Understanding Dogs as Dogs

Social Pack Walks in Okehampton
Dog Walking the Devon Way

A structured, mindful alternative to chaotic dog parks and enclosed fields. Interactive, educational hikes where owners attend together with their dogs on the beautiful trails surrounding Okehampton and Dartmoor.

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The Philosophy

Okehampton Social Pack Walks

The Goal: Giving your dog a safe sanctuary to experience true canine communication, peer-to-peer regulation, and a complete mental reset within an emotionally stable pack.

The Dynamic: We do not force play, use toys, or stand around. We move forward side-by-side, allowing initial adrenaline to drop naturally through shared exploration.

Odessa and Belo - Core Resident Pack Leaders

The Power of the Core Pack

My resident dogs, Odessa (Rhodesian Ridgeback) and Belo (German Pinscher), are exceptionally calm and stable anchors. Simply by being around them, your dog picks up on their calm energy and learns to make its own good choices.

How It Works
(The Trail Rules)

Orderly Start

Every journey begins with clear structure. All dogs start on a lead or a long training line to let the initial excitement settle down naturally.

Walking together

Walking together in new or neutral territory helps dogs relax from the start. Moving forward lets them process emotions naturally, reducing tension and the pressure of direct confrontation.

Transition to Freedom

Only when the pack's energy harmonizes and bodies relax, dogs that are socially ready and whose owners are comfortable can transition to off-lead exploration.

The Commitment

Relational Consistency

True social competence cannot be built once a month or as a one-off weekend event. We practice regular, systemic development.

Organising shared walks 3 to 4 times every single week is the absolute minimum for a dog's biological and mental health. We welcome dedicated owners ready to build this essential, non-stop lifestyle.

Location: Mindfully handpicked, neutral trails across Okehampton and surrounding areas.

Group Size: Small, carefully curated numbers to ensure total safety.

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Bespoke 1-to-1 Session

Not ready for a group? See details

£25 £45 launch

Unsure if your dog is ready for a group environment?

If your dog struggles with reactivity, intense anxiety, or you are simply worried about how they will react around a new pack, you don’t have to jump straight into the group walks. We offer a dedicated Bespoke 1-to-1 Pack Integration Session.

Standard Price: £45

Launch Offer: £25 (For a limited time / 1h-2h)

This is a private, low-pressure trail walk where I can assess your dog’s natural communication style. My own calm dogs will assist us at a safe distance to help build your dog’s confidence and ensure a smooth, stress-free transition into group walks when they are ready.

Contact to Discuss Your Dog

Your Guide On The Trail

Hello, I'm Joanna.

I have been surrounded by dogs my entire life, growing up alongside them since childhood. My hands-on experience with organizing structured group dog walks began over 17 years ago. For nearly a decade, I ran social dog packs and guided walking groups in Malta. When I moved to England, my love for the trail came with me. I spent four years hosting social hikes across the beautiful landscapes of Dartmoor, and for the past two years, I have been bringing local owners together through our Exeter Sunday walking community. Today, I am proud to organize and lead our local Pack Walks right here in Okehampton and the surrounding Devon areas.

I have always believed that the best way to understand dogs is to step out of the training hall and onto the trail. True dog-centric work doesn't happen through books or strict commands. It happens out in nature, moving forward together at a slow, relaxed pace.

My Philosophy & Education

Over the years, my approach has evolved into what is known as a relational or relationship-based approach. This simply means I focus entirely on the bond, trust, and mutual understanding between a human and their dog, rather than traditional obedience or fixing "symptoms" with treats. To make sure I am always giving the best support to our packs, I regularly study directly under leading modern behavior experts who share this deep respect for animals:

Level 4 Professional Canine Behaviour Practitioner Diploma (In Progress)

I'm currently studying towards the Level 4 Professional Canine Behaviour Practitioner Diploma with the British College of Canine Studies. I believe good work with dogs means never stopping learning, so this keeps my knowledge current and welfare-led.

Relational Movement & Communication (Poland)

I completed an intensive, week-long residency workshop in Poland with Irena Kowalczyk (Gang Amara), one of the pioneers in the relational dog movement. This advanced training focused deeply on reading pure canine body language, learning how to listen to what dogs are saying to each other without human filters, and supporting their emotional world through shared, unhurried group movement.

Functional Characters in Dogs (Beyond the Breed)

In October 2026, I am continuing my advanced studies with Heather Stevens. This specialized work focuses on understanding the natural, biological roles that different dogs naturally take on within a group, allowing me to balance our walks safely and keep the energy calm for everyone.

Career as a Dog Trainer — IMDT (2-Day Course)

I completed the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers' 2-Day "Career as a Dog Trainer" course, an intensive introduction to modern, science-based training built on kind, force-free methods. It deepened my understanding of canine body language and learning theory, and reinforced my commitment to supporting dogs without fear, force, or intimidation.

Real-World Experience, Backed by Psychology

Dogs have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I've spent the last 17 years organising and guiding structured social pack walks. My work starts from respecting a dog's natural biological needs: I want dogs to learn neutrality, read each other's social cues, and simply exist quietly together, not perform on command. I don't lean on forced obedience or mechanical tricks. What matters to me is authentic communication and mutual respect.

I combine that hands-on experience with a 5-year Master's Degree in Pedagogy and Psychology. From experience, a shift in a dog's state of mind almost always starts at the human end of the lead, so I coach owners on their own emotions and help them bring the calm, grounded energy their dog needs to feel safe.

I keep backing up that hands-on experience and intuition with formal study, currently working towards my Level 4 Professional Canine Behaviour Practitioner Diploma. You, your dog, and I work as a team, with me as your guide.

My Peace of Mind

When you join us on the trail, your dog's emotional well-being and safety are my absolute priorities. I want you to feel completely relaxed and secure during our walks. For your peace of mind, I hold the following local qualifications and checks:

Professional Dog Walking Coursework Completed

Dog Trainer Coursework Completed

Fully Certified in Pet First Aid

Fully Business Liability Insured & Clean DBS Check

Our walks are a space with zero judgment and zero pressure. Whether your dog naturally brings a calm presence to the group, or needs a quiet, steady environment to learn how to relax around others, we have a place for you. I can't wait to see you and your companion on the trail. Welcome to our pack.

From The Pack

What our walkers say

via Facebook

"Joanna is a wonderful dog walker and truly cares about every dog she works with. She is calm, patient, and very reliable. Her dogs are amazing, and it is always a pleasure to join her on walks. My dogs absolutely adore her and are always excited to see her. I feel completely comfortable leaving them in her care because I know they are happy, safe, and well looked after. I highly recommend Joanna to anyone looking for a trustworthy and caring person to look after their dogs."

Agnieszka A.

via Facebook

"We have joined Joanna, Ode and Belo for two walks now and I cannot believe that my “reactive” rescue GSD not only began to walk calmly on the first walk, which was absolutely amazing, then meeting other dogs on our second walk and interacting calmly and politely 😁 I am encouraged and excited to continue our journey with the aim of joining the “pack” walks when he is ready. Joanna’s calm, positive and reassuring manner is allowing me to put faith and trust in my dog to make the right choices, and experience something I never thought would be possible — if this can happen in two sessions I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us. Thank you Joanna, Ode and Belo for your calm direction for us both!"

Carol N.

via Facebook

"I have known Joanna for many years and have had the pleasure of attending countless group dog walks and treks that she organized when she was in Malta. Her knowledge, experience, and genuine passion for dogs have always been evident in the way she manages and leads her groups. What impressed me most was her understanding of canine behaviour and socialisation. Her guidance and structured walks played a significant role in helping dogs learn to communicate calmly."

Henry C.

via Facebook

"I’ve known Joanna since she was living in Malta, and we actually met through the dog walks she used to organize. Those walks were not only really enjoyable for me, but they were also incredibly beneficial for my dog—she learned how to interact with others, play freely, and simply be a dog without any restrictions. Joanna has an incredible depth of knowledge when it comes to dogs, and I personally learned so much from her as well."

Melanie S.

via Facebook

"It’s been a real game changer for me walking with Joanna and her beautifully calm stable dogs Ode and Belo. Initially my thoughts were to give my GR the opportunity to interact with other dogs and for him to learn some meet and greet manners and to boost my confidence. Joanna is passionate about allowing dogs to explore, use their brains and give them the opportunity to make their own good decisions and to not be micromanaged. She has a very impressive knowledge of dog behaviour and body language which she is always eager to share. This has enabled me to be more aware of the calming signals that my dog displays and recognise if he’s feeling uncomfortable. Not only does he take less time to calm down on our walks together, I am also encouraged to see that he is much calmer at home. I would not hesitate to recommend Joanna to help you on your journey to build a fantastic relationship with your dog. She is amazing"

Marianne M.

via Facebook

"These group walks with Joanna are incredible. As someone who has known her for 17 years and has my own pack, I love how our dogs thrive together. Watching them communicate and build such healthy, natural relationships is a joy. These walks leave our dogs feeling truly fulfilled and happy. I also cherish the time we get to chat, as I always learn something new and gain deeper insights into my own dogs' behaviors. I highly recommend joining these walks❤️"

Bozena O.

Read all reviews on Facebook

Pack Operations

Pack Walk Schedule — Okehampton & Devon

Tuesday 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Saturday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Before You Book

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from dog daycare or a dog park?

Dog parks and daycare environments typically throw unfamiliar dogs together in enclosed spaces with no shared direction, which creates chaotic, often stressful encounters. Our pack walks are the opposite: small, carefully curated groups walking forward together on neutral trails, with owners present and engaged. Movement and shared exploration let dogs regulate themselves naturally, and the resident pack provides a calm, stable anchor for newcomers. We also don't use treats or balls during walks. We want every dog focused on reading and responding to other dogs, not fixated on what the humans are carrying.

Do I need to come along, or can you walk my dog alone?

Owners attend every pack walk with their own dog. The walk is a shared experience. It builds trust, teaches you to read your dog's body language in real social settings, and sends you home with a calmer dog. We do not offer solo dog walking without the owner present.

Is my reactive, anxious or nervous dog welcome?

Yes, provided we have a short conversation first to check fit. Many dogs labelled reactive or nervous thrive in a pack walk setting. The structured, side-by-side movement removes the pressure of direct confrontation that dog parks create. We start on lead or long line, give every dog space, and never force interaction. If your dog has shown aggression toward other dogs or actively lunges at them, a well-fitted muzzle is required for the safety of the whole pack. If your dog isn't ready for a group yet, we'll be honest with you about that.

Will my dog be off-lead?

Every walk begins on a lead or long training line so the initial excitement can settle. Dogs only transition to off-lead exploration once the pack's energy is settled, the dog is socially ready, and the owner is comfortable with the decision. Some dogs stay on a long line for the whole walk, and that is completely fine.

How many dogs are on each pack walk?

Group sizes are kept small and carefully curated to ensure safety and the right social balance. We don't publish a fixed cap because the right number depends on which dogs are attending. Energy levels, sociability and individual needs all factor into how the group is composed.

What ages and breeds are suitable?

All breeds and most ages are welcome. Puppies under 4 months old cannot join the pack walks yet, as they need to wait until their vaccinations and developmental stage are right. Dogs recovering from surgery, or dogs with serious behavioural concerns, should be assessed individually. Get in touch and we'll talk through whether the timing is right.

What do I need to bring?

A standard lead and ideally a long training line (5 to 10 metres), poo bags, water for your dog on warmer days, and weather-appropriate clothing for yourself. If your dog has shown aggression or lunges at other dogs, a well-fitted muzzle is required. Devon trails can be muddy year-round. Avoid bringing toys, food or treats unless we've discussed it, as these can disrupt the calm group dynamic.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Walks go ahead in most weather. Dogs benefit hugely from movement and outdoor time regardless of conditions. We only cancel for genuinely unsafe weather (severe storms, extreme heat, dangerous ground conditions). If a walk is cancelled by us, you'll be offered a refund or a place on the next available walk.

What's the best way to get in touch?

WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach Joanna. Message her directly for booking questions, suitability checks, or anything specific to your dog. For ongoing pack updates, walk reminders, and chatting with other regular walkers, join the Dogs Are Family Devon WhatsApp group.

What if I don't want to pay by card?

You can pay by bank transfer via PayPal or Revolut instead. Links and QR codes are provided just below the booking widget. After paying, send a quick WhatsApp message to Joanna with your name and chosen walk so she can confirm your spot.

Where exactly do walks meet?

Every walk has a defined meeting point in the Okehampton surroundings. The exact location is added to each walk's entry in the booking calendar, so you'll see where to meet when you pick your slot.

Secure Your Spot on the Next Pack Walk

Pick your walk

Choose the option that matches your household. The next available dates and times open straight away, and payment is handled securely via Stripe inside the booking pop-up.

I have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.