If my dogs planned the walks, we’d probably spend forty minutes at one hedge, take a brief detour to something questionable and stop for treats on the way back.

They’d give it five stars.

Luckily, our walks are a joint effort. I choose where we go and keep an eye on what’s happening around us. They make sure I don’t overlook a single interesting smell.

Time to do their own thing

Some dogs love a game with their friends. Others would rather explore, have a sniff or walk beside me for a bit of fuss. And the same dog might fancy different things on different days.

I leave room for that. Being part of a group doesn’t mean everyone has to join in with everything.

There’s time for play, time for a cuddle if they want one, and usually a few hopeful faces when my hand goes anywhere near the treat pocket.

Play, then a change of pace

I love watching the dogs enjoy each other’s company. But I’m also watching who’s joining in, who’s moving away and whether it’s time to help everyone settle.

We make time to walk calmly together too. A dog can enjoy being with their friends without spending the entire outing chasing them.

Those quieter stretches are part of the walk, with plenty still to investigate along the way.

A familiar place, a different walk

Knowing the local area helps me choose somewhere that suits the group I have that day. I know where the roads are, where we have room to spread out and which spots tend to get busy.

But I’m still watching and adjusting as we go.

In an open field, for example, I can often see other dogs well before they reach us. I watch how they’re moving and interacting, then decide whether to carry on or give them more space.

A lively dog might be thoroughly enjoying themselves. That doesn’t mean every dog in my group wants to join the party.

Sometimes a small change of direction lets everyone carry on enjoying their own walk.

So, would your dog choose it?

Hopefully, they’d approve of plenty of it. The sniffing stops. Their favourite company. A game, some affection and the chance to explore.

They might query my decision to move on from a particular hedge. I’m prepared to live with that.

What I’m aiming for is a walk they can enjoy, with room for their individual personalities and decisions made with their safety in mind.

The distance tells you how far we went. It leaves out most of the good bits.