Love Paws Blog

For some dog owners, a walk is simply a box to tick. Out the door, quick loop, back home. Job done.

But after spending my days walking dogs across East Kilbride and South Lanarkshire, I can confidently say this:
regular, structured walks are about far more than just toilet breaks.

They play a huge role in a dog’s physical health, mental wellbeing, and behaviour and you can really see the difference in dogs who get them consistently.

Yes, walking burns energy. But one of the biggest benefits of a good walk is what it does for a dog’s brain.

On walks, dogs get to:

• Sniff new scents
• Explore different environments
• Experience new sights and sounds
• Interact (appropriately!) with other dogs

That mental stimulation helps reduce boredom, frustration, and anxiety. A dog who’s mentally satisfied is far more likely to relax at home — instead of inventing their own fun (usually involving cushions or shoes).

A short walk around the same route every day doesn’t always cut it — especially for dogs with higher energy levels or curious minds.

Dogs who don’t get enough stimulation often show it through:

• Restlessness
• Excess barking
• Pulling on the lead
• Destructive behaviour
• Struggling to settle in the evening

It’s rarely “bad behaviour”. More often, it’s a dog saying, “I need more to do.”

Because I offer both solo and group walks, I see how different dogs thrive in different settings.

Perfect for:

• Nervous or reactive dogs
• Puppies still learning
• Senior dogs
• Dogs who prefer calm, one-to-one attention

These walks are tailored entirely to your dog’s pace, confidence, and needs.

Brilliant for:

• Social dogs
• Confidence building
• Learning good dog manners
• Play and interaction

Group walks are structured and supervised, giving dogs a chance to socialise safely while still enjoying a proper walk.
(And yes — there are often zoomies. Controlled, professional zoomies.)

Some dogs are perfect for local paths, parks, and public spaces. Other dogs really benefit from the freedom of a secure field, where they can enjoy off-lead time safely.

No two walks — or dogs — are ever the same.

Dogs who get regular, structured walks tend to be:

• Calmer at home
• Happier overall
• More confident
• Better behaved on the lead
• Easier to settle

And honestly? They just seem to enjoy life a bit more. Seeing that excitement when it’s walk time never gets old.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your dog needs more walking or stimulation, ask yourself:

• Do they struggle to settle?
• Are they restless or destructive?
• Do they seem bored in the evenings?

Very often, the solution is better, more consistent walks — not more toys or treats (although those help too).

One of the most common questions I get as a dog walker in East Kilbride is:
“Is a solo walk or a group walk better for my dog?”

The honest answer?
It completely depends on the dog.

Just like people, dogs have different personalities, energy levels, confidence, and social preferences. What works brilliantly for one dog might not suit another at all, and that’s perfectly okay.

🐕 What Is a Solo Dog Walk?

A solo walk is exactly what it sounds like: your dog gets my full, one-to-one attention for the entire walk.

Solo walks are ideal for:

• Puppies who are still learning
• Nervous or anxious dogs
• Reactive dogs
• Senior dogs
• Dogs recovering from injury
• Dogs who simply prefer their own space

Because the walk is tailored entirely to your dog, we can:

• Go at their pace
• Work on confidence and lead manners
• Avoid busy areas if needed
• Keep things calm and predictable

For some dogs, solo walks aren’t a stepping stone, they’re the perfect long-term option.

🐶 What Is a Group Dog Walk?

Group walks involve a carefully managed group of compatible dogs walking together under close supervision.

They’re structured, calm, and focused, not a free-for-all (despite what some dogs might hope for).

Group walks are great for:

• Social dogs
• Dogs who enjoy company
• Confidence building
• Learning good dog manners
• Burning off that extra bit of energy

Dogs often learn a lot from walking alongside others — from polite greetings to settling more easily on the lead.

And yes, there’s usually some play involved. But it’s controlled play, with safety always coming first.

🧠 Confidence, Not Chaos

A common worry with group walks is that they’ll be overwhelming or too energetic.

That’s why matching dogs properly is so important.

I always consider:

• Size
• Temperament
• Energy levels
• Confidence
• Walking style

The goal is balanced, happy walks, not chaos. 

For many dogs, group walks actually increase confidence — especially when they’re with the right companions.

🌳 Public Walks & Secure Fields – How This Fits In

Both solo and group walks can take place in:

• Public parks and local paths
• Quiet walking routes
• Secure fields for safe off-lead time

Secure fields are especially useful for:

• Practising recall
• Letting dogs run freely and safely
• Building confidence
• Controlled group play

🐾 How Do You Know What’s Best for Your Dog?

Some dogs:

• Start with solo walks and move into group walks later
• Stay happily on solo walks forever
• Thrive immediately in a group setting

There’s no “right” answer — only what’s right for your dog.

And sometimes? Dogs tell us pretty clearly what they prefer.

❤️ What I See Every Week

Dogs on the right type of walk tend to be:

• More relaxed
• Happier
• Better behaved on the lead
• More confident
• Easier to settle at home

Choosing the right walking style can make a huge difference — not just on the walk, but in everyday life.

People often imagine dog walking as a lovely, leisurely stroll with a couple of dogs and a lot of fresh air.
And while there is plenty of fresh air (Scottish weather included), there’s a lot more that goes on behind the scenes.

So here’s a little peek into what a typical day looks like for a dog walker in East Kilbride and South Lanarkshire — muddy boots, wagging tails, and all.

🐾 Morning: Planning, Pick-Ups & Happy Hellos

No two days ever start the same, but mornings usually begin with:

• Checking schedules
• Planning routes
• Considering weather (because… Scotland)
• Making sure each dog’s walk suits their needs

Then come the pick-ups — which are often the highlight of my day.
Some dogs wait patiently. Some press their faces against the window. Some act like I’ve arrived to take them on the best adventure of their life.

All are equally appreciated.

🐕 Matching the Walk to the Dog

One of the most important parts of my job is choosing the right walk for each dog.

That might mean:

• A calm solo walk for a nervous or senior dog
• A structured group walk for social, confident dogs
• A quieter public route
• Or a secure field for safe off-lead time

Every dog is different, and what they need can change from day to day. Flexibility is key.

🌳 Midday Walks: Public Routes & Secure Fields

Most of the walking happens during the middle of the day, using a mix of:

• Local paths and parks
• Quieter walking routes
• Secure fields for freedom and confidence-building

Secure fields are especially valuable for dogs who:

• Need off-lead exercise in a safe space
• Are working on recall
• Love to run (a lot)
• Benefit from controlled group play

It’s not about clocking up miles — it’s about making the walk enriching, safe, and enjoyable.

🧠 It’s More Than Just Walking

A good dog walk isn’t just moving from A to B.

It involves:

• Reading body language
• Managing interactions
• Reinforcing good lead manners
• Giving dogs time to sniff and explore
• Keeping everyone safe and relaxed

There’s a lot of quiet observation that goes into every walk — noticing who’s tired, who’s feeling confident, and who might need a calmer pace that day.

🐶 Group Walk Dynamics (Yes, This Matters)

Group walks aren’t a free-for-all.

They’re carefully managed based on:

• Temperament
• Energy levels
• Size
• Confidence
• Compatibility

The aim is calm, balanced walks where dogs enjoy each other’s company without becoming overwhelmed.
And yes — sometimes that includes a burst of zoomies. Professionally supervised zoomies.

❤️ End of the Day: Tired Dogs, Happy Owners

By the end of the day, most dogs are:

• Happily tired
• More settled
• Ready for a nap

And that’s really the goal — dogs who’ve had their needs met and owners who know their dog’s been well cared for.

It’s a job that’s physical, muddy, and occasionally very wet — but also incredibly rewarding.