Leash Walks vs. Pack Walks: What’s the Big Deal?
As a dog owner in Victoria, you want to make sure your pup is getting the right kind of exercise. But not all walks are created equal. If you're weighing the options between traditional leash walks and pack walks, here's what you need to know.
The Key Differences
tableFeature / Plan Solo Adventure Pack Walk Premium Pack (Weekly) Description One-on-one walk tailored to one dog Small-group social walk (2–6 dogs) Recurring weekly group walks with priority booking Duration 30 or 60 minutes 60 minutes 60 minutes Maximum Dogs per Walk 1 2–6 2–6
When Leash Walks Make Sense
Leash walks absolutely have their place. They're ideal for:
Senior dogs or dogs with mobility issues
Puppies still learning leash manners
Dogs recovering from surgery or injury
Quick bathroom breaks during the workday
Dogs who are fearful or reactive and not ready for group settings
There's nothing wrong with a good neighbourhood stroll. It just serves a different purpose than a pack walk!
Why Pack Walks Are a Game-Changer
For most healthy, active dogs, pack walks provide something a leash walk simply can't: full engagement of their physical and mental capacities.
When your dog joins a pack walk, like ours in Victoria, they're not just walking. They're problem-solving, socializing, exploring challenging terrain, and tapping into their natural instincts. They come home genuinely tired, not just because they moved their legs, but because their brain got a workout too.
Think of it this way: a leash walk is like walking on a treadmill for 20 minutes. A pack walk is like going on a two-hour hike with friends. Both involve walking, but the experience (and the benefits) are completely different.
The Bottom Line
If your dog is active, social, and craves more than walks around the block, pack walks are going to give them what they really need. At Social Dogs Club, we've seen countless dogs transform when they start getting regular pack adventures on Victoria's incredible trail systems.
That said, some dogs do best with a combination approach. Pack walks a few times a week for big adventures, and shorter leash walks on off days for routine and bonding time with you.
Not sure which option is right for your dog? Book a free meet and greet with Social Dogs Club and let's figure it out together.
Social Dogs Club provides Pack Walk Adventure for dogs throughout Victoria, Saanich, and the surrounding neighbourhoods. Our off-leash trail adventures are specifically tailored to meet the physical, mental, and social needs of active dogs of all shapes and sizes. Ask us about our Garmin GPS-tracking collars for added safety!