Daily exercise is necessary for your dog to stay mentally and physically healthy, but your schedule might not allow you to hit the road with your canine companion regularly. If this is the case, you may need to hire a dog walker.
This isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly – for the safety and health of your dog, the expertise and experience of the individual walking your dog matters. Anybody can present themselves as dog walkers, but that doesn’t mean they have the relevant or ideal experience or set up to keep your dog happy and safe.
Here are a couple of things to look out for in a dog walker
1.Experienced
An experienced professional would know how to do three things three major things: the energy each breed needs, how to deal with a sluggish dog and all-natural treats to bring along – to make the dog walk fun. Ask other people who use them, get a feel for how good they are at running their business, and use online reviews if necessary.
2.Dependable
The dog walker you choose needs to be dependable and willing to go the extra mile to ensure that your dog has in an enjoyable but safe walk. They need to have a reputation for giving quality service consistently. If they mess you around with meeting times or are consistently late, it might not be the best idea to use them regularly.
3.Thorough
The dog walker you hire should be meticulous about carrying out their duties. So, you can rest easy knowing that the notes you leave regarding your dogs’ preferences, triggers and health issues will be taken into account before you walk is embarked upon. Even looking into their business and any social media they might use for their business will give you an indicator of their professionalism.
4.Passionate
The best dog walker for your dog is one who is passionate about dog walking and cares about dogs. You can readily tell- they consider dog walking an adventure and would typically take pictures to share with their client’s owners. They would also take time to learn as much as possible about their clients, for example, favourite treats or birthdays. Unfortunately, so many are cruel and mean to dogs. You need to make sure that you are leaving your four-legged friend with someone who can be trusted in the long-term.
5.Accountable
Because the well-being and health of your dog are in the hands of this individual, the dog walker you choose needs to be accountable. Professional dog walkers can be counted on to show up at the stipulated time and bring back your dog safe and sound. Mistakes happen, and having the right insurance will protect a professional dog walker. If they own up to mistakes and assure you they won’t happen again, you can build up trust with them.
It is hard to leave your dog with an anonymous dog walker, especially the first couple of times. With these checks, you can rest assured, knowing that your dog is in good hands.
