Professional Dog Walker Plus Summer
Professional Dog Walker Plus Summer – sounds like the dream combo doesn’t it? The thing is, for most of us professional dog walkers it can actually get a bit tricky. And I’m not just talking about all the fair weather walkers that pop out of nowhere, clogging up our countryside walking routes, the horsefly bites or the dodgy tan lines..
Any responsible dog walker will tell you, ensuring the safety and welfare of the dogs they are trusted to care for is their main priority. Heat Stroke in dogs is very real. If we (dog walkers), get it wrong and make a poor call, it could be fatal.
I’m going to explain my Good Karma Canines summer dog walking policy and list some good local walks for during the warmer months.
Summer Dog Walking Policy
Timings – Dog walks start earlier to avoid being out in the hottest part of the day. This sounds easy enough, but keep in mind most clients book dog walking services to break up their dog’s day while they’re working and no owner wants their dog walker collecting their dog at 6am before their alarm goes off. It’s a balance of getting all the dogs out and home during the cooler hours, while breaking up their time home alone.
A bit of flexibility and understanding from clients and TRUSTING in our judgment, allows dog walkers to make assessments day by day, walk by walk and work to meet everyone needs.
I promise you – we’re not juggling things around or trying to short-change anyone to get home to sunbathe in the garden! Dog walkers are more likely having kittens checking the weather app every two minutes and praying for a clear run and no chatty catty clients to be home and wanting a chin wag!
Walk Duration – sometimes even when we’ve cracked on early, had our brew and toast while driving to our first pick up (me today and then I hit a road closure arghhhh) and chosen a sensible place to walk, walks need to be cut a bit shorter. I assess my dogs throughout our walks and will always call it and take them back sooner rather than later.
On very hot days, walks will be cancelled and home visits are offered instead.
Transport – Dogs are never ever ever EVER left in my vehicle while I complete other bookings/walks. Not in summer, not in winter, not ever. My vehicle has full air con, tinted glass and I always carry fresh water.
Walk Locations – keeping the dogs cool in shaded areas or places they can (safely) take a dip in some water is probably pretty obvious. Of course, every man and his dog are doing the same, so finding places to safely park and ideally some space to still allow the dogs some off-lead freedom can be problematic some days. Pavements can really heat up and can burn paws, so lamppost sniffathon neighbourhood walks are better saved for another day.
I hope this doesn’t read like I’m looking for sympathy, of course I’d way rather be outside with the dogs than doing anything else. I guess I was just reflecting today, how I’m so glad I have sensible clients who don’t make silly demands or expect me to plan my entire day around their one dog! And perhaps I can give myself some credit for setting my stall out from the beginning…
I’ve been asked before to walk in the hottest part of the day and I’m ok with saying no, but for dog walkers that are a bit green, pushy clients can cause a real headache in summer.
Anyway, onto the walks …
Summer Dog Walking Spots
- Dog Walking in Strensall – the River Foss in Strensall is great for a dog walk on a sunny day. There are several places the dogs can access (and exit) the water safely and while it isn’t running too high or fast at the moment, it is moving and therefore doesn’t get stagnant.
I know some local Dog Walkers love Strensall Common for an outing but not me. In summer, between the adders, sheep and stagnant water pools, I’d rather give it a miss!
- Ten minutes from Strensall, just outside Sheriff Hutton there is a lovely walk up to Stittenham Wood. The woods stay lovely and cool and they usually cast plenty of shade along the field and footpath below. *Note there are sections of this walk where dogs are required to be on leads (before and after the gallops which can be seen from a distance).
- I love Sutton on the Forest for a dog walk. Half way between North York/Strensall/Easingwold you can park up in the village and take a lovely walk in the woodland and fields behind Sutton Park. Stick to the woods on warmer days and you’ll find lots of logs and stumps for a spot of parkour and take your time to just potter and let your dog sniff – dog walking heaven.
- A short road trip up to Yearsley Woods is usually worth it for a long walk in the shade of the woods. There is usually plenty of safe parking, just be sure to do a thorough check for ticks after you’ve been exploring!
- For those that rely on enclosed dog parks to safely allow their dog off lead privileges, then Hopewell Dog Park has you covered. It’s a bit further over on the outskirts of Knaresborough, but worth it to visit the woodland and meadow.
https://www.hopewelldogpark.com/
An overview of all Good Karma Canines policies can be found HERE
For info on Heatstroke in dogs
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/heatstroke-in-dogs
For canine first aid courses that cover this topic