Introducing a new dog to the walks

So how exactly do we introduce a new dog into our walks?

We certainly don’t just want to throw an unknown dog straight in at the deep end. I will admit that some social and playful dogs would respond to this in a good manner without a second thought.

However most dogs will not have previously experienced a group dogwalk. It is therefore wise that we have some routines and checks in place to make sure that it is as stress-free as possible for the new dog.

But first thing’s first we always want to meet both owner and dog before taking a new pack member onboard.

This meeting is normally very informal and often consists of me sitting on the floor getting to know a potential new friend as I chat away with the owner.

After nearly 10 years of meeting new dogs, I do like to think that I get a good gut feeling about whether a dog will fit in or not, and also which potential groups would suit it best.

If I am slightly in doubt then there is always the option of going for a quick walk in the neighbourhood just to see how the dog reacts to external stimuli and other dogs.

But the meeting also is a chance for me to get to understand my potential customers, their lifestyles and their needs.

The initial meeting is as an added safety mechanism so that both new clients and old clients understand that we do not just pick up dogs randomly and walk them without having spent time with them first.

Fast forward to the first walk…..

I would normally choose an established group with a mixture of calm and playful dogs depending on the new member. The varied group will therefore allow the new dog to be able to take the walk at its own pace and not be too overwhelmed.

For the majority of new dogs we will keep them on leash during the first walks until I see that at we have a good connection and that the dog is responding well to both myself and the group.

Over the course of the new dogs first few walks we will try to introduce them to various other dogs as we fine-tune which groups they would best be suited to.

Doggies: Baileys, Ellie, Trassel, Lucy and Haraka