The Woof of Walk Street
The quick answer
For the vast majority of pet dogs, one-dog-only (solo) walks deliver calmer experiences, better learning and safer handling. Pack walks can work for a tiny subset of well-matched dogs, but they introduce crowding, mixed arousal and risk you simply don’t need.
What “solo” and “pack” actually mean
Solo walk (our model)
One walker, one dog. Route, pace and exposures are tailored to your dog’s age, fitness and triggers. Sessions include decompression, loose-lead practice and calm sniffing.
Lower stressPersonalisedGPS trackingPhoto updatesPack walk (typical model)
One walker, multiple dogs (often 3–6+). Dogs are managed as a group with limited ability to create space or adjust to individual needs.
Higher arousalMixed abilitiesCrowdingSide-by-side comparison
| Factor | Solo Walk | Pack Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Stress & arousal | Low, controlled; easy to create space. | Higher; social pressure and crowding. |
| Learning | Focused loose-lead reps; calm exposures. | Limited individual training time. |
| Safety | One leash, one handler; clear accountability. | Multiple leashes; entanglement & mismatch risk. |
| Hygiene | Gear dedicated to your dog, cleaned between sessions. | Shared equipment more common. |
| Suitability | Great for puppies, seniors, reactive, or sensitive dogs. | Only suits stable, social, similar-size dogs. |
| Proof | GPS-tracked route + photo report every time. | Proof varies; often none per dog. |
Who benefits most from solo walks?
- Puppies & teens learning calm around bikes, trams and cafés.
- Seniors who prefer predictable loops and gentle pacing.
- Big-feelings dogs (reactive, anxious, over-excited) who need space.
- Post-vet or post-boarding decompression and routine resets.
Ethical checklist if you’re considering any walker
- One-dog-only policy (or clear dog-to-walker ratio & matching rules).
- GPS tracking + photos after every session.
- Insurance, police check and emergency protocols.
- Consent-based handling (no aversives, no forced greetings).
- Sanitised gear and safe transport, if used.
More on this in How to Choose an Ethical Dog Walker.
FAQs
Can friendly dogs still enjoy solo walks?
Absolutely. Solo doesn’t mean lonely — it means calm time outdoors with choice, sniffing and handler connection. We can add polite dog-at-a-distance exposures when appropriate.
Do you ever walk two dogs together?
Only housemates with matching pace and training goals — and only with owner approval. Otherwise it’s strictly one-dog-only.
Where do you walk in South Melbourne?
Routes are tailored: Albert Park Lake loops, St Vincent Gardens, Gasworks Park and quiet side-street circuits that allow space and shade.
Ready for calmer walks?
One-dog-only, GPS-tracked and photo-updated — built around your dog.