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Dog Walkers - Charlie (14th Nov 2025  14:04:07) I was walking in Radford Park this morning and there was a female dog walker with 6 or possibly 7 large dogs. In my opinion this is extremely dangerous not only to other walkers with or without dogs but the dog walkers themselves. In this instance the lady seemed to be in control. She was crouched down low with the dogs and her arms were round a dog appearing to restrain it and she was holding the other leads. Luckily my dog is not aggressive or interested in other dogs and ran straight past. One person cannot control more than a maximum 3 dogs safely and even that is a bit of an ask if there is an incident. 2 dogs constitute a pack. There was a case about 2 years ago locally, when a dog walker tripped, fell and became entangled in the leads so could not get up. On of the 6 dogs she was walking killed her. To the dogs, she was the pack leader and down, so the next dog assuming the role of pack leader took charge and attacked. The dog went for her throat. Apart from the safety aspect, how can any one person clean up after 6 or 7 dogs. It is all about money as dog walkers are paid for each dog and it really should be illegal. I speak from an experience I had years ago in similar circumstances Please if you need your dog exercised chose someone who is responsible and sensible enough to walk only 2 or 3 dogs at any one time.

Re: Dog Walkers - Dog walker (21st Nov 2025  17:06:36) Dear Charlie I am a Dog walker and Dog Boarder LICENCED BY EAST HANTS DISTRICT COUNCIL. I have held a licence for about eight years. I have a re-inspection every other year with an Ofsted Like inspection, dissecting everything I do. Every walk needs to be recorded and also the names of the dogs. As professional dog walker, I know the dogs and what combination I can take together. My licence stipulates that six dogs can be walked together. I am fully aware of the risks of walking dogs, slipping, falling etc. When I am out on a walk, and see people with dogs I round my dogs up and put them on leads. I crouch down to speak to the anxious dogs to calm them and ensure they stay calm. Yes, my face is close and they are animals but some need extra reassurance, which I give them. I am pleased you mentioned that it seemed that I was in control, and that is what the walks should be. If ever you see me please don't talk to me as this may upset me and the dogs. A friendly wave it welcome though. Please feel free to speak to the Animal Welfare officer at EHDC for any more information. Please note, I didn't add my name as my pack is at capacity and I do not need or want any more clients or new dogs in my pack. Happy dog walking to all.

Re: Dog Walkers - Charlie (22nd Nov 2025  12:11:21) Thank you for responding to my post. However I am still of the opinion that one person cannot control 6 or more dogs, particularly big ones, safely. As I said in my OP you did have your dogs under control, but my point is the wider issue. My dog as I said is not interested in or aggressive to other dogs which is why she was off the lead. However I do meet playful and sometimes aggressive, barking dogs who are sometimes off leads and if they are on leads, lunge toward my dog and she ignores them. Some dogs do not whether they are off or on leads and this can cause problems even if there is only one dog, let alone 6. I have had dogs and horses all my life and there is no such thing as a dog or horse, even though they are domestic animals, as being 100% trustworthy or predictable. I was not doubting that you have all the legal requirements, but my point is that it should be against the law to exercise more than 3 dogs at any one time. Domestic or not, dogs are pack animals and can revert in certain circumstances as, very sadly, that poor lady who was killed found out.

Re: Dog Walkers - passfield resident (22nd Nov 2025  14:17:15) Charlie-we have had problems now and then with other dogs while out walking ours (always on a lead). They have always been individual dogs being walked by owners who don't have full control, never a professional dog walker although we often see them. The ones we see always have the dogs they are walking under control regardless of how many they are walking. Your talk of packs turning on people and "going for the throat " sounds a bit alarmist.

Re: Dog Walkers - Joe (22nd Nov 2025  19:29:12) There was a case recently where the dog walker died after falling to the ground getting tangled up in the leads. The dogs killed her.

Re: Dog Walkers - Jen (23rd Nov 2025  00:20:05) I agree, Charles. Six dogs with one dog walker is far too many. I actually think three is too many for one person. One dog per person would be better. Here is the news article which was published after the inquest into the death of the dog walker. BBC News - Call for action after dog walker mauled to death

Re: Dog Walkers - A different M (23rd Nov 2025  09:35:29) I do find it strange that Dog Walker refers to their charges as a "Pack". As far as I'm concerned a Pack of Dogs is not something I'd like to encounter whilst on a walk in Radford Park. One dog can be hard enough to control if not properly trained, two can be near impossible but a Pack! As a commercial enterprise I find it strange that they feel it perfectly fine to wander around a public park with a pack of dogs who they don't own that might concern, worry, intimidate and possibly even attack other animals. and in the worse scenario possibly a person.

Re: Dog Walkers - D (23rd Nov 2025  10:13:18) So that makes them.......🎵THE LEADER OF THE PACK!🎵 Couldn't resist it, sorry.

Re: Dog Walkers - Charlie (23rd Nov 2025  19:05:34) @ Passfield Resident You say in your post that my talk of packs turning on people and "going for the throat " sounded a bit alarmist. I was actually about to post about the very sad case of the lady Natasha Johnson, who was killed by the dogs she was walking. She tripped and fell, the pack turned on her and she subsequently died, but Jen posted before me. That was the case to which I was referring - I was not being alarmist. There are other cases when dog walkers walking multiple dogs have lost control as well. D, it is a pity you have to make a joke about a subject which actually is very serious. A few years ago a friend of mine was riding on Ludshott Common and her horse was spooked by a dog, barking and running lose. Her horse shied, unseating her and she suffered serious life threatening and life-changing injuries. It is not a joke.

Re: Dog Walkers - passfield resident (23rd Nov 2025  22:07:20) Charlie-one case, compared to the depressingly regular fatalities from XL bullies and other similar dogs. Far more incidents are caused by incompetent or careless dog owners-professional dog walkers are usually very sensible. Hence alarmist.

Re: Dog Walkers - Charlie (24th Nov 2025  11:15:13) Passfield Resident I am not being alarmist. On 16 June 2023 a professional dog walker known for walking packs of dogs on Brighton Racecourse has been told he will go to prison if one of them bites someone again. Terrence Peckham, 67, yesterday admitted three counts of being in charge of dangerously out of control dogs which bit other people. Walking multiple dogs at once can increase the risk of dog attacks, primarily due to the potential for the handler to lose control and the complex group dynamics that can encourage aggression. A single person has less control over multiple dogs, making it difficult to manage sudden reactions and separate them quickly if an aggressive encounter starts. When in a group, dogs may form a "pack" where one dog's aggression is backed up or encouraged by the others and this can lead to a more severe or prolonged attack than if the instigating dog was alone. Multiple dogs can increase overall excitement and in this heightened state, react aggressively to situations they would normally ignore. A handler walking multiple dogs cannot give each dog individual attention and it must extremely difficult if not impossible to safely pick up excrement from multiple dogs. I do know what I am talking about having been involved dogs, horses and their training all my life and I very much hope that the law will soon be changed making it illegal to walk multiple dogs.

Re: Dog Walkers - passfield resident (24th Nov 2025  14:22:27) Charlie. You aren't the only person posting who has long experience of dogs(and horses, though I'm not sure how horse training is relevant). Presumably you'd also be against trail hunting with packs of dogs with your expressed views on pack behaviour?

Re: Dog Walkers - Joe (24th Nov 2025  15:31:44) Dogs behave very differently when kept on a lead particularly big dogs. They are very defensive and not relaxed as they perceive that in a dangerous situation they cannot defend themselves properly. Dog walkers are not dog trainers and they usually walk dogs who are left on their own all day because the owners are out at work. The dogs are bored anyway and need to release energy off the lead which most dog owners do not do because they are scared the dog may not come back to them. In my opinion there should be some way to properly licence dog walkers and do some checks on whether their car or van insurance allows them to drive on a commercial basis, I know of a case where a boyfriend of the dog walker got hold of a key to a clients house and burgled it . Also local authorities should issue competence certificates after a practical test. Also checks on their personal liability insurance. Some dogs are all different shapes and sizes and big dogs need off lead time.

Re: Dog Walkers - Charlie (26th Nov 2025  14:51:24) Passfield Resident You seem to be in a minority of one, the only person who cannot the see or understand the danger of walking multiple dogs. I have never implied that I was the only person posting on this site who has experience of training dogs so I don't quite know why you are implying that I am. I included horses in my posts because the dogs and horses have some similar traits, the main one being that they are both herd animals and although both have been domesticated they can still revert to their deeper instincts in certain circumstances. Both animals can be potentially dangerous when frightened or threatened. . Hence my view that walking multiple dogs by one person should be against the law. Three should be the maximum and even that number could pose a risk.

Re: Dog Walkers - passfield resident (26th Nov 2025  17:14:49) Myself and the dog walker who replied to you makes two. Not sure why I'm arguing with someone who can't count.

Re: Dog Walkers - Charlie (27th Nov 2025  13:25:13) Passfield Resident. I did not include the Dog Walker as one of the people who agreed that walking multiple dogs can be potentially dangerous because it is obvious that someone who walks multiple dogs does not and cannot comprehend the possible risks involved. Please do not split hairs. In my experience some posters on this site, when they feel that they are losing an argument, become rather rude and post irrevelant comments and you are one of them.

Re: Dog Walkers - passfield resident (27th Nov 2025  13:56:57) Nothing rude about it-just encouraging you to argue sensibly. I daresay the dog walker in question knows plenty about dogs. I don't care about losing an argument-it happens regularly.

Re: Dog Walkers - Charlie (27th Nov 2025  15:21:13) I was putting forward my view sensibly. There is a world of difference in expressing a view and arguing. I am genuinely concerned about multiple dogs being walked by one person. I was just pointing out that judging by the posts on this Thread there are other people who recognise the dangers and no-one yet apart from you and the dog walker seem to think it OK and perfectly safe to walk multiple dogs let alone pick up their excrement.

Re: Dog Walkers - Joe (27th Nov 2025  20:55:00) Someone who is earning money from giving this type of service is not going to accept that any critics are right. The happiest dogs I have seen with dog walkers are those being given long walks off the lead in small groups of no more than 3 or 4. That to me would be the maximum one person could handle or should handle at any one time. I still think that there should be registration and regulations for dog walkers

Re: Dog Walkers - C (28th Nov 2025  10:19:38) Two instances I’d add to this debate as food for thought: 1) found out this morning that a relative (in her 60s) was walking her greyhound (friendly, never aggressive) who saw a squirrel, bolted and caused owner to fall. The owner now needs surgery on her shoulder. 2) My partner was dog sitting a dog we’ve looked after for two years on a regular basis. They were walking across the Radford Park using a lead. Similarly the dog saw a bird or squirrel and went to run after it. My partner became entangled in the lead and fell (thankfully no injuries). Both complete chance accidents. On this basis then would people on this thread also say we shouldn’t allow people to walk single dogs on a lead?

Re: Dog Walkers - Charlie (28th Nov 2025  13:42:13) No C absolutely not. Both these accidents while very unfortunate for the owners were not fatal and no one else was involved. However your two examples highlight the point that I am making that walking even two/three or more dogs can be potentially dangerous. Imagine the possible outcome if either of these people were walking say 6 dogs and fell. They could have suffered the same fate as the lady, Natasha Johnston from Caterham who lost her life when she fell while walking 8 dogs. I do hope that both owners have recovered and back to walking their dogs. Your post also highlights that no dog is 100% safe or predictable. In spite of what Passfield Resident has said about arguing I have only ever expressed a genuine concern for the safely of everyone which is why I think that the law should be changed restricting dog walkers to walking a maximum of three dogs at any one time and even that is a big task particularly if they are big dogs. I would just add that wherever possible dogs should spend time off their leads so that they can exercise properly. I know, however, that this is not always possible because so much depends on the dog.

Re: Dog Walkers - Joe (28th Nov 2025  15:05:59) It is the retractable leads which lead to a lot of problems. They are purchased usually by owners who do not let their dogs off the lead at all.

Re: Dog Walkers - passfield resident (28th Nov 2025  16:21:08) Seems like 4-3 to me now. Not quite a minority of one.

Re: Dog Walkers - Simon (28th Nov 2025  16:49:41) There's a dog walker I see quite regularly up here in Hindhead that has about 8 or 9 dogs at a time, most of them tethered to her waist. She plods along incredibly slowly, largely scrolling on her phone whilst the dogs stumble along behind / beside her, then chucks them all in the back of a van and no doubt collects her cash for 'exercising' everyones mutts.

Re: Dog Walkers - Charlie (28th Nov 2025  17:11:57) Passfield Resident 4-3 to you. How do you work that one out? As far as I can see everyone else on this Thread can see the dangers of walking multiple dogs and one even posting about 2 accidents which happened to people walking just one dog.

Re: Dog Walkers - passfield resident (28th Nov 2025  18:23:06) No, you misread it-it seems to me like 4-3. 5-3 now. Still in a minority, but not a minority of one. I'd be sad if I was with the majority on a social media platform or whatever you call this, because the internet is full of mis-spelt, badly punctuated junk.

Re: Dog Walkers - Joe (28th Nov 2025  18:43:22) Bad punctuation and bad spelling? Why has a dog walker decided to police the internet for grammar and spelling faults and decided that therefore her postulations are correct and other ( less erudite) offerings are not ? When dog walkers are registered and monitored for competence in every practical dog walking situation with 6 dogs I may consider they have a point to make.

Re: Dog Walkers - passfield resident (28th Nov 2025  19:00:16) Fair point except I'm not a dog walker or a woman. Other than that you make a powerful argument. I'm off to watch Barrie From Watford on You tube now. No more arguments from me. You carry on.

Re: Dog Walkers - Charlie (29th Nov 2025  11:05:00) Thank Joe. Good post. A person who highlights mis-spelling, bad punctuation etc is losing the argument and it says a great deal about them, sadly. Still cannot work out Passfield Resident's numbers 4-3 or 5-3 and he has not clarified this. I very much hope that everyone walking with or without dogs stays safe. It is always more hazardous when the weather is bad and there are slippery and uneven paths, so please everyone take extra care.

Re: Dog Walkers - passfield resident (29th Nov 2025  13:49:17) Should be "Thanks Joe". Always pleased to help.

Re: Dog Walkers - Charlie (30th Nov 2025  12:24:30) Ah Passfield Resident. I was wondering if you would spot my deliberate mistake. Well done.

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