In the bustling lives of pet parents today, professional Dog Walking Packages have become an indispensable service. The convenience of having someone else take your furry friend out for exercise while you’re at work is undeniable. However, not all dog walking services are created equal, and some common practices, particularly large group walks often bundled into attractive dog walking packages, can be detrimental to your dog’s physical and mental health. A recent viral video of a dog walker harshly yanking a dog to the ground during a “pack walk” served as a stark reminder that what appears to be a simple service might hide practices that are far from beneficial, bordering on abusive. This incident, while shocking, unfortunately highlights a deeper issue rooted in outdated beliefs about dog behavior and leadership.
The core of many problematic group dog walks stems from a widely debunked theory: the “alpha dog” or “pack leader” mentality. This concept, suggesting that humans must dominate their dogs to establish leadership, gained traction from early research on wolves. David Mech, a prominent wolf scientist and researcher, initially observed dominance hierarchies in wolves living in captivity. However, he has since clarified and often expressed regret that his findings were misinterpreted and misapplied to domestic dogs. Mech, along with every other leading wolf and dog researcher, now emphasizes that wolves in the wild do not live in “packs” with an “alpha” leader in the dominant sense. Instead, they live in family units, with parents guiding their offspring until they are mature enough to form their own families. This crucial distinction means that the idea of dogs needing an “alpha” within their human family is fundamentally flawed. Consequently, no dog walker needs to assert themselves as a “pack leader,” and the very premise of forced, large “pack walks” becomes questionable, especially when evaluating various dog walking packages. For insights into effective and humane dog training, consider exploring resources like best labrador retriever training books which advocate for positive reinforcement rather than dominance-based methods.
Given this scientific consensus, it becomes clear that many so-called “pack walks” offered within dog walking packages are not only unnecessary but can be deeply stressful for dogs. Dogs, by nature, are social creatures, but forced proximity with multiple unfamiliar dogs, often on tight leashes with little room for individual exploration, can be incredibly overwhelming. If you observe dogs on such walks, their body language often tells a different story than a joyous outing. Look closely, and you might see signs of stress: lip licking, “whale eyes” (where the whites of the eyes are showing), tails tucked low, ears pinned back or to the side, facial tension, panting (even on a cool day), and a rigid, tense body. These are not signs of a dog happily enjoying the scents or scenery; they are indicators of anxiety and discomfort. These dogs are miserable, feeling trapped and unable to engage in natural canine behaviors.
Dog showing clear signs of stress with whale eyes and lip licking during a group dog walk
Beyond the actual walking experience, another often overlooked aspect of many dog walking packages, especially those involving large groups, is the transportation. Imagine a scenario common in major cities: a dog walker picks up 8-14 dogs from different homes. Each dog is typically loaded into a van, often confined in a crate, and then endures an extended ride while other dogs are collected. This means your dog could spend 45 minutes to an hour, or even more, cooped up in a van with numerous unfamiliar canines, feeling stressed and anxious, even before the walk begins. Then, they are subjected to a stressful “pack walk” where they can’t genuinely interact or explore, only to be loaded back into the van for another lengthy drop-off journey. An owner might be delighted their dog was picked up at 10 AM and returned at 2 PM, thinking they had four hours of exercise and fun. In reality, two of those hours could have been spent confined and stressed in a noisy van, followed by a walk that caused more anxiety than joy. The resulting fatigue isn’t from healthy exercise but from accumulated stress, a significant distinction. For dogs subjected to this routine 3-5 times a week, it can be a continuous cycle of discomfort and fear, far from the joyous romp their owners envision. Choosing a dog walking package should prioritize genuine well-being, and understanding effective training, like that found in best dog training books for labs, helps identify responsible walkers.
It’s time for pet parents to critically rethink their approach to dog walks and the dog walking packages they choose. Alexandra Horowitz, a best-selling author and canine cognition expert known for books like Inside of a Dog and Being a Dog, eloquently explains why dogs need to sniff, explore, and be dogs on their walks. Her insightful Ted-Ed video is a must-watch for any dog owner, as it fundamentally shifts the perspective on what constitutes a truly beneficial walk for your canine companion. It reinforces the idea that an enriching walk is about the dog’s experience, not just covering distance or being part of a “pack” led by a self-proclaimed “alpha.” When considering dog walking packages, seeking services that understand and cater to these fundamental canine needs is paramount. For those with puppies, fostering good habits from the start is key; you might find valuable guidance in resources such as best book for training a lab puppy.
Ultimately, “pack walks” in the traditional sense, especially those involving large, uncontrolled groups and outdated dominance ideologies, are not something we, as advocates for canine well-being, can recommend for any dog. Once we gain a better understanding of what truly benefits our dogs, we are empowered to make better choices. When selecting dog walking packages, prioritize individual attention or very small, carefully matched groups. Look for walkers who employ positive reinforcement, understand canine body language, and prioritize your dog’s comfort and opportunities for enrichment. Inquire about transportation logistics and group sizes. Your dog deserves a walk that is a joyful, exploratory experience, not a source of stress and anxiety. Let’s move beyond convenience and embrace services that genuinely contribute to our dogs’ happiness and health.
References
- Mech, D. L. (n.d.). Wolf News and Information. Retrieved from https://davemech.org/wolf-news-and-information/
- Horowitz, A. (Ted-Ed). What dogs know that we don’t. Video.
- Breitner, J. (n.d.). Dog Decoder. Smartphone application. Available in iTunes and Google Play.
- Breitner, J. (n.d.). Dog Decoder Facebook page. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/dogdecoder/?ref=hl
