Dog Walking, Done Better.
No rotating walkers.
No chaotic group walks.
No managing logistics on your end.
Serving a limited number of clients in Downtown Bethesda.
Calm, structured walks that reduce setbacks and support a dog that’s easier to live with as life gets busy.
When Walking is Handled For You
For many clients, we become the steady support that keeps their dog:
easier to manage on leash
calmer around people and other dogs
better able to handle busy, unpredictable days
You don’t have to fit training into your schedule or worry about things slipping when life gets busy.
We handle the consistency so good behavior holds.
Why Savvy City Dog is Different
Most dogs don’t need rehabilitation.
Many of our clients start with dogs who are already “pretty good” and want to keep them that way.
They need structure, outlets, and consistency—especially as life gets busy.
Without that, even “good” dogs start to slide:
leash pulling creeps in
overexcitement builds
responsiveness fades
frustration turns into bigger issues
Savvy City Dog exists to prevent that slide.
Our trainer-guided walking model provides the repetition, professional handling, and real-world practice many households simply can’t maintain day after day. Over time, dogs develop reliable leash manners, emotional regulation, and real-world responsiveness—by practicing exactly where those skills matter most.
Training doesn’t happen in isolation.
It happens during daily walks, in familiar neighborhoods, on real schedules.
For many families, we become the steady support that keeps their dog manageable, social, and easy to live with long-term.
A Trainer-Led Walking Model
Our walking services are intentionally structured.
Dogs either:
enter through our Savvy Starter Program, or
demonstrate readiness through a professional assessment
This ensures group walks remain calm, safe, and productive for every dog involved.
This is not a walk-and-go service.
It is behavioral support delivered on foot.
Our Services
Getting Started: Required Walk Assessment
All new walking clients begin with a professional walk assessment.
This trainer-guided evaluation allows us to understand how your dog handles a real-world walk with a novel handler, moderate distractions, and typical urban conditions. It helps us recommend the right level of support and ensure safe, stable walking experiences for everyone involved. Owners receive a clear snapshot of their dog’s current walking skills and practical insight they can use right away, whether or not they continue with us.
Assessment fee: $125
If you move forward with ongoing services, the assessment fee is applied toward your first month.
Savvy Starter Program
Trainer-Led Walking Foundation
$997 · 20 walks over 1 month
Some dogs are friendly, social, and well-intentioned, but not yet easy to manage on leash in the real world.
The Savvy Starter gives dogs the chance to practice good behavior repeatedly with a professional, before expectations increase.
For many dogs, this short period of focused support makes ongoing walking calmer, safer, and more enjoyable long-term.
Program details
Focus on loose leash walking, handler attention, and calm
Obedience brush up including come, sit, and wait
Conducted in real neighborhoods, on real routes
Designed to create a dog who is safe, predictable, and easy to walk
Dogs who successfully complete the program and demonstrate readiness may be invited into our ongoing walking service.
Ongoing Walking Program
Structured, Small-Group Walks
$27-$30/walk based on frequency
For dogs who demonstrate readiness for calm group walking.
Program features
Stable, carefully matched walking groups
Consistent professional handlers
Structured walks that maintain good behavior over time
Dogs who already demonstrate strong leash skills, emotional regulation, and comfort in group environments may be eligible for direct entry into our ongoing walking program.
Eligibility is determined through a professional assessment walk.
If accepted, the assessment fee is applied toward your first month of service.
This process protects group stability and ensures a positive experience for every dog.
Direct Entry for Well-Trained Dogs
Solo Walking Option
One-on-One Professional Walks
$40/walk
For dogs who benefit from individual attention or are not suited to group walking at this time, we offer limited solo walking with a professional handler.
This option provides the same calm, structured handling without the requirement to integrate into a group.
Details
30-minute solo walk
FAQs
-
Start by checking availability. If we’re a good fit, we’ll guide you through next steps and onboarding. We only take on clients we can support well.
-
Continuing education is a priority at Savvy City Dog. All of our walkers undergo regular training on dog body language, walking equipment, dog social skills, red flag behaviors, basic training and behavior modification, as well as basic dog first aid.
-
Your walker will arrive within your walking window. The available windows to choose from are 10-12 or 12-2. If you need walks outside of these times, please just let us know!
-
Typically 1-3 other dogs.
-
Yes, we are licensed in Washington, DC and we are insured and bonded through the Business Insurers of the Carolinas.
Dog Walking Service Area
Walking services are intentionally limited to Downtown Bethesda to ensure consistency, reliability, and timely service.
If you’re located outside this area, we may not be the right fit for walking services.
Please check out our Training page.
Ready for Calm, Consistent Support?
If you’re looking for more than a walk—and want your dog’s behavior supported long-term—you’re in the right place.