Individual or Group Dog Walking–Which Works Best?

Group Dog Walking Or Individual Dog Walking… Which Walk Style Works For Your Pet?

If you’re utilizing a dog walking service, should you choose a group walking style or go with the company that offers individual walks? There are many different dog walking services throughout the Chicago Suburbs from Elmhurst to La Grange to Lombard to Naperville, and each has their own philosophy and requirements when it comes to their service options.

When choosing a dog walking service, there are several important things to consider, one of which is whether to select a service that provides group walking (sometimes known as herd walking) or individual walks. Different businesses offer different options, including small group walks, as well as individual and large group. Large group walks seem far more prevalent in urban areas, and some folks argue that these style of walks are beneficial to dogs, who are social by nature.

However, group walks are not for all dogs. While dogs are social creatures, they can become overstimulated even if they aren’t obvious about letting you know. Your dog may not get along well with other dogs, or not get along well with certain dogs, which can become problematic in a group setting. That being said, some dogs are incredibly, constantly social, and wouldn’t mind being walked in a group or spending all day, every day, in doggie day care.

Individual walks, where the same dog walker visits your dog every time they’re scheduled for a walk, allows the dog and the walker to form a bond; the walker gets to know the dog extremely well, which can be helpful if the dog isn’t acting like herself, for instance. Your dog walker can devote all of his or her attention to your dog while walking, as well as any potential distractions or things to avoid, including critters, other dogs, people and traffic. If your dog is on a strict walking style, such as a heel, an individual walk allows this with far greater ease as the walker and dog are working one-on-one.

Choosing group walking or individual walking is largely up to your dog’s temperament, your location and what’s available to you. When selecting a style, make sure you study the policies and philosophies of each service so you can chose the one that best serves  your dog.