Dog Friendly Spots & Dog Walks in Canterbury, Harry Potter Tries His Hand At Dog Walking. Click here to find out how Tailster can put you in contact with hundreds of pet carers in your local area, meaning that you can rest in the knowledge that your pets are being well looked after. It might be that you have recently injured yourself, are elderly, or are otherwise unable to walk your dog yourself. Usually, pet owners like to have a long term dog walker as it can take some time for their dog to feel completely comfortable with that person. They should be able to sympathise with your dog’s needs as well as yours. So how can you find the perfect person? Buying a puppy - The most important questions to ask the breeder, The top ten most popular registered dog breeds in the UK, Dog Pregnancy - A Week by Week Pregnancy Calendar, Five FAQ about buying a puppy during lockdown 2, Ten things you need to know about the Cavapoo dog – before you buy one, Cockapoo F1, F1b, F2 Generations Explained, **1 year old blue and tan dachshund Bitch **, German Shepherd long/ medium haired puppies. Many dogs are shy or wary when introduced to a new person, so you shouldn’t necessarily expect immediate chemistry. So what should you look for when choosing a Dog Walker? It’s free and it only takes 30 seconds – let’s see who we can find for you. Firstly and most importantly, choose a pet sitter or dog walker who holds the necessary insurance for the job. A good dog walker is always on time (apart from exceptional circumstances), responds to messages promptly and provides you with daily updates during the walk. Having read the above, you are now in a great place to ask the right questions and make sure you find the right dog walker. How well do they understand your dog’s specific needs? Having insurance in place might set a dog walker above others that might not. Therefore, you want to be sure that the person you hire has flexibility and can cover walks at short notice if necessary. If your dog has issues with your dog walker of choice, chances are you’ll need to search for another candidate. They like to explore the world and they need regular exercise. Not being a dog care professional shouldn’t be a deal breaker. However, you should look for a walker who acts calm and assertive towards your dog and pays attention to body language and behavior. Remember, this person will be coming into your home and holding the duty of care for your animals either in your house or out walking- You'll want to make sure that they are covered if something unfortunate should happen, such as your dog becoming injured on a walk or causing damage or injury themselves. Using Tailster means that you can receive multiple quotes from local dog walkers. Recommendations from other pet owners can be another source of information, so ask around. You want someone who will take a genuine interest in your dog’s welfare. Having a dedicated walker by your side who is willing to learn the ins and outs of your dog’s routine and preferences goes a long way towards ensuring a great experience both for you and your pet. dog walkers take photos from their adventures and are excited to share them with you. More importantly, it is not the job of a dog walker to discipline or punish someone else's dog. This is because a pet owners schedule might change from week to week. Instead, viewings should be carried out virtually and we encourage everyone to use our deposit service. 6. Nevertheless, you would want someone who is familiar with your dog’s breed and able to respond to their needs. You wouldn’t want to hire a dog walker that turned up late to your first, Pet owners will be aware that you can never predict what might happen when looking after a pet, as unfortunately, accidents do happen. Lots of veterinary nurses and student veterinary nurses often provide a pet sitting or walking service as a sideline, and of course the kind of training and experience they receive in practice makes them a perfect choice to care for your dog. Dog walkers should have a postman mentality, they go not matter if it’s rain, sleet, snow or shine. Book your free meet and greet today So you’re on the hunt for a dog walker. Question them as to what they would do in an emergency, or if your animal was sick and injured while in their care. Dogs are usually taken for walks during the day whilst their owners may be engaged with work commitments Fully insured, crb checked, qualified with over 16 years experience. How much should you pay for a Cockapoo puppy? Do they have a clear idea of how they would manage this, and can they satisfy you that they would be able to deal with it effectively and in the way that you would want? Once you have a potential dog walker that you’d like to learn … The perfect candidate would also be intuitive. If like most of us, your dog is a part of the family, then you'll want to be sure you find the very best person for the job; someone who is confident, competent, knowledgeable about animals, and who will care for your pet as much as you do. Look for a walking boot with some sort of reinforced protection around the toe and the heel – there will be a time when you’ll be glad you did…! Do they have contingencies in place, and are you happy with them? Avoid any contact with them or anyone in their household and don’t go in their house if you can avoid it. Tailster strongly advises organising them prior to booking with the carer. A great professional will know each and every dog park in the area, and will be able to travel across your neighbourhood safely. Dog walkers can be available when and where you need them, giving your dog the stimulation he wants and needs. The most important thing is to find someone with good communication. Nevertheless, in our busy schedules we often find ourselves too busy to take our pets even for a short walk, and that’s exactly why dog walking services exist. Yet, finding a good dog walker is no easy task. Maybe it’s time to find a good dog walker? At the moment the profession is unregulated so anyone can set himself or herself up as a dog walker. Where might they be allowed off the lead, and is it secure? Consider if your dog will require one- to- one walks, or would be happy in a pack. With this in mind, compassion is a very good quality to find in a dog walker! Organizing is all about keeping things in proper order for the comfort of the pet and … 8. Finding someone who is responsible and dedicated to their work is the right way to go. You wouldn’t want to hire a dog walker that turned up late to your first meet and greet, as this might give off the impression that they are unreliable. All job roles require a certain degree of professionalism, and … Click here to find out how Tailster can put you in contact with hundreds of pet carers in your local area, meaning that you can rest in the knowledge that your pets are being well looked after. Here are our tips on what to look for in a dog walker: Make sure they have training in body language or dog behaviour. Pet sitters and dog walkers provide a range of services such as walking your dog while you're out at work and unable to do so yourself, feeding and watering, performing welfare checks, and providing companionship for your animals when you are not around. If at all possible, try and have a 'dry run' while you are able to be nearby, to make sure that your chosen carer comes when they say they will, does what they say they will and that everything goes off without a hitch and is a positive experience for your dog. Always ask your potential pet sitter or walker to provide references from their other clients, and follow up on them. All job roles require a certain degree of professionalism, and dog walkers are no exception. Work, family and social commitments mean that there often aren’t enough hours in the day to give our pets the attention that they deserve. If a dog gets lost the walker must inform the dog warden and the owner of the dog immediately Walkers must ensure dogs are never left unattended in public places All of the above will form a nice question base for your chosen professional; you should arrange to meet with them prior to any bookings and at this time you can ask for relevant documentation and information. Do they have a professional attitude? Pet owners will be aware that you can never predict what might happen when looking after a pet, as unfortunately, accidents do happen. Certain breeds are prone to specific medical conditions, so its important for your walker to be aware of this and be able to spot symptoms should something arise. 21 February 2019 | Dog Walking. Establish what happens if your dog is brought home wet, muddy or having rolled in something unspeakably nasty. helping owners to exercise their pets. Passionate A passionate dog walker will never cut a dog walk short unless it’s an emergency. We are relaxing our rules that buyers must always visit the advertiser’s home. Meet with several potential candidates, to see how they interact with your pet and how your pet feels about them. If you need any help finding a good dog walker for your pet, make a request below. Are they your dog’s favourite person (apart from you… ahem)? What to look for in a dog walker in Maidstone. Have something to say? What to look for in a dog-walker. © Copyright - Pets4Homes.co.uk (2005 - 2021) - Pet Media Ltd, Five important things you should tell your new dog walker, Five things to avoid doing if you want to keep your dog walker, Dandy-Walker-Like malformation in the Eurasier dog breed, Ways to Exercise a Dog When You are Out of Action, Dog walking and helping someone who is self-isolating: How to avoid contact whilst meeting the dog’s, Top Tips for Dogs That Live in Apartments, Become a Professional Dog Walker - Tips and Tricks. When interviewing a few dog walkers to find the best fit, remember that a competent and experienced person will want to ask you as many questions as you put to them. Having flexibility is essential for a profession like dog walking. A walker’s job is to keep the dogs in his or her care safe and show them a good time. Yay! Quite often professional dog walkers will have their own pet care insurance and dog walkers who are just starting out might not. Finally, in the initial stages of trialling a new dog walker, it will give you added peace of mind if you are confident that they are doing what is expected of them and caring for your dog in the way that you would want. Meet and greets are a great way of seeing how a walker and your dog get along. How dedicated to being a good dog walker do they seem? Do they seem compassionate in case of a crisis? Professional pet sitters and those who take the duty of care of your dog seriously will probably ask you to sign an agreement contract, covering both what they will and won't do, and what they expect from you in return. Tell us what features and improvements you would like to see on Pets4Homes. This means keeping vigilant focus. But hey, dog walking is a growing industry, so you’ll always have another option with Tailster! Are They The Right Dog Walker? You don’t need a dog whisperer, yet having someone that is able to understand what’s going on with your pet is the right way to go. With more people working further afield, commuting longer distances, and working longer hours, there is an increasing demand for this kind of service and you’ll be able to find a walker … When you’re out walking it’s really important to keep their dog on a lead. You'll want to make sure that your dog walker will dry your dog off and clean them up to a reasonable standard before leaving them in your home. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Find out where your walker intends to take you dog- Is it safe, stimulating and appropriate? A good dog walker should have a genuine interest in looking after dogs. Dogs are active and social. Enlist the help of a dog-walking service! Ask them how they will safeguard your animals, keys and home and what protocols they have in place to ensure your security. Quite often professional dog walkers will have their own pet care insurance and dog walkers who are just starting out might not. When walking your dog in areas used by other people, you should consider putting your dog on a lead to ensure you can stay 2 metres away from others. Most people think dog walking requires no skill and anyone can do it – oh contraire – that’s what everyone assumes. A pet sitter who is overloaded with pet care gigs isn’t going to be able to … There are many things to consider when hiring a dog walker such as their experience, services offered, training, references, insurance and bonding and their service area. So. Even the way the boots are laced can have a … Dog walkers are likely to be dog enthusiasts will understand that your pet’s safety and happiness is your top priority. Look out for opportunities to speak at meetings – as a dog walker you’ll be bound to have lots of amusing doggy tales to tell. If your walker takes out multiple dogs at the same time, ask them how many, and ensure that you are comfortable with that number and confident in the dog walker's ability to manage and care for them all. All job roles require a certain degree of professionalism, and dog walkers are no exception. Booking a dog walker through. The addition of some cute pictures will add a bit of extra interest too... you have to be prepared to give your time freely here but try to look upon it as free advertising. Help us by answering a short survey. What to Look for in a Dog Walker It might be that you are looking to take a vacation, can’t take your dog with you, and simply don’t want to leave them at any old kennel. Hiring the best dog walker for your furry friend can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for dog owners looking into dog walking services for the first time. Passionate . 5 common mistakes when introducing reptiles to dogs – and how to avoid them! Hitting a dog across … Before hiring a walker, you should introduce them to your dog and see how they get along. You don’t want your dog walker to check their phone at every turn, as this might mean they take attention off your dog. A competent dog walker should be able to answer all of these and have protocols in place to talk you through. They should be interested in your dog and in finding out what is important to you, and address any specific concerns you might have. There are so many companies offering dog walking these days, its hard to know what to look for – especially when your out at work all day, unable to walk your dog yourself or have commitments that require you being away from your home for a length of time. You … Experience; You learn a good deal in the first few years, so you may want to look for someone who has been professionally dog walking for a while. A dog walker often offers a variety of different services, such as: Private – this involves an on or off-lead walk for a single dog, who cannot be walked as part of a pack Group – this involves a walk for a group of dogs, usually on the lead Outing – this involves an off-lead run and play, usually in a more rural setting with a group of dogs A reasonable schedule. Make sure that they are familiar with your local area. Here are some key points to help you find a good one. That’s why we’ve gathered these 10 things to look out for in a dog walker to choose the perfect candidate for your four legged friend. 9. You want someone who is able to be by their phone at almost all times in case you need a last-minute walk, schedule change, emergency, etc. Firstly and most importantly, choose a pet sitter or dog walker who holds the necessary insurance for the job. Keep them on the lead. However, there's no getting away from the fact that holidays or work, as well as the unexpected curve balls life throws from time to time, mean that many people need to consider a little extra help with caring for their dog now and then. Booking through Tailster allows pet owners to set up flexible requests to find carers in their area who are willing to work with a changing schedule. As a dog walker you are there to provide responsible care and report anything that may need working on or training with directly to the parents of that dog. This means you can decide who you’d like to contact and decide who is truly the best fit. That’s why it’s always wise to be on the lookout for the skills mentioned while hiring a dog walker. Ask what they would do in the case of an unforeseen situation if they were ever unable to make it over to walk or care for your pet when they have agreed to. Is it love at first sight for your dog? 10. Using the Tailster App allows you to see exactly where your dog has been on their walk across town with the tracked walks feature – the tracked walks are date and time stamped and provide the distance. We all love our pets and want to spend as much time with them as possible. One of the best places to start looking for a dog walker is at your local veterinary surgery. Once you've found a few potential animal lovers offering their services, there are several things you will want to consider to ensure the best fit for your own dog. Make every effort to avoid last minute cancellations and try to book as far in advance as... Know when their birthday is and give them a card and token of gratitude … Find out a little about their background, and what relevant experience they have with dogs. Then leave your comments. Having insurance in place might set a dog walker above others that might not. Look for someone who is able to read and understand your dog and its needs. And it’s a growing field — simply search for “dog walkers near me” online and you’re bound to find dozens of them, right in your hometown. Organizational. This might seem like an obvious tip, but it’s one of the most important starting points! Websites such as Petslocally.co.uk and other local advertisement boards, pet specific online classifieds forums, and telephone directories all list pet sitters and dog walkers too. Do you like this article? Then, if you do need that last minute favour you’ll have someone who understands. Check with them if they make sure that any dogs which they bring into contact with your own are vaccinated and up to date with their flea and worming regime- The last thing you want is for your dog to bring home something nasty as a result of the arrangement! Walking ‘a’ dog or owning your own dog is good but it isn’t enough to be able to safely walk dogs, as a professional business. You can usually tell by simply watching the interaction between the walker and your own dog. Booking a dog walker through Tailster covers you regardless, so individual insurance is not a necessity. For instance having a name and address attached to your key fob is not a good idea for the owner, so make sure that the sitter or walker isn't doing this either! Also, veterinary practices often keep a list or database of pet sitters and walkers in the local area, and a recommendation from your animal's own vet is always a plus point! CAUTION: Please make sure you are following the restrictions in your local area. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If you’re walking the dog of someone who is classed as vulnerable it’s even more important to make sure you: Stick to the two metres. If that friend is also a dog walker, going out together combines two sets of dogs, making the pack too large for maximum safety. Teaming up with a friend can be fun, but it inevitably reduces attention. Remember, this person will be coming into your home and holding the duty of care for your animals either in your house or out walking- You'll want to make sure that they are covered if something unfortunate should happen, such as your dog becoming injured on a walk or causing … It's worth it for the peace of mind you'll have in future when you're not there to step in, and are reliant on your dog walker for your best friend's care in your absence. Last but not least, your dog should be the decision maker. Here are some things you can do to help your dog walker feel appreciated: Respect their schedule. Also, a rubber band running around the boot’s outer edge acts like a bumper giving more protection. Seem like an obvious tip, but it inevitably reduces attention available when and where you need,... Or if your dog ’ s rain, sleet, snow or shine acts like a giving. With over 16 years experience ahem ) or having rolled in something unspeakably nasty candidates, to on... 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Have another option with Tailster request below walker in Maidstone experience on our website are some key to! He wants and needs any contact with them as to what they would do in emergency! Not a necessity necessarily expect immediate chemistry, finding a good dog walker of,! Familiar with your dog has issues with your dog yourself February 2019 | dog walking requires no and! Own dog when you ’ re on the lookout for the comfort of the best on. Have contingencies in place might set a dog walker sick and injured while in their household and ’... ’ t go in their household and don ’ t necessarily expect immediate chemistry s welfare otherwise unable to your., but it inevitably reduces attention 30 seconds – let ’ s one the.
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