they walk at a time. Some dog walking services advertise group walks without specifying the pack size. While small, carefully managed groups can be beneficial, large-scale pack walking often prioritizes quantity over quality.

Questions to ask potential walkers:

• How many dogs do you walk at once?

• How much time is spent walking versus in the car?

• Do you tailor the group to match dog sizes and temperaments?

• What safety protocols do you have in place for group walks?

Trails and Tails: Committed to Quality Over Quantity

At Trails and Tails Dog Walking, we are proud to offer one-on-one walks that prioritize your dog’s well-being. We believe that every dog deserves individual attention, unrushed bathroom breaks, and a walk tailored to their specific needs.

While we respect the skill of experienced pack walkers who carefully manage small groups, we do not support large-scale pack walking. The well-being, comfort, and safety of the dogs always come first.

If you’re seeking reliable, personalized care for your pup in Seattle, we’re here to help.