Questions to ask your dog walker

21 . February .2020Adam Copland0 Comments

Sometimes pressures of everyday living can have an effect on how often we can walk our dogs. All dogs need daily exercise to keep them fit and healthy. If you feel that your dog isn’t getting enough exercise then you may feel that it is time to use the services of a reliable dog walker.

A reliable dog walker will have experience in dealing with dogs of all shapes, sizes and temperaments. They help families and dog owners by providing services such as free home pick up and drop off, changing water bowls and a towel dry at the end of a soggy walk! While you are at work your dog will get love, attention and stimulation from the dog walker and other dogs.

Many dog walkers will provide a tailored walk to each individual dog whether its 30 minutes in the park or a nice long walk with a friend or on their own.

If your dog becomes distressed in an unfamiliar environment such as kennels then the services of a dog walker or sitter may be perfect as the will feel safer and more relaxed in a home environment.

Some dog walkers also provide a pet taxi service. Many taxi companies now will not allow dogs in their cars, and at times your dog will need to be with you, for example a trip to the vets. Ask your dog walker if this may be a service they will provide.

Please find below a list of questions that you may like to ask your local dog walker before you use their service.

Can you tell us a little about your service?

What do you think are the major benefits of your dog walking service to the dog and its owner?

Can you tell us a few stories about some of the dogs you have looked after? For example has a dog become more socialised after spending time with other dogs?

What days and hours are you available?

How much notice do you need in order for you to schedule your request for dog walking?

What type of dog owner’s use your service?

How many dogs do you walk at a time?

How long do you walk each dog?

What routes do your like to use?

Do you require your dogs to be vaccinated?

What happens if one of the dogs finds it difficult to walk in a pack?

Do you offer a one to one service?

Do you offer a pet taxi service?

We asked our local dog walker Joanne, the same set of questions and here are her answers.

Can you tell us a little about your service?
I live in Sutton with my partner, 2 children, 2 jack Russell Heidi and Miss Molly and 2 guinea pigs. We spend all of our spare time out side, either walking the dogs or playing. I offer a professional service tailored to each individual dog whether its 30 minutes in the park or a nice long walk with a friend or on their own.

What do you think are the major benefits of your dog walking service to the dog and its owner?
I like to give a personal quality service to both dog and owner, by giving the owner piece of mind that their dog is happy and enjoying themselves.

Can you tell us a few stories about some of the dogs you have looked after? For example has a dog become more socialised after spending time with other dogs?
Poppy was scared of traffic and would just lie down but after a few walks with Miss Molly she got the idea that it was all OK and now walks very well on the lead.
Ronnie does not like to get his paws wet or muddy and will do anything to do this but will happily go swimming!

What days and hours are you available?
I am open Monday to Saturday 7.30am to 7.30 pm, (Sundays on special requests)

How much notice do you need in order for you to schedule your request for dog walking?
I like to meet a dog owner and dog first but after that I can normally fit people in the day before, as I try to be flexible and accommodating.

How many dogs do you walk at a time?
My ideal number is 2 but 3 or 4 depending on temperament and owners requests.

What routes do you like to use?
It varies with the dogs requirements but I love cowling pinnacle. It’s fantastic for letting the dogs run and play. The dogs also like to cool off in the river Aire.

What happens if one of the dogs finds it difficult to walk in a pack?
If a dogs finds it hard to walk with others this is not a problem I will walk them on their own or try them with a different dog.

Do you offer a one to one service?
Yes I do offer a one to one service.