By Will Scot
Most People will agree that dogs, regardless if you have a small pup like a Bordoodle puppy or a bigger breed like a German Shepherd, they certainly bring us joy and as a dog owner, you want the best for your pet. However, with the busy schedules of most adults these days, sometimes you won’t be around to take care of your pet. Whether it’s for work or family responsibilities, fur-parents often find themselves away from their dogs. But that doesn’t take away your dog’s needs – including their need to get out to go potty or exercise.
Not everyone is lucky enough to have friends or family members who can take care of their dog. Finding the perfect dog walker who can provide your pup with quality care, safety, and companionship if you simply can’t be home during the day. But how do you know who to trust? Here are some tips to help you find a great dog walker.
Finding a Good Dog Walker
Research and References
Start by doing some research online. Look up local dog walking services and read reviews to get an idea of which ones have good reputations. Ask friends or family if they’ve ever used a particular company or individual and what their experience was like. This will give you insight into the quality of service they provide and if it’s the right fit for your dog.
Meet in Person
Once you’ve identified a few potential dog walkers, meet them in person before making any commitments. This gives you an opportunity to get to know them and make sure that your dog is comfortable around them. Ask questions about their background, experience, and puppy training methods certifications if they have any. It’s also important that they are knowledgeable about pet first aid in case of emergencies or injuries during walks. If possible, bring your dog along so that they can meet the potential walker and see how they interact together before making any decisions.
Check Their Credentials
Make sure to check each candidate’s credentials before deciding on one. Most professional dog walkers should have valid insurance and/or bonding in case anything goes wrong during a walk (e.g., property damage or medical expenses). They should also be certified in canine CPR and first aid. Check which organisations in your area offer these types of certifications, and ask for proof of your dog walker’s certification.
Schedule and Rates
Finally, discuss scheduling options and rates with the prospective dog walking services or individuals before hiring them on a full-time basis. Ensure that their availability matches up with your needs so that there aren’t any scheduling conflicts where you’re suddenly left without anyone to care for your dog. Make sure that their rates are within your budget. You don’t want to overspend, but at the same time, you want someone who is going to take good care of your furry friend.
Benefits of Hiring a Dog Walker
Hiring a dog walker can provide many benefits and can help ensure that your pup gets the exercise and attention they need.
One of the primary advantages of hiring a dog walker is that they can provide your pup with regular exercise. Dogs need regular physical activity to stay healthy and fit, and having a dedicated dog walker come by once or twice a day can make sure that your pup gets the necessary exercise. This is especially beneficial for large breed dogs that require more vigorous activity than smaller breeds. Exercise not only helps keep them physically fit, but it also helps reduce stress in dogs and keeps their minds sharp as well.
Another advantage of hiring a dog walker is that it gives you peace of mind when you are away from home for extended periods of time. Knowing that someone reliable is looking after your dog while you are away will give you added confidence knowing that they are getting the care and attention they need even when you can’t be there yourself.
Having an outside person to look after your pet can also help break up their routine which can be beneficial for both mental stimulation and socialisation. Dog walkers have the ability to expose your pet to different environments and situations, which can help keep them stimulated and engaged mentally while out on walks. Additionally, most professional dog walkers tend to have multiple clients at any given time allowing them to socialise with other dogs as well.
Finally, having someone reliable look after your pet when you are away from home allows you more freedom when making plans without worrying about who will take care of your dog while you’re gone. Having a reliable person come by daily ensures that your dog gets taken care of while you’re away so you don’t have to worry about leaving them behind or finding temporary accommodations for them while gone.
