Guided confidence-building walks for dogs and their humans
Buddy Up Walks are carefully guided walks* designed to help anxious, nervous and reactive dogs (and their humans) build confidence, calmness, and real-world skills safely and at their own pace. This is not a group dog walk – it’s structured behaviour support in real environments.
*Walks – could be around the ‘block’, up and down the same street, or working around a specific space.
What are Buddy Up Walks?
Buddy Up Walks pair two (sometimes three) dogs and handlers to practise being in the same space calmly and confidently without pressure and without contact.
Walks take place in quiet public areas with minimal risk of off-lead dogs, such as residential roads, open spaces with visibility, and controlled routes.
Every session is fully guided and supported by me. Dogs are always on lead, and given the space they need.
What we work on
• Confidence building in real-life environments
• Calm focus around triggers
• Reducing reactivity at safe distances
• Handler skills – timing, positioning, and reading body language
• Building neutrality rather than excitement or fear
And when you are both ready, walking in closer proximity to another dog/s.
This is about teaching dogs that other dogs can exist nearby without danger, frustration, or stress.
Why Buddy Up Walks work
Your dog needs safe exposure, space, and positive experiences.
By walking alongside or working around other dogs at the right distance, your dog learns:
✔ I can cope
✔ I can stay calm
✔ Nothing bad happens
✔ I don’t need to react.
Over time, their confidence will grow, and their reactions will reduce.
How it works
• Small groups – maximum 3 dogs
• Carefully assessed dogs
• Quiet, low-risk locations
• Distance adjusted as needed, when needed
• Full guidance and coaching in real time
• No dog-to-dog contact at any time.
Each handler will be fully briefed on the other dogs attending before the walk.
Pricing
One-off Buddy Up Walk
£25 per dog/handler – Great for trying the service or occasional supported practice.
Block of 4 – Weekly Buddy Up Walks
£80 per dog/handler – Perfect for consistent confidence building and faster progress.
Who Buddy Up Walks are ideal for
✔ Anyone wanting calm, supported real-world practice
✔ Nervous or anxious dogs
✔ Dogs that can be reactive to other dogs and/or humans
✔ Owners who feel nervous or stressed walking alone
✔ Dogs/humans not ready for group classes.
Common questions
Will the dogs meet?
No, dogs never come into contact. These walks focus on calm coexistence.
What if my dog reacts?
That’s completely okay. We work at safe distances and adjust space to keep learning positive and manageable.
Is this suitable for very reactive dogs?
Yes, many dogs start at large distances and gradually build confidence over time.
What if we see other dogs? This is real life — and it’s something we plan for. While walks are held in quieter locations to reduce risk, it’s still possible we may occasionally see other dogs. When this happens, I guide you calmly through exactly how to manage it.
We may:
• create more space
• change direction
• use visual barriers
• practise focus and calming techniques
• turn the moment into a positive learning experience.
These real-world situations are incredibly valuable and help your dog learn to cope calmly outside of controlled environments.
You are never left to handle it alone, I’m there to support you every step of the way.
💛 Ready to walk with confidence again?
Class bookings are being taken for April Buddy Walks on Thursday evenings 6.30pm – 7.30pm
- Thursday 9 April
- Thursday 16 April
- Thursday 23 April
- Thursday 30 April
Locations will vary and will be tailored to class attendees.
Book now for the block or book here for a individual sessions