6 Reasons Why Group Dog Walks Are Good For Your Dog

Going for a walk is an essential part of a pup’s day. Not only is exercise for your pooch a reason for the brisk promenade, but the mental stimulation of getting outside and exploring the world is important, too. 

Taking your dog for a one-on-one walk is a way to give them undivided attention and show them how much puppy love you have. But sometimes, getting out with the gang ticks all the boxes, especially for an outgoing dog who thrives on being with canine friends. 

Why are group dog walks so good for your dog? Read on and Wag! will give you the scoop!

Socialization is listed as point number one because learning how to get along with other dogs is the best reason for group dog walks. Socialized dogs are not fearful of new situations and are more relaxed when meeting unfamiliar people or making friends with other dogs. Socialized dogs are at ease when they need to be boarded or dropped off at doggie daycare. Well-rounded pooches are often more at ease at the veterinary clinic at check-up time, and can also happily accompany you to places like dog-friendly stores and restaurants.

Let’s be truthful and acknowledge that dogs will, no doubt, have a mini-altercation or two on the odd occasion when walking in a busy and boisterous pack. Seeing the interaction between other dogs helps your pupster learn about hierarchy and how to communicate. Your pupper will also gain confidence as they become at ease on group dog walks and maybe even have the opportunity to stand up for themselves when needed.

Dogs thrive on mental stimulation just as much as they do physical exercise. Traversing a different terrain, figuring out how to behave around other dogs, encountering new scents when unfamiliar dogs are nearby—these are all things that will give your furry BFF a mental workout. Just like with humans, using the brain is beneficial. A dog whose mind is kept sharp will be happier, more well-rounded, and young at heart.

Dogs that run together play together. Going on a group dog walk will ensure your lively pooch gets their daily exercise quota every time you take part in a promenade. A tired dog is a contented one, and this translates to better sleep at night, less boredom, and fewer destructive tendencies. Rambunctious and energetic dogs particularly benefit from playing in a pack.

Dogs learn from the behaviors they see in other dogs. Simple tasks like climbing stairs can be modeled by an older dog who teaches the puppy. A very young pooch can learn the ins and outs of potty training simply by seeing and smelling the actions of another dog. It is thought that dogs will mimic each other, making it a wise decision to spend time with your pupper in the company of well-behaved dogs on a group walk.

Chances are when you join a group for a puppy promenade, you’ll expand your footprint across your town or city. Other dog owners will likely introduce you to parks, fields, and trails you may not know existed or weren’t aware were available. Not to mention, meeting other dog lovers encourages you as a pet parent to try new things. Have you always been interested in obstacle training but didn’t know where to start? Your four-legger will benefit when you find out about the local agility club.

• A well-fitting collar with an ID tag is a must. In the event your pupster gets spooked and manages to get separated from you, they’ll be identifiable.

• Micro-chipping your dog helps get them home to you faster if they end up at a vet’s office or the dog pound.

• Don’t take your puppy on a group walk until the veterinarian verifies that the required vaccines are all up to date.

• Keep your dog on a leash unless they are familiar with the other dogs and the walk takes place in a safe, enclosed area.

• Test your pooch in a small group before joining an extra-large pack. You want to be sure your tail-wagger is not anxious about the activity and extra dogs.

• Walk with like-minded dogs. Senior dogs may not be keen on walking with a group of rambunctious pups. Older dogs may prefer walking with woofers their own age.

• Look into a group dog walking club, with a knowledgeable instructor who can guide newcomers on how to help their dogs get used to walking in numbers.

• Not sure if your dog is ready to hang out with other dogs? Book a session of dog training to learn how to bring their manners up to snuff.

Try these tips out for your next group dog walk! 🐾