Start claiming territory in your neighbourhood
Begin with the streets you already walk. Colour them in, close a few blocks, then expand one street at a time.
City walks are a skill. Your dog learns the soundtrack: buses, bins, scaffolding, other dogs on short leads.
Pavement stores summer heat. Test with the back of your hand. Prefer earlier or later slots from best time of day.
Cross the road early for a reactive dog. Give runners a lane. Not every greeting is mandatory.
Variety lives in side streets. That is also how you claim new ground without driving anywhere.
Lights for evening safety. Towels for rain. Cities do not pause weather for you.
Download Patch free on iOS or Android. Tap once when you leave, walk as normal, and see what ground your dog claims.
Download the free dog walking game on iOS and Android. Your first patch takes about four minutes.
Begin with the streets you already walk. Colour them in, close a few blocks, then expand one street at a time.
Short routes, clear jobs for each child and a dog who is not used as a tractor. Keep expectations small and the exit easy.
Weekends are for slightly bigger loops, new parks and beach checks — without turning Sunday into a military campaign.