How to Choose a Dog Walker that's Right for Your Dog
Katie Brandt
If you are like most working Americans you are low on time and high on tasks. You might put in long hours at the office. This shortens the amount of time you spend engaging in dog walking with your best canine friend every day. Different dog breeds have different daily exercise requirements, so your pooch might need extensive dog walking or run in the middle of the day.
How can you take your dog walking and be at work at the same time? You can hire a dog walker to be your dog walking replacement while you are at work. Often times a dog walker is more then just a necessity because many dogs that have limited dog walking time become irritable. Dogs need to have daily exercise and human connection through dog walking.
Your dog may even act out by chewing up your couch and favorite pair of heels when you are gone. In some instances, a dog in need of consistent dog walking will show aggression. This lack of exercise has let excess energy build up.
Dog walking during the day is also necessary for many dogs because they simply can't go a long duration without going the bathroom. You may be at work for 12 hours and this can be too long for dogs to go without relieving themselves and/or having a snack. Therefore, daily dog walking can be a great benefit to many dogs.
We have established that daily dog walking by a dog walker is great idea. The question now is how do you choose a dog walker? There are many things to consider when you choose a dog walker. Your dog is a member of your family so you need to go through many of the same considerations that you would when hiring a babysitter for your children.
When hiring a babysitter for your children you normally look to family and friends for references. Do the same when you are looking for a dog walker. You can seek out references from friends that have dog walkers, your veterinarian, and dog groomer. They may know of individual dog walkers or dog walking services.
Take time to interview your dog walker. Do they have dog walking experience? Can you speak with any of their clients? Do they have a business license? Find this information and investigate it thoroughly. The last thing you want to do is leave your dog in the hands of someone that is unprofessional or may harm your dog.
Feeling comfortable with a dog walker's references is also necessary because you will need to give them a key to your home so they can pick up your pooch. They will enter your home for daily dog walking, so you must trust them like you would trust a babysitter.
You need to assess the services your dog walker has to offer. Will they provide special assistance to your dog especially if it is an older dog that may be blind or has arthritis? What types of care services will your dog walker provide in addition to dog walking? For example, will they also provide water and feed your dog? Will they then cleanup any dog waste? You need to understand the scope of services your dog walker is willing to provide.
There are few factors to think about with regards to the actual dog walking. Will the dog walker walk your dog solo or with a group of dogs? A group of dogs may satisfy your needs, but this limits the amount of personal attention your dog can receive. You might have to pay more for a solo walk, but it could be worth the additional cost to keep your pooch happy.
You also need to determine what time your dog walker will come each time, how many times per week, and the length of the dog walk. It is a good idea to find a dog walker that can work around your schedule. They may be a great dog walker, but if they are too busy then they may not be able to meet your needs.
Don't forget to bring your dog into the picture during the interview process. The dog walker needs to meet your dog. Observe how the dog walker interacts with your dog. Are they friendly? Does you dog appear to warm up to them immediately? If you have an opportunity, try to watch your dog walker interact with other dogs. Are they curt with dogs they aren't walking?
Once you do hire a dog walker, you need to monitor their performance during the first few weeks to determine whether they are the right dog walker for your pooch. How can you do this if you are at work? It's as easy as enlisting the help of your neighbor or anyone that will be in your neighborhood during the day. Have them observe the time of day your dog walker arrives and how they treat your dog during dog walking.
Don't forget to provide your dog walker with emergency contact information. Also inform them of any special needs your dog may have. Finding the right dog walker can keep both you and your pooch happy.
About the author: Katie, a lifelong dog lover, owns http://www.dog-breeds-infosite.com which is the ultimate dog lover's resource. Research dog breeds & get free tips on dog training, dog supplies, dog health, dog school, dog grooming, dog laws, dog products & how to find dog sitters & dog walkers.
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