21/05/2026
I saw a social media post recently from another dog walker talking about how “easy” it is to make money in this industry. The setup was simple: load a van full of dogs, drive them to an enclosed field, open the doors, and let them all charge around while the walker sat drinking coffee and scrolling on their phone.
Now, how other people run their business is up to them — it’s not my place to judge. But it did make me reflect on how many people are starting dog walking businesses with very little experience in dog behaviour, training, or managing pack dynamics, and how often the focus seems to be more about profit than the dogs themselves.
Just because dogs are in a secure field doesn’t mean they don’t need structure, guidance, and engagement. Real pack walking is so much more than simply letting dogs loose together. When you’re responsible for multiple dogs at once, you need to be switched on constantly — reading body language, managing energy levels, preventing problems before they start, and making sure every dog is having a safe and positive experience.
Dogs need mental stimulation, boundaries, interaction, and leadership — not just space to run wild while someone watches from the sidelines.
For anyone thinking of getting into pack walking, please understand this: it is not easy money. It’s hard work. It takes experience, patience, responsibility, and a solid understanding of dog behaviour and training to safely and professionally walk a pack of dogs.
The dogs deserve more than “just being let out.” They deserve someone who is truly present with them.
