Getting Started

What happens after I get in touch?

I will contact you through WhatsApp to organise a meet and greet. These take place on a walk with a couple of my regular dogs, so I can assess your dog in a group walk environment. You will also be able to see our van set up and your dog is welcome to have a look!

What services do you offer?

Our primary service is dog walking, including regular weekday group walks and ad hoc Adventure Days where we venture off to one of our gorgeous local beaches or the New Forest. For our regular members, house sitting and home visits are included.

How do I know if my dog is suitable for group walks?

Not every dog is suited to every group, and that's absolutely fine! We take the time to get to know each dog, looking at their temperament, social skills, recall and how they interact with other dogs. All dogs join on a trial basis, meaning we can take it week by week to determine if your dog is enjoying walks.

Do you walk breeds other than Labradors?

Absolutely! Although we specialise in Gundog breeds, we accept all breeds. What matters most is their temperament, social skills, training and suitability for our existing groups.

Group Walks

How many dogs are walked together at once?

Our group walks are up to six dogs per walk. However the average group size is four to five dogs. I consider each dog's personality, energy levels, social skills and play style when putting groups together.

Will my dog walk with the same dogs each week?

Yes. We are a tight knit community and every dog has their regular, set days. Consistency helps dogs build relationships, settle into their routine and become comfortable with their walking team. There may be occasions where a dog swaps days or adds on.

How long are the walks?

My walks are approximately one hour, with collection and drop-off arranged around the walk itself. The service also includes getting your dog cleaned up and ready to be dropped home.

What happens if it’s raining?

Walks go ahead in the rain and will only be cut short if it's torrential. It’s encouraged to have smaller dogs in an Equafleece to keep them clean and dry, and a Ruff and Tumble robe for the bigger dogs to dry off on their way home. Fear not if your dog gets dirty, we have a dog washer on the bus.

What happens if it's too hot to walk?

Your dog's safety always comes first. If temperatures make walking unsafe, I'll adjust or cancel walks rather than risk overheating. As a general rule, we do not walk past 25°C.

What do you get up to on a walk?

Every walk is different. Our primary focus is for the dogs to enjoy being dogs. We spend the hour exploring, playing sniffy enrichment games, retrieving, swimming, and allowing the dogs to socialise with their friends. I take plenty of videos that are posted to our Instagram stories later that day, so you can see exactly what we’ve been doing.

Adventure Days

Does my dog need to be a regular HATD client to join?

No! You don't need to be a regular Holly and The Dogs client to enquire about an Adventure Day. We have dogs join who may have another dog walker or simply rather a day out here and there. Every dog must still meet my suitability requirements, and places depend on the particular group and availability. I carefully consider which dogs will work well together, so joining an adventure is always subject to assessment and a suitable space being available.

How long are the Adventure Days?

The walk itself lasts between 2.5-3 hours. Depending on where we decide to travel to on that particular day, the average time out will be anything between 5-6 hours.

When do they take place?

There is no definite schedule for Adventure Days. They are organised very last minute/the week of. This enables us to plan a day where we the weather is guaranteed and there are no disruptions.

How do I book?

Availability for Adventure Days will be added to my WhatsApp community group and on our Instagram stories. Spaces are come first serve unless they have been directly offered.

Training, Safety & Welfare

Do you use positive reinforcement?

Yes! My approach is positive and reward based and focused on helping dogs make good choices through encouragement, clear communication and rewarding the behaviours we want to see.

What if my dog is nervous around other dogs?

Every dog is different, and I appreciate that some dogs need a little more support than others. My group walks are designed around dogs who can comfortably and safely participate in a shared walking environment. If your dog struggles around other dogs, we'll need to discuss their individual needs honestly before deciding whether my service is suitable.

What happens if my dog becomes injured or unwell on a walk?

Although I take every reasonable precaution to keep the dogs safe, accidents and unexpected illness can happen. If your dog becomes unwell or is injured while in my care, I'll assess the situation, contact you as soon as possible and seek veterinary assistance where necessary. For emergencies, your dog's welfare will always take priority.

Do you offer training?

I do not offer any formal training. We love to include training on our walks, such as impulse control and recall games. Good training and social skills are a big part of what I value on walks. I reinforce appropriate behaviours during our time together, but sadly don’t offer 1-1 sessions. If you’re in need of a dog trainer, I can provide recommendations.

How will my dog travel?

The ‘school bus’ (as we like to call it!) is equipped with fully crash tested and secure DT boxes. These are similar to a crate. They have warm, soft vet bedding and each crate has a fan on, which comes in vert handy in the summer! If your dog is a nervous passenger, or may need building up to being in a crate, I have a designated area in the middle of the van with a dog bed where your dog can relax.