5 tips for a great relationship with your dog walker

Entrusting someone with your dog and access to your home is a big deal. The last thing anyone wants is to bounce from dog walker to dog walker. So here are 5 tips for a great relationship with your dog walker.

Be prepared and do your research on dog walkers

Professional dog walking services can vary massively from the types of walks they provide, to the handling methods they use, to the dog walker’s level of knowledge and experience.

Do your research and before contacting a professional dog walker, think about what you really need or want to get from using their services and consider the following –

    • Your budget – most dog walkers will have their prices on their website
    • Your requirements – which days and what kind of time would you like your dog walking
      • What kind of exercise does your dog require – solo or one to one dog walks, a group dog walk or a home visit
      • Are the dog walker’s handling methods aligned with yours?

      TOP TIP – it may sound obvious, but when you do enquire, let the dog walker know where you live, the age and breed of your dog, whether they are neutered, what service you are interested in and what days/times

      You can read more about different kinds of dog walking services, how to find the right person and how to interview them HERE.

      Be realistic about your dog walker’s capabilities

      If you start using a professional dog walker and notice changes in your dog’s behaviour, they should be positive changes. That said, it is important to be realistic and take responsibility for your dog’s training (particularly with puppies) and overall wellbeing. If you are struggling with your dog’s behaviour, your first call should be to a qualified canine behaviourist. Any dog walking should be an additional layer of help, once you understand why your dog is doing what they are doing and have a training plan in place.

      Even if you have a dog walker taking your dog out for an hour every day, what happens the other 23 hours of the day, while they are with you or in your home, will have a greater impact on their behaviour.

      Their walks with you, the dogs they mix with, the enrichment activities you provide, the food they eat, the amount of rest they get and the way they are handled at home, will always have a bigger influence than any miracles the dog walker can work in the short time they’re with their charges.

      Make sure you agree with your dog walker

      Before booking any dog walks, make sure you agree with your new dog walker –

      • What equipment your dog will be walked in
      • Whether your dog can go off lead
      • Whether your dog can have any treats the dog walker provides
      • Whether your dog will be walked with other dogs
      • A timeframe for your dog to be collected and dropped back home
      • Who will be walking your dog (if they have a team of walkers working for them)
      • How will your dog be transported if required
      • What will happen in an emergency
      • How much will you be charged and their payment policy
      • Whether they have a cancellation policy

      Most dog walkers will ask for paperwork to be completed before any walks, but it is useful to take notes so you can remember what you have both agreed to.

      TOP TIP – generally dog walkers offer a free meet and greet before booking in any walks. Use the time to discuss and agree the above, and remember they are there to find out all about your dog, so try and use the time wisely and hold off telling them your life story!

      Be honest with your dog walker

      The trust between a dog owner and their professional dog walker should be a two-way street. Most dog walkers understand the responsibility that comes with caring for other people’s dogs and being given access to other people’s homes. I for one, never take that lightly.

      It is equally important that owners are open and honest with us and that we, as dog walkers, can trust we are being told the truth and that we are being kept up to date.

      For everyone to stay safe, (the dog, ourselves, members of the public, other client’s dogs), we need to know about your dog’s history, any changes in behaviour and any incidents like bolting off on walks, chasing bikes, signs of reactivity or aggression…

      Be open to feedback from your dog walker

      There are some dog walkers that eat, sleep and breathe all things dog. They read books, study online, attend courses and workshops and have experience of working hands on with lots of different dogs, every single day. If you’ve done your research, you should’ve found yourself one of these guys.

      So, if your dog walker approaches you to discuss a training concern, a change they’ve noticed in your dog’s behaviour or to suggest adjusting your dog’s routine or using a different piece of equipment – try to listen and not jump on the defensive.

      And remember, no dog’s behaviour is set in stone. Age, injury, new learned behaviours, becoming increasingly over stimulated – your dog’s behaviour can change over time. If your dog walker raises a concern with you, it just goes to show you did a good job in selecting someone who really cares about the dogs they look after.

      LINKS

      Qualified Canine Behaviourists in North Yorkshire
      Kate Robinson https://clickingwithcanines.co.uk/
      Kim Grundy https://www.poochesgalore.co.uk/
      Katie Bell https://www.katsdogstraining.co.uk/