Organizing is all about keeping things in proper order for the comfort of the pet and … 8. There are many things to consider when hiring a dog walker such as their experience, services offered, training, references, insurance and bonding and their service area. A good dog walker should have a genuine interest in looking after dogs. Remember, this person will be coming into your home and holding the duty of care for your animals either in your house or out walking- You'll want to make sure that they are covered if something unfortunate should happen, such as your dog becoming injured on a walk or causing … That’s why it’s always wise to be on the lookout for the skills mentioned while hiring a dog walker. Work, family and social commitments mean that there often aren’t enough hours in the day to give our pets the attention that they deserve. Experience; You learn a good deal in the first few years, so you may want to look for someone who has been professionally dog walking for a while. How well do they understand your dog’s specific needs? One of the best places to start looking for a dog walker is at your local veterinary surgery. Do you like this article? helping owners to exercise their pets. They should be able to sympathise with your dog’s needs as well as yours. Firstly and most importantly, choose a pet sitter or dog walker who holds the necessary insurance for the job. Many dogs are shy or wary when introduced to a new person, so you shouldn’t necessarily expect immediate chemistry. This might seem like an obvious tip, but it’s one of the most important starting points! Also, veterinary practices often keep a list or database of pet sitters and walkers in the local area, and a recommendation from your animal's own vet is always a plus point! How much should you pay for a Cockapoo puppy? Help us by answering a short survey. When walking your dog in areas used by other people, you should consider putting your dog on a lead to ensure you can stay 2 metres away from others. If like most of us, your dog is a part of the family, then you'll want to be sure you find the very best person for the job; someone who is confident, competent, knowledgeable about animals, and who will care for your pet as much as you do. Look for a walking boot with some sort of reinforced protection around the toe and the heel – there will be a time when you’ll be glad you did…! As a dog walker you are there to provide responsible care and report anything that may need working on or training with directly to the parents of that dog. Finally, in the initial stages of trialling a new dog walker, it will give you added peace of mind if you are confident that they are doing what is expected of them and caring for your dog in the way that you would want. With this in mind, compassion is a very good quality to find in a dog walker! They should be interested in your dog and in finding out what is important to you, and address any specific concerns you might have. This means keeping vigilant focus. It's worth it for the peace of mind you'll have in future when you're not there to step in, and are reliant on your dog walker for your best friend's care in your absence. A reasonable schedule. Dog Friendly Spots & Dog Walks in Canterbury, Harry Potter Tries His Hand At Dog Walking. Organizational. All job roles require a certain degree of professionalism, and dog walkers are no exception. What to Look for in a Dog Walker It might be that you are looking to take a vacation, can’t take your dog with you, and simply don’t want to leave them at any old kennel. More importantly, it is not the job of a dog walker to discipline or punish someone else's dog. Walking ‘a’ dog or owning your own dog is good but it isn’t enough to be able to safely walk dogs, as a professional business. How dedicated to being a good dog walker do they seem? Book your free meet and greet today Avoid any contact with them or anyone in their household and don’t go in their house if you can avoid it. Meet and greets are a great way of seeing how a walker and your dog get along. Passionate A passionate dog walker will never cut a dog walk short unless it’s an emergency. Also, a rubber band running around the boot’s outer edge acts like a bumper giving more protection. Finding someone who is responsible and dedicated to their work is the right way to go. A pet sitter who is overloaded with pet care gigs isn’t going to be able to … Usually, pet owners like to have a long term dog walker as it can take some time for their dog to feel completely comfortable with that person. Always ask your potential pet sitter or walker to provide references from their other clients, and follow up on them. Are They The Right Dog Walker? Do they seem compassionate in case of a crisis? 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