What Happens on a Walk with Us?

You might think dog walking is all leads and lampposts, but it’s so much more. At Word of Woof™, every walk is a personalised adventure full of sniffs, tail wags, dog-centred care and charm. If you’ve ever wondered what your dog gets up to while you’re working, relaxing, or hiding from the rain (which is perfectly understandable!) — here’s the lowdown.

“To a dog, every walk is a treasure hunt—new smells, new sights, and a whole world of excitement waiting just outside the door.”

1. The Greeting: Calm, Gentle, Tail-Friendly

Barry doesn’t just burst through the door — he arrives calmly, gives your dog a moment to assess him, and offers a friendly, confident hello. Some dogs go full wiggle mode. Others prefer a slow sniff and a side-eye. Either way, Barry lets your dog set the tone.

Before they head out, a quick gear check: Is the harness snug? Lead secure? Tag on? Paws okay? All good? Great — let’s go! We always try to match the best of friends together for walks, too, which helps put dogs at ease and makes the whole outing feel more natural and relaxed. When introducing new walking buddies, Barry takes it slow — starting with parallel walking, letting them sniff at their own pace, and reading their body language carefully. If tails wag and eyes sparkle, we know we’re onto a winner.

If one needs more space, that’s respected, too. Friendships are built gently, not forced. Many dogs have gone from being shy and hesitant to being confident little social butterflies — it just takes the right walking buddy and a bit of time. Much like us humans, really! One of our favourite success stories? A nervous little spaniel named Lottie used to hide behind her owner’s legs. After a few gentle walk pairings and some patient encouragement, she trots happily beside her new best friend every week — tail up, ears flapping, and no worries in the world.

2. Tailored Route Planning (AKA “Not Just a Loop Around the Block”)

Barry doesn’t do one-size-fits-all. The route depends on your dog’s energy, age, confidence, weather, and what they fancy that day. Some want to sniff every hedge. Others wish to a brisk trot to the field. Barry adjusts every time.

(And yes — some dogs have a “favourite tree.” Barry knows where it is.)

3. On the Move: The Sniff, The Stroll, The Spark

This is where the magic happens. Walks with Word of Woof™ aren’t rushed. Dogs get time to sniff, to stop, to observe. Barry doesn’t yank the lead or hurry them on. He chats (gently), encourages, and gives them space to be themselves. Barry also knows that a bit of lead-yanking isn’t a problem — it’s not about ‘dominance’ as some used to believe. More often than not, it just means your dog is raring to go. And honestly? There’s nothing wrong with that! It’s natural for dogs to pull when they’re excited or curious. Walks are stimulating and full of smells and movement — like a theme park for their senses. Barry focuses on guidance and connection, not correction, so your dog can learn calmly without feeling scolded.

Do you have a nervous walker? Barry moves at their pace. Do you have a social butterfly? He navigates introductions with a calm structure.

And phones? They stay in the pocket. Your dog gets Barry’s full attention, start to finish.

4. Enrichment Along the Way

Walks are fun but also a chance to stimulate your dog’s brain. Barry might do:

• Simple recall games
• Hide-and-seek with treats
• A quick “sit-and-wait” near distractions

Little things that keep their mind active and build confidence — all without pressure.

5. The Return: Paws, Praise, and a Pat

Back home, it’s not just a drop-and-go. Barry checks paws (wipes if needed), refreshes water, and gives a little praise or cuddle before saying goodbye. You’d get a heads-up if anything stood out — a proud moment, a wobbly step, or a squirrel chase of epic proportions.

And your dog? They’ve had a blast.

6. Little Extras That Matter

What sets Barry apart isn’t just his calm approach — it’s the thoughtful touches. He carries spare leads and poo bags, keeps a mini first aid kit close, and continuously checks for muddy paws before returning your dog home. He even remembers where your dog likes to sniff when they need reassurance and how they prefer to walk — that level of attention makes all the difference.

Barry’s been through enough seasons (and enough soggy wellies) to know that the little things matter most.

7. What If My Dog’s a Bit… Extra?

We get it. Some dogs are shy. Some bark at bins. Some have powerful feelings about squirrels. Whatever your dog’s quirk, Barry walks with patience and kindness. There’s no pressure, no judgement — just experience, calm communication, and trust built, walk by walk.

At Word of Woof™, we walk with care, attention, and much love. It’s not just a stroll — it’s your dog’s favourite part of the day. If your best pal struggles with behavioural issues, we can suggest private walks for them — no pressure, no fuss — just the joy of getting out into the great outdoors at their own pace. It’s always best to let us know upfront if your dog needs extra support — that way, we know exactly how to care for your precious cargo from the very first step.

Barry Gray

Barry is a certified dog-walking expert with the College of Canine Studies. He’s also trained in dog first aid and canine happiness. His mission is to support happy, well-rounded dogs through education, care, and regular walks.

His motto is, “An educated owner creates a happier dog—and a happier dog makes for a happier owner.”