Top 5 things to look for when sending your dog on a group walk

Group dog walks (sometimes called pack walks) can be one of the most rewarding experiences for your dog. They offer exercise, socialization, and mental stimulation all at once, but they also require extra care and a dog walker who knows how to handle multiple dogs at one time. Sending your dog on a group walk isn’t the same as a solo walk, it means trusting someone to safely manage your dog alongside others, which comes with unique considerations.

Here are the top five essentials to look for when choosing the best group dog walking service in Monterey.

Careful Dog Matching and Pack Size

Not every dog is suited to every group. A safe and successful group walk starts with thoughtful matching. Responsible companies screen dogs for temperament, energy level, and size before bringing them into a group. For example, a shy, slow-moving senior pup might not do well in a pack of high-energy retrievers, and a tiny terrier should never be placed in a group with much larger dogs that play rough.

Group size also plays a critical role. Large groups can be overwhelming for dogs and harder for dog walkers to manage safely. Smaller, more intimate groups allow for better control, more individualized attention, and a calmer experience overall.

Bottom line: Look for group walks that keep numbers small and carefully consider which dogs walk together. This ensures your pup enjoys the outing rather than feeling stressed or unsafe.

Experienced and Skilled Group Walk Leaders

Walking one or two dogs is one thing. Safely managing a group of four, five, or six dogs at once requires a different level of expertise. A professional group dog walker should be skilled in reading canine body language, anticipating conflicts, and maintaining control in a variety of environments.

Experienced group dog walkers know how to recognize the difference between playful interaction and escalating tension. They’re proactive in preventing problems and confident in redirecting dogs when necessary. Training or certifications in dog behavior, handling, and Pet CPR/First Aid are also important indicators that the walker is prepared for the responsibility of group management.

Bottom Line: Choose a company where staff are experienced in walking multiple dogs and group walks are led by trained, experienced professionals, not casual walkers.

Safety Protocols and Insurance

When multiple dogs are together, safety must be the number one priority. This includes everything from using proper equipment like secure leashes and well-fitted harnesses to selecting safe, low-traffic walking routes that minimize risks. Group walkers should also have clear emergency protocols in place for everything from injuries to unexpected encounters with off-leash dogs.

Another critical element of safety is insurance. Many independent walkers do not carry liability insurance, leaving pet parents vulnerable if something goes wrong. Professional dog walking companies, like Monterey Dog, carry full insurance and bonding. 

Bottom line: Ask about safety policies and insurance before signing your dog up for a group walk. A professional company will be transparent and prepared.

Structured Walks with Balance

The best group walks aren’t just about letting dogs run wild, they’re structured experiences that balance exercise, enrichment, and calm walking manners. Group walks provide an opportunity for socialization, but they also help dogs practice walking together in harmony, learning patience, and following cues.

An unstructured group outing can quickly turn chaotic, leading to stress, reactivity, or unsafe situations. A structured walk, on the other hand, channels the dogs’ energy productively. This might mean starting with a calm group introduction, keeping a steady pace during the walk, and ending with moments of enrichment like sniff breaks or quiet social interaction.

Bottom line: Look for group walks that emphasize structure, not chaos, so your pup gets the benefits of socialization without the stress.

Clear Communication and Updates

As a dog parent, you should never feel “in the dark” about your pup’s group outings. Professional group walking services should provide updates after each walk so you know how your dog did, whether they made new friends, or if there were any concerns. Photos, quick notes, or even digital check-ins give you peace of mind and let you share in the fun your dog is having.

Good communication also extends beyond walk updates. A reputable company will take time to explain their group walk process, answer questions about safety, and be upfront about policies. This transparency builds trust and ensures you feel confident about the care your dog is receiving.

Bottom line: Choose a company that values communication as much as the walk itself, you should always feel connected to your dog’s experience.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Group Walk for Your Dog

Group dog walks can provide incredible benefits including exercise, companionship, and adventure. By looking for small, well-matched groups, experienced leaders, strong safety protocols with insurance, structured outings, and clear communication, you can ensure your dog enjoys the social experience safely and happily.

At Monterey Dog, our group walks are designed with care and professionalism. With small groups, staff who are training to handle multiple dogs at a time, full insurance coverage, and a focus on safety and structure, we make sure every pack walk is safe, positive, and fun.

Ready to give your dog the ultimate adventure? Explore group walks with Monterey Dog and let your pup enjoy the best pack walks Monterey has to offer.