Dog walker

Fleago

Hello Desperate Lou,

I would look for someone who had a good rapport with dogs and was knowledgeable about dog behaviour. I'd also want them to be police checked and have insurance. The actual walks I would expect to be done in a safe environment and I would look for a dog walker who was willing to provide off lead exercise. I would also want to know about the number of dogs they took per walk.

Also, if they used a vehicle to take the dogs to the walking area, I would expect it to be properly kitted out with appropriate dog guards or cages etc. Actual registration wouldn't bother me, if I was convinced that they knew what they were doing and were going about their business in a professional and safe way. I would expect them to be interviewing me as much as I was interviewing them at first meeting and would also expect that there would be a trial walk that I went on to make sure that all was well.

Does all that make me sound like the customer from hell? Good luck with your new venture.

Fleago

WeirdoMagnet

Hello again,

I've just spotted this thread:Dog Walkers Tips To Get Started on DogPages. It might be more than you need as most there are doing it as a business, but may give you some more ideas/thoughts.

Georgie

desperate_lou

Fleago wrote: »

Hello Desperate Lou,

I would look for someone who had a good rapport with dogs and was knowledgeable about dog behaviour. I'd also want them to be police checked and have insurance. The actual walks I would expect to be done in a safe environment and I would look for a dog walker who was willing to provide off lead exercise. I would also want to know about the number of dogs they took per walk.

Also, if they used a vehicle to take the dogs to the walking area, I would expect it to be properly kitted out with appropriate dog guards or cages etc. Actual registration wouldn't bother me, if I was convinced that they knew what they were doing and were going about their business in a professional and safe way. I would expect them to be interviewing me as much as I was interviewing them at first meeting and would also expect that there would be a trial walk that I went on to make sure that all was well.

Does all that make me sound like the customer from hell? Good luck with your new venture.

Fleago

Ha ha:rotfl: that made me laugh, thank for that i am only looking at mo to do two dogs a day and see how it goes. I agree with you about getting to know the dog first as i realise how they are all so different in their likes and dislikes, fears etc, this is why i havent gone into advertising yet, just thought i would put some feelers out to you guys first.

lou

desperate_lou

Georgina wrote: »

Hello again,

I've just spotted this thread:Dog Walkers Tips To Get Started on DogPages. It might be more than you need as most there are doing it as a business, but may give you some more ideas/thoughts.

Georgie

Thanks for that i shall have a look through now.

lou:D

chelsea21

desperate_lou wrote: »

:rolleyes: Hi all,

Im just after a bit of advise really, am thinking of advertising my services as a dog walker, I have a two year old border collie and presently walk two yorkshire terriers for a local lady for £3 a day (wow) what i want to know as im not registered as a dog walker and its obviously isnt a business, would you be willing for someone to walk your dog whilst your at work, and how much would you think is an acceptable amount to charge:rolleyes:

I was thinking of advertising in shop window and maybe pet shop, i can get a reference from the lady whose dogs i walk.

Any advise really would be appreciated.

lou:D

Hi i own a pet service business i would firstly advise you to get insured it really important but i am registered with the pet care trust but most walkers/animal cares are not registered anyway . is a good idea to advertise in your local shops,pet shops and vets . i wish you good luck and i hope i have helped a little

suki1964

kickstart wrote: »

I think people with 'pedigree' dogs might not be so keen on the idea , dont get me wrong all dogs are priceless to their owners, but pedigrees have been known to be stolen and sold on , i would want to know the person i entrusted my dog with and wouldnt use a notice in a shop ..sorry!

Three pedigrees here so far and used dog walkers with them all. I cant see what the problem, a dog walker who is advertising, who is giving you their home address and telephone number, and hopefully a reference or two is hardly going to be pinching your dog

UKTigerlily

As everyone who reads here knows (I've bored them enough) i'm wanting a CKCS or a CKCS x, but if my landlords say NO i'll be looking at dog walking as I really want to be around dogs & get fit also & hate walking unless with a dog!

suki1964

UKTigerlily wrote: »

As everyone who reads here knows (I've bored them enough) i'm wanting a CKCS or a CKCS x, but if my landlords say NO i'll be looking at dog walking as I really want to be around dogs & get fit also & hate walking unless with a dog!

Have you thought about volunteering at a rescue? They are often crying out for walkers

UKTigerlily

suki1964 wrote: »

Have you thought about volunteering at a rescue? They are often crying out for walkers

I did actually sort out going to the RSPCA but then I got too ill, it's quite a long way (1hr+ travel) & I'm not allowed to drive, so I'd like to see about in the village i live in so I can keep at it without all the travelling. I will definitely be looking into it again when i'm stable tho & can cope with travel

frankie55

I use a dog walker/boarder regularly, she has a wonderful way with dogs and automaticaly trains them to walk to heel/interact with other dogs/how to play and be doggily polite. I wouldn't use anyone who does'nt have public liability ins for the dogs she walks, you never know when a dog could be spooked, who didn't insist that the dogs are up to date with injections etc and are insured in case of accidents . She is also police checked as she will go and feed birds, cats, small animals etc when owners are on holiday. She walks some dogs on their own, depending on their temperment, eg an Akita, or their size, but usually has three to four dogs at a time, often from the same family.
She started her business in March and has had to buy a dogmobile to get around a largeish area which she is getting fitted with proper cages this week, and is now pretty much booked for every day and is now taking bookings for boarding for next year. She only takes a max of two dogs for boarding, unless they are from the same family, as she has her own dog and the dogs are kept in the house and treat as her own for their stay. All dogs have to be interviewed and the prices for walking are variable depending on the type off dog and if others can be walked with it. She loves it, even when wet!, and her OH is facing redundancy and is considering coming into the business an d taking on more jobs.
I say good luck to you, work out your expenses....you will need at least two changes of wet weather gear and sturdy walking shoes and wellies, lots and lots of poop bags, she now has a sophisticated pooper scooper, and you need to consider just what areas you can take dogs from. Lots of notices in pet shop notice boards and an initial leaflet drop, but now business is coming from word of mouth

Kind Regards
Frankie