Group Classes & Pack Walks

Dogs are instinctively pack animals. They are all descendants of wolves who wander in groups and are intensely social. Bonds formed during classes and travelling together are just as crucial in our dog's path to happiness. For that reason, we see Group Classes and Pack Walks as the ultimate doggie social club.

But it's not all about socialising; dogs love encountering new things, smelling their surroundings and getting some exercise.

Pooch Academy Group Classes and Pack Walks get your pup used to concentrating while other dogs are around and walking together without being too close to interact face-to-face. Classes are purposely kept small for that reason. Whereas our pack walks are the perfect opportunity to challenge your dog and handling skills in a more dog heavy, but controlled environment. Dogs remain on their leads for the pack walks. You'll see, over time, how group activities and pack walking with your dog build trust and avoid many of the competitions and insecurities associated with other kinds of socialising.

Our Pack Walks are also ideal for dogs and owners who get anxious when other dogs approach them while walking alone. Meeting up together simulates that, and you can rest assured that our trainers are there to advise and talk you through things in the unlikely case of problems. The trainers and other owners are all there for each other; we've all experienced awkward situations and weren't sure how to handle them. The Pack Walks provide the perfect opportunity for you to practice and see the benefits of mixing your dog around other dogs in our training programs with owners who have had similar training and are of a similar understanding as you.

Puppy Training Classes? We think Puppies Training is so special, it deserves its own page – Find it Here.

Where do the pack walks happen, and how are they arranged?

We enjoy changing our walking routes to accommodate our clients and to keep the dogs engaged. We've enjoyed using the open spaces of Hylands Park, as well as Admirals Park and Central Park in Chelmsford. We also appreciate Promenade Park in Maldon and Danbury Lakes. Chelmsford Town Centre offers urban challenges and can be combined with Central Park for added variety. We are open to suggestions for other locations. We will carefully consider any proposals to ensure they suit the dogs' and owners' needs and safety requirements. We let those interested know via our social media accounts and on our website, but we're more than happy to text or call you, too, if that is not for you.