The other day I watched two Vizslas stretching their legs at full gallop along a beautiful countryside trail. Ears back, legs flying, completely immersed in the moment.
Dog walking has changed a lot over the years. It's now common to see large groups of dogs being walked together, often because it allows more dogs to be exercised within the same hour.
There's nothing inherently wrong with group walks, and many dogs enjoy them. However, they aren't the right fit for every dog and at the moment this structure isn't the rifht fit for me either!
My focus has always been on the individual dog rather than maximising the number of dogs I can fit into a time slot.
By walking dogs individually, or only with other dogs from the same household, I can tailor every outing to their needs. I can choose routes based on their confidence, fitness and personality. I can give the dog my full attention and most importantly, I can build a genuine understanding of who they are.
Some dogs need a chance to run. Others need time to sniff. Some need reassurance, patience and consistency. These things are much easier to provide when your attention isn't divided between a large group.
Individual walks also allow me to maintain the standards that are important to me. I know exactly how each dog behaves, what motivates them, how reliable their recall is, and what situations they may find challenging. That knowledge helps me keep dogs safe while giving them the freedom and enrichment they deserve.
Could I fit more dogs into each hour? Probably.
But that's not why I started Rain & Winds Pet Care.
I'd rather provide a more personal service, build stronger relationships with the dogs in my care, and know that every walk has been tailored to the individual rather than designed around a schedule.
After all, no two dogs are the same, so why should every walk be?
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