Walking together when you live alone
Living alone with a dog can be wonderful. It can also be quiet. A walk with someone else, even once a week, can change how the days feel.
We are a small team of dog owners, and some of us live alone. We know that a dog makes the house less empty, and we also know that there are days when the only conversation you have is with a spaniel. A very good spaniel, but still.
This post is for anyone who lives alone and would like a bit more company on their walks. It is not a prescription, and it is not a cure for anything. It is just a few thoughts on how a walk with a friend can make a quiet day feel a little warmer.
Why a shared walk is a gentle place to start
Meeting people can feel like a lot. A party, a club or a group chat all take energy, and when you live alone it can be hard to know where to begin.
A dog walk is different. It has a purpose, a start and a finish, and your dog does half the talking. You are side by side rather than face to face, which makes conversation easier. If there is nothing to say, you can look at the view and the dogs, and nobody minds.
It is also an easy thing to say yes to. An hour in a park or along a lane is a small commitment. You can keep it short, and you can stop whenever you like.
Start small
You do not need a big group or a perfect friend. One person with a dog who gets on with yours is plenty. Many people find that a single steady walk each week gives the days a shape.
In Packmates you can post a walk, tick Flexible on time, and say what you are looking for. Something like "quiet loop, slow pace, happy to chat or not" is entirely fine. You can also browse walks near you and ask to join one, and the organiser will approve or decline your request.
I live on my own with an old collie. I put up a walk, flexible on time, expecting nothing. Now there is a Thursday morning I really look forward to.
Make it easy on yourself
It helps to keep the first walk simple. A short loop in a place you know, at a time that suits you, takes much of the pressure off.
Pick a gentle walk type
Senior / slow or Just a walk is a good start if you like an easy pace. Needs space suits dogs who prefer distance, and the organiser will say what to expect.
Ask to join, or post your own
Both are fine. Tell people a little about you and your dog, and what sort of walk you would enjoy.
Agree a public place
Once approved, you and the organiser settle the time and a public meeting point privately.
Keep the first one short
An hour is plenty. It is fine to say you have to head home, and nobody will be offended.
See how it felt
If you liked it, favourite the owner and think about a repeat. If not, that is fine too. Try another.
Building a routine that sticks
Routines are quietly powerful. A regular walk gives the week a few markers, such as Tuesday at ten or Saturday after breakfast. Walks in Packmates can repeat, so a weekly slot can be simple to set up once you have found a good match.
- Pick a day and time that fits your own week, rather than someone else's.
- Plan something to look forward to, such as a coffee or a bench with a view.
- Keep a bad-weather plan, such as a shorter loop or a covered path.
- Let your walking friends know if you cannot come, and do not worry about it too much.
- Notice how you feel afterwards. A bit of fresh air and a chat often does more good than we expect.
If your dog is getting on a bit, our guide to walking a senior dog with company has ideas for keeping walks gentle and enjoyable.
Looking after yourself on the way
Meeting new people is lovely, and it is still sensible to take a few simple precautions, particularly when you are on your own.
Staying comfortable and safe
- Choose a public meeting point, and keep your home address private.
- Tell someone you trust where you are going and when you will be back.
- Keep your phone charged and the chat to hand.
- Go at your own pace. You never have to share more than you want to.
- If anything feels wrong, leave, block and report. Our support page explains how.
There is more in our guide to meeting a stranger for a dog walk safely.
Company can come in many forms
Not every walk has to be with a stranger. Some people start by walking with a neighbour, a colleague or a friend of a friend. Others find that the regulars at their local park become a kind of community without any planning at all.
If you are an older owner, Age UK has information and local services that may be useful, alongside a walk or two.
Whatever works for you is the right way to do it. Packmates is only a noticeboard. It helps you find other owners, and the rest is up to you and your dog.
One walk at a time
You do not have to change your life in a week. Just one walk with one friendly person, with a dog trotting along between you, can be a very good place to begin. Have a look at walks near you, read how Packmates works, or join the beta. Your dog will be pleased either way.
