Adventure Walks vs. Pack Runs: Which Is Right for Your Dog?
Image Credit: Aysun Kahraman Öktem
Every dog is unique, and just like us, they have their own preferences, energy levels, and needs. At Milo's Dog Club, we understand that deciding between adventure walks and pack runs can feel overwhelming. Both services offer incredible benefits, but choosing the right option for your dog ensures they stay happy, healthy, and fully engaged.
In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the differences between adventure walks and pack runs, highlight the benefits of each, and show how our expert team in West London can tailor experiences for your dog.
Understanding Adventure Walks
Adventure walks are designed to stimulate your dog's senses and provide gentle, enriching exercise. Unlike standard dog walking, adventure walks are about exploring nature, new scents, and textures while providing structured socialisation.
Our team takes dogs on routes through Wimbledon Common, Shepherd's Bush, Southfields, and beyond, exposing them to woodlands, open fields, and rivers. This multisensory environment encourages dogs to sniff, explore, and interact naturally.
Key benefits of adventure walks include:
Mental stimulation through exploration and scent work
Moderate physical exercise for dogs of all ages
Socialisation opportunities in a small, calm group
Relief from boredom and stress, reducing destructive behaviours
New routes and experiences every month to keep your dog engaged
Adventure walks are ideal for dogs who enjoy a slower pace, are older, recovering from injury, or simply prefer a gentler outing rather than high-intensity exercise.
Understanding Pack Runs
Pack runs, our signature service, are a high-energy experience for dogs that need more than a standard walk. These sessions combine running with socialisation, providing both physical and mental enrichment.
On our morning runs at Wimbledon Common, we keep groups small, with a maximum of four dogs. Each outing begins with a stimulating adventure walk followed by a 7 km run, structured to match your dog’s energy and fitness levels. This approach benefits dogs who naturally have high stamina or are breeds requiring substantial exercise, such as Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Border Collies, and German Shepherds.
Key benefits of pack runs include:
Intense physical exercise for high-energy breeds
Improved social skills and confidence through small group interaction
Structured stimulation in a natural environment
Mental enrichment alongside fitness
Consistent routines to promote wellbeing
Pack runs are perfect for dogs who love to run freely, thrive in social packs, and need daily exercise beyond what a typical city walk can provide.
Which Is Right for Your Dog?
Choosing between adventure walks and pack runs depends on your dog's temperament, energy levels, and personal preferences. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:
High-energy dogs: Pack runs offer a structured outlet for excess energy.
Sensory explorers: Adventure walks focus on mental stimulation and scent work.
Older or recovering dogs: Adventure walks provide safe, gentle exercise.
Social but calm dogs: Both services provide socialisation, but pack runs are more intense.
It’s also worth noting that some dogs thrive with a combination. For example, a weekly pack run complemented by adventure walks allows your dog to enjoy both high-intensity exercise and mental stimulation.
Why Milo's Dog Club Is the Best Choice
At Milo's Dog Club, we go beyond traditional dog walking. Our team combines expert knowledge, passion, and a love for dogs to ensure every outing is tailored and safe.
Experienced, trained staff: Our runners and walkers are skilled at assessing your dog’s needs.
Small groups for safety and quality: Maximum of four dogs per pack ensures personalised attention.
West London expertise: Familiarity with dog-friendly routes in Chelsea, Fulham, Putney, and Clapham Common.
Focus on wellbeing: We prioritise your dog’s physical and mental health over anything else.
Flexible options: From one-on-one sessions to boarding with daily walks, we adapt to every dog’s lifestyle.
When your dog joins our club, you can rest assured they are cared for in a way that promotes long-term happiness, fitness, and confidence.
FAQs
Can older dogs join pack runs?
While pack runs are high-intensity, some older dogs can join if they are fit and enjoy running. We always assess your dog’s health and match them to the right group. For older or less active dogs, adventure walks are usually the better option.
How often should my dog exercise with your club?
Frequency depends on your dog’s age, breed, and energy level. High-energy breeds benefit from daily pack runs or combination schedules, while adventure walks a few times a week may be sufficient for calmer dogs.
What happens if my dog is not social with other dogs?
No dog is turned away. Our one-on-one service ensures dogs that prefer individual attention still get tailored exercise and enrichment in a safe, supportive environment.
Conclusion
Both adventure walks and pack runs provide invaluable benefits for your dog, from physical exercise to mental stimulation and socialisation. The right choice depends on your dog’s temperament, energy, and needs.
At Milo's Dog Club, we guide you through this process, offering expert advice and personalised experiences that ensure every dog lives an enriched, adventurous life.
Book a free bonding session today, get in touch to discuss your dog’s needs, or join our community to experience the best in dog walking, dog running, and holistic care in West London.
