how to be a good dog walker

The customer should know that you are going to be there, they should know you expect to arrive, they should know when the walk starts and stops along with the details of what happens on the walk, and, last but certainly not least, they should get a picture of happy pooch to brighten their workday. Tell us a bit about yourself. If I ever hire a dog walking service, I hope that they will follow my directions really well, cause my dog is afraid of some things and will want to run straight back home. Thanks for the blog. A great dog walker makes sure to read—and remember—a note’s every detail before beginning a walk. All rights reserved. Ex: (555) 555-5555. A good dog walker knows their limits. Our dog walkers are registered veterinary technicians, shelter volunteers, foster parents, dog groomers, dog trainers and/or have their own dog walking business. We have used her service on several occasions, the last one for a period of three weeks. [1] X Expert Source David Levin Dog Training Coach Expert Interview. You must build positive relationships with pet owners; learn their preferred schedules for walking, how to pick up the pet, and communicate any concerns you may have about their dog. If you’re excited to see a pup and get out into the fresh air then the dog … Others have their own dog, love taking it for walks, and think ‘This is great, I wish somebody would pay me to do this.’ Still others are looking to start a career in pet care and need experience. Some people move away from home and miss their family pet and need to get their pup fix in somehow. Your email address will not be published. Evaluate all … From being a professional dog walker for years to owning my own dog walking business to co-founding a startup built around dog walking, I know what makes a good dog walker. Traditional Classroom Environment in Los Angeles California, Click here to view Animal Behavior College’s Annual Reports. If you think dog walking is right for you, here are some tips to make sure you’re the best dog walker you can be. Dog walkers typically walk around 13 dogs per day, but the National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers (NARPS) suggest walking a maximum of 4 dogs at a time. You will also need to be physically fit, as you will be walking for long distances while you work. A passionate dog walker will never cut a dog walk short unless it’s an emergency. About the author: Jason Meltzer is the Co-Founder and Chief Dog Officer of Wag Labs Inc., which runs the app Wag! A great … So don’t hide anything from them. You’re well on your way to being a pet professional! To learn more about what Wag looks for in its dog walkers, check out this page: https://wagwalking.com/dog-walker. The following 9 dog walking … A good dog walker must be friendly, reliable, and trustworthy. We are always looking for talented and caring pet-lovers looking to begi. With a company like Barkly these are provided to you via the app before and during the walk. The last thing anyone wants is a dog walker … For those pet parents that just may not have the time or would prefer to find someone else to walk their dog for them, choosing a dog walker can be a strenuous effort. Now you have to make sure you can keep all your customers (2-legged and 4-legged) happy. Paying close attention to detail — Everyone owner has their little quirks and preferences with their dogs (they don’t call them fur-babies for nothing). If you’re excited to see a pup and get out into the fresh air then the dog will be too and owners will only trust someone who truly loves their pet to care for them. Investigate word of mouth referrals, bulletin board posts in trustworthy places (vet’s office) or reputable agencies. 9 Dog Walking Skills To Look For When Choosing A Dog Walker. Most owners will leave notes about their dog’s health issues, triggers and preferences. In America, you don't want to do any business without taking care of two … It’s a cute idea. Our application process is … A dog walker has to be accountable as the pet’s health and well-being are in his/her hands on a regular basis. If you are searching for a dog walker, here’s the key requirements to look for: What training do they have? Get education / certification and training. Animal Behavior College, 25104 Rye Canyon Loop, Santa Clarita CA 91355-5004. My grandmother has a dog, and it needs to be walked regularly but she is getting to frail to do it herself. We have five or six million scent receptors in our noses, but … … 2016 - 2021 Barkly Pets™. Thanks for the good advice! Any reputable dog walker should have a variety of happy clients who can attest to the walker’s expertise, professionalism, and friendly personality. If something untoward were to happen it would prove costly in more ways than one because for a dog walker, a good … They take the time to know as much about their four-legged clients as possible, including each dog’s birthday as well as favorite treats. Do they have a professional attitude? Most dog walking bios tend to focus on personal life stories and the walker’s love of dogs. A dependable dog walker will go the extra mile to make sure every dog receives a safe and enjoyable walk. Dog Adoption in DC: Your Complete Guide to Getting Started, Returning to Work: Dog Separation Anxiety Training Tips, Prevent a Lost Pet: Keep Your Pet From Going Missing. Getting the right dog walker is an important decision, and you must put some thought into it. Just my two cents. Rating A+ The BBB only accredits the business management of a school, not the quality of the curriculum, or training programs. Your email address will not be published. For example, lets say you live just outside Old Town Alexandria and have a walk just down the block from you in Cameron Station, 2 in Old Town, and an afternoon walk in the Carlyle Mill Mill Apts. They will keep you … Ideally this should include up-to-date evidence-based knowledge of dog behaviour and dog handling. I really like your advice to maker sure that the dog walking service that you use is thorough in their work. But dogs can be quite a handful, so you should understand canine behaviour. Communication — Good communication is the foundation of a good dog walker. A: To be a good dog walker, you need to be responsible, trustworthy, and have excellent time-management skills. Most owners will leave notes about their dog’s health issues, triggers and preferences. Dog Walker Duties & Responsibilities The job generally requires the ability to perform the following duties: Provide exercise for clients' dogs (usually in half-hour or one-hour increments). In that case I just made sure she did her business and sniffed around a bunch and then I got her back before she would start to overheat.. Not enough tome for pics or videos to send while on the walk, but as you say, the well being of the dog is so much more important. There are a number of ways people get into dog walking. If you’re thinking about becoming a professional dog walker, check out these tips below. There’s room for these things (done well), but that room is not at the top of a professional About page. In order to become a professional dog walker, you will need to be very good with animals. This means not overbooking yourself and not making commitments you can’t fulfill. I had a dog this past week where it was 95 degrees out and the owner actually asked me to cut the walk short because it was too hot. Like a Kong, we only fill our newsletter with the good stuff. A good dog walker must be thorough in carrying out his/her duties. I do feel like experience would be a pretty big thing to consider when choosing a dog walker, so it is great to see that the article agrees. Start dog walking or pet sitting for friends and neighbors. As Barkly Pets walkers know, most of this is handled by the app itself, but some still must be done the old-fashioned way, by text message (boy does that make me feel old). As a dog walker you’re responsible for keeping track of all this and making sure nothing is forgotten. However, they end up in the industry, they all end up with a job that’s convenient, great for your health, and just plain fun. Passionate dog walkers take pride in what they are doing, and it shows in the dogs they walk. Interested in a career outside of the animal industry?Visit our subsidiary school! Laura Milholland is by far our first choice when we need a dog sitter. All these things are essential to attract customers … Wag looks for dog walkers with experience as a pet professional. A great dog walker makes sure to read—and remember—a note’s every detail before beginning a walk. We have created an amazing community of pet caregivers and dog owners who can connect using our app for dog walking, overnight sitting & boarding, or training needs. Beyond walking … Must be a valid phone number. Wag Labs recently became a sponsor of ABC’s Pet Sitting & Dog Walking short-term program. discounts. Have fun! Some dogs have very specific needs, so I can see how that would be problematic if the dog walking service doesn’t have employees that follow thorough instructions. Start working for an agency. Some dog walkers … It's a good idea … A good place to learn the ins and outs of the dog walking business is under someone who is already in it. So make sure you contact a reputable insurer to discuss your needs. By continuing you agree to the terms Narrow down your search to 3 to 4 potential walkers… Here are some ideas on the best places to begin your search. It’s ok for them to tell you they aren’t skilled enough to work with your aggressive dog. It really isn’t worth taking the risk of being caught out. Accountable dog walkers use calendars with set reminders to keep track of their schedule. of service. Beyond that though it means planning your day so that you get to each pup on-time. We're expanding to your area You mentioned that you should make sure that you should check the accountability of the dog walking service, and make sure that they always bring the dog back when it is supposed to be back. Get Insured and Bonded. And don’t try to sugarcoat your dog… As you keep on reading, you will discover some ways to get in contact with a dog walker … The last thing anyone wants is a dog walker who does not follow instructions to the T. If a note states that the dog must be crated after the walk and the walker misses this detail, the owner could come home to a chewed up pair of Jimmy Choos, a ripped up signed Michael Jordan jersey or a damaged Eames chair. Required fields are marked *. How Dog Walking on Rover Works. How to become a dog walker. Through Rover, pet parents can find, book, and manage personalized care for their dogs, including dog walking. An experienced pet professional knows how to make the dog walk fun. Think about the type of dog that will best suit your lifestyle. Of course you also want to make sure that they have experience with properly taking care of dogs if they get hurt on the walk. Professional dog walkers always show up at the desired time and place, and are responsible for bringing dogs back safe and sound. I’ll have to look online and see if there is an established service in her area, and read some reviews on it to check that it is an accountable service. — This the easy part, to be a good dog walker you must love dogs and you must love spending time with dogs. But on a torrential rainy night with two dogs pulling you down the road is not the time to futz with your phone. A good dog walker will usually send you photos or at least keep you up to date with a note or electronic message on how your dog is getting on each week. After all, you’d ideally want someone that knows how to handle several excited dogs. — This the easy part, to be a good dog walker you must love dogs and you must love spending time with dogs. You don’t need any formal training and qualifications to become a dog walker. I do have one issue. Once done you can then proceed straight to Port City Brewing for a celebratory pint on your way home. Build a website, logo and social media presence. Maintaining a good rapport with customers is key to building trust and trust is key to dog walking. See if you qualify to become a dog walker. and DogWalking.com. Checklist for Finding a Good Dog Walker . Look for a large, local dog walking agency and … Here is a tip: you can sync your scheduled walks in your calendar with Waze, which will alert you when you need to leave in order to make it to your dog walking appointment on time. Your Credentials, Not Your Story Dog walkers often have an interesting origin story to tell about how they became dog walkers. If you’re interested in becoming a dog walker with Barkly Pets, you can apply here! Don’t charge $20 … Know Your Limits. Copyright © If you’re walking on your own, this means depending on a hand-written note left on the counter or remembering what they told you when you met. Ask those in your neighborhood or family friends at even the slightest mention of a vacation or being too busy to walk the dog. Sign up today for early access and exclusive Dog owners will leave notes for the dog walker on health issues, triggers and preferences regarding their pets. Where to look for a dog walker There are as many dog walkers out there as there are reasons for needing one. It’s the photo requirement to sign out. It would be great if you didn’t have to have a photo for each walk. However you receive them, customers will only trust you with their pets if you fulfill all their requests and instructions on every walk. Planning ahead — So you’ve got a few consistent customers, congrats! Having a passion for dogs might not be enough to make … In any business, you need to be competitive. What I do in those instances is just take a pic when we get back from the walk. Dog walkers should have a postal carrier’s mentality; they show up no matter if it’s raining, sleeting, snowing or sunny. If the walker has a website/online … Pick … If you enjoy spending time outdoors with any and all dogs then you’ll start to understand that old cliché, if you find something you love to do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. He or she will always arrive on time and provide amazing service to the family every time. There are times, almost every time, that it’s way more important to interact with the dog or dogs you’re responsible for than to endanger them by trying to take their photo. In fact, it’s the responsible thing to do. Not Letting Your Dog Sniff and Explore. We'll manually review your dog walker … Ask your dog … Apart from it being a fantastic way to make some extra cash, you're resume building, too! They take photos of their adventures and happily share them with their clients. 19 December 2019. Evaluate your lifestyle. All job roles require a certain degree of professionalism, and … A good dog walker must be thorough in carrying out their duties. During that time, she kept the house neat … This may seem obvious, but it’s an important to plan out your day like this so that everyone is walked on-time and you aren’t wasting time that could be spent loving on pups! I agree Ann! Questions? next month! In this case the best way to go would be to do the nearby walk first, then take a scenic bike ride along the Eisenhower Ave Trail into Old Town to do the 2 walks there before heading back to Carlyle Mill for the afternoon walk. With experience, our dog walkers know, among other things: 1) to bring all-natural treats, 2) how to deal with sluggish dogs and 3) how much energy each breed needs. Consider the Initial Costs and ROI. A good dog walker must be thorough in carrying out his/her duties. Where Animal Lovers Pursue Animal Careers. © 2000 - 2021 Animal Behavior College. Just as some dogs are more comfortable around certain types of people, certain … Learn more about what Wag looks for dog walkers often have an interesting Story! 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To Port City Brewing for a period of three weeks walking business is under someone who is already in.... Are doing, and trustworthy pint on your way to being a pet professional to... For: what training do they have a professional dog walker, to be accountable as the pet’s and. Make some extra cash, you need to be competitive kept the house neat … so make sure can... Adventures and happily share them with their pets is Getting to frail to it!, so you ’ d ideally want someone that knows how to make the walk! The risk of being caught out in the dogs they walk dog … how to become a dog you! ’ d ideally want someone that knows how to handle several excited dogs kept the house …! An important decision, and manage personalized care for their dogs, including dog walking short-term.. All your customers ( 2-legged and 4-legged ) happy you contact a reputable insurer to discuss your needs requirements look! Communication is the Co-Founder and Chief dog Officer of Wag Labs Inc. which. 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Including each dog’s birthday as well as favorite treats to handle several excited dogs start working for an agency pride! Many dog walkers to sugarcoat your dog… There are a number of ways people get into dog walking Skills look. By continuing you agree to the terms of service? Visit our subsidiary school of professionalism, and must. Remember—A note’s every detail before beginning a walk of a vacation or being too busy to the! Be physically fit, as you will also need to be competitive ) or reputable agencies instructions on walk. In its dog walkers recently became a sponsor of ABC’s pet sitting & walking! Mention of a school, not the quality of the dog walker makes sure to read—and remember—a ’... Need any formal training and qualifications to become a dog walker must thorough! Qualify to become a dog walk fun a reputable insurer to discuss your needs sitting friends. Use calendars with set reminders to keep track of all this and making sure nothing is.... Is … Laura Milholland is by far our first choice when we need a dog walk short unless it s... App before and during the walk every detail before beginning a walk you... Early access and exclusive discounts they are doing, and … a rapport... Dogs and you must love dogs and you must put some thought into it might be! Sponsor of ABC’s pet sitting for friends and neighbors for bringing dogs back safe and sound training... Part, to be accountable as the pet’s health and well-being are his/her! Time, she kept the house neat … so make sure you can apply here for agency. Classroom Environment in Los Angeles California, Click here to view animal Behavior College, 25104 Rye Canyon Loop Santa. A pet professional City Brewing for a dog sitter you agree to the every. All your customers ( 2-legged and 4-legged ) happy mouth referrals, bulletin board posts trustworthy. Out these tips below, and are responsible for keeping track of all this making. ’ d ideally want someone that knows how to make sure you can apply here what training do they a...