Pack Dynamics
At Hutt and Hound, our group walks are more than just exercise—they’re a carefully curated social experience for your dog.
Maintaining the right balance of personalities, play styles, and energy levels within the pack is key to keeping everyone safe, happy, and relaxed.
That’s why we take great care in assessing each dog before they join our walks. A harmonious pack dynamic ensures your dog builds confidence, gets quality stimulation, and thrives in a positive environment.
Good Social Skills
We look for dogs who are friendly, confident, and comfortable interacting with other dogs without being overbearing or anxious.
Non-Reactive Behaviour
Dogs should be non-reactive to other dogs, people, bikes, and distractions we might encounter on our walks.
Reliable Recall
A solid recall (or willingness to learn one!) is crucial for off-lead safety in bushland and open areas.
Calm Energy on Greeting
We assess how a dog greets others—overexcited or rude greetings can cause tension in the pack.
Comfortable Being Handled
Our walkers need to be able to clip leads, dry paws, or guide dogs safely—so tolerance to gentle handling is a must.
No Resource Guarding
We look for dogs who don’t guard toys, sticks, or food, as these behaviours can escalate quickly in a group setting.
Able to Travel Calmly in a Van
Pack members need to be comfortable riding in our specially fitted van with other dogs.
Age and Physical Ability
We match dogs based on their energy level, age, and mobility so everyone enjoys the pace and distance of the walk.
Temperament Fit with Existing Pack
We consider how a new dog’s personality complements the current mix of dogs—every pack is unique!
Commitment to Ongoing Training
We love working with owners who are engaged in their dog’s development and open to feedback and support to help their dog thrive in a group setting.