Highgate Dog Walking Service
WHY SNIFFING IS THE BEST
Did you know your dog sees the world through their nose? While we take in our surroundings with our eyes, your dog takes it all in through scent. Their nose has up to 300 million olfactory receptors (compared to our 5 million!), which means sniffing isn’t just something they enjoy—it’s how they think, feel, and understand the world around them.
For your dog, every sniff is like reading the local newspaper. Who’s been here? When? Were they happy? Nervous? What did they have for breakfast? It’s a rich and fascinating world, and your dog is absolutely wired to explore it through their nose.
When we let them sniff freely—especially out in nature—it’s like handing them the remote to their favourite TV channels. It’s stimulating, exciting, and incredibly satisfying.
But it’s not just fun—it’s essential for their well-being. Studies show that dogs who get to sniff regularly are more relaxed, less anxious, and more mentally balanced. Just a few minutes of sniffing can actually tire a dog out more than a brisk walk—because it gives their brain a proper workout. Think of it as canine meditation mixed with detective work.
A rural pack walk makes this even better. Out in nature, your dog is surrounded by rich, ever-changing scents—foxes, deer, birds, wildflowers, woodland paths. Every step is a new discovery. And because it’s off-lead, they’re free to follow their nose at their own pace, just as nature intended. It’s their version of total freedom, in a safe, structured, and supervised setting.
So when your dog gets the chance to sniff during a pack walk, they’re not just wandering around—they’re solving mysteries, making sense of the world, and doing what they were born to do. It’s fun, it’s fascinating, and it’s absolutely vital to their happiness.
Let your dog sniff. Let them be curious. Let them have fun. They’ll love you even more for it.
WHY PLAYTIME MATTERS
Your dog isn’t just a pet—they’re a social, playful, emotionally intelligent being who needs connection and interaction to truly thrive. Just like us, dogs are hardwired for companionship. In fact, research into canine behaviour shows that regular play and social time with other dogs helps reduce stress, build confidence, and prevent behavioural problems.
Play isn’t just about burning energy—it’s about learning and growing. When your dog plays with others, they’re developing essential social skills: how to read body language, when to pause, when to go full zoomies, and how to respond calmly in different situations. These are the skills that help dogs feel secure, balanced, and emotionally resilient.
And the beauty of a well-managed pack walk is that it provides all of this in one joyful, natural setting. Your dog gets to mix with a small, carefully selected group of friendly dogs—off lead, out in the open, with plenty of room to move, explore and play. There’s space to chase, wrestle, bounce, or just trot alongside a buddy, tails wagging in perfect sync.
Studies have shown that social play between dogs releases oxytocin (the love hormone), lowers cortisol (the stress hormone), and increases overall well-being. Dogs who play regularly are often calmer at home, less reactive on walks, and more adaptable to new environments. It’s not just good for their happiness—it’s good for their brain.
And let’s not forget the joy. Watching your dog play freely, running full pelt with a goofy grin or having a cheeky bounce with their favourite mate—it’s a reminder of how much they deserve to live a life that’s full of fun and connection.
So if your dog lights up at the sight of a wagging tail, gets giddy for a chase, or just enjoys the company of other dogs, give them the chance to socialise in a way that’s safe, supervised and totally fulfilling.
Our dogs deserves more than just a walk—they deserve a life filled with joy, friendship, and freedom to be their wonderfully playful selves.
SMALL WALKING GROUPS & YOUR DOG'S FIRST WALK WITH ME
Welcoming a new walker into your dog's life is an exciting step, and I’m here to make the transition as smooth and comfortable as possible for both of you.
Each pack consists of up to six well-suited, friendly dogs who are individually chosen to ensure a harmonious and enjoyable experience for everyone.
To help your dog feel comfortable and confident with me and the pack, I encourage you to first join us for either an entire pack walk or a part of it before your dog starts walking with us regularly. This gives your dog the chance to settle in and allows you to ask any questions you might have about the walk or my approach.
Together, we’ll ensure your dog feels at ease and enjoys a positive, enriching experience with their new walking companions.
LONG LEAD RECALL DOG TRAINING
When your dog joins the pack, they not only get to explore and socialise but also learn essential behaviours like recall.
They start with a long lead, which allows them to enjoy their surroundings while gradually understanding what's expected. As they observe the other dogs in the pack responding to recall, they begin to realise that coming back leads to positive rewards.
The pack dynamic plays a key role in this process. Your dog will see their packmates returning when called, which helps reinforce the idea that recall is part of the routine. As they gain confidence, they'll start responding more reliably to recall, eventually without the need for a long lead.
With positive reinforcement and learning from their fellow pack members, your dog will soon make recall second nature.
HIGH VALUE TREATS - DOG CURRENCY
Training treats are freshly and simply cooked each day. I find fresh pieces of cooked chicken breast or pork work best with dogs, so that is what I provide.
Using high value treats that dogs love, like fresh cooked meat, really gets the dog motivated and is the very best way to reward them for walking well and for completing a training exercise,
Put simply, we wouldn't work for free and dogs are the same. If they are paid well, they preform well.
The added bonus of using freshly cooked chicken or pork is that it is gentle on their stomach, unlike some kibble treats, which can cause a variety of digestive related issues.
YOUR DOG IS IN SAFE HANDS
For your peace of mind, I am:
Fully insured
Enhanced DBS Cleared
First Aid Certified
I have been a pet owner and carer for over 30 years.
I am experienced with large and small breed dogs, including:
gun dog breeds
working dogs
hounds
terriers
and toy dog breed
ECO FRIENDLY
To help keep our carbon footprint to a minimum, I work predominately within a 3 mile radius and I use earth friendly, fully degradable dog waste bags.
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