We all love our dogs, but let’s face it, there are times in life when we are just too busy to get them the
regular exercise they need. Whether it is work, travel, family commitments or other schedule busters,
poor Fido suffers when regular exercise isn’t a part of his routine.
So what is a well-meaning pet-lover to do? Well, thankfully, a trend we are seeing is an influx of dog-
walking services. Whether you use the newest apps or online services, or ask neighbor kids,
family members, or friends – hiring the right dog walker is an important decision for a pet parent.
What to Look at When Hiring a Dog Walker
So, what are some of the things to consider when hiring a dog walker?
- Your Dog’s Age: If your dog is young, they are more likely to be pretty energetic and need a walker who can help offset some of that pep. They may require a longer period of time and distance to wear them out, so the walker should be comfortable with that kind of expectation. If your dog is older, however, they may need to take shorter walks because they tire more easily. They may also need more consideration, as they may simply like slowing down and taking in the environment, whether sniffing and exploring.
- Your Dog’s Personality: Is your pet good with other dogs, or do they prefer to be on their own? These characteristics are important because dog walkers may walk multiple dogs at a time, or take advantage of the many dog parks that are in neighborhoods. If your dog is well socialized, these options may work well for them. If your dog doesn’t do well around other dogs or is scared or shy, you may need to consider a walker who will focus all their effort on just your dog. Your pet will love to keep the
interaction between just them. - Decide on a Service: If you decide to hire a dog-walking service, you will need to take enough time to interview the potential dog walker so you get a thorough understanding of their commitment, and how they will approach the assignment. You’ll need to communicate your dog’s habits and needs very clearly. Giving them a good understanding of how your dog behaves will help both of you. Once you have a candidate that seems right, you will want to introduce them to your dog.
- Arrange an Introduction: You can meet the candidate at a dog park, or have them come to your house and walk the dog together. You’ll get a pretty good sense of how your dog will respond pretty quickly. You can even request a test run to see how your dog responds before you actually hire them for the service. This way, your comfort level will be higher, as well as theirs.
- Decide on a Rate: If you decide to hire a friend or neighbor, deciding how much to pay them is another consideration for you. You can usually get a good sense of the going rate for a dog walker through a quick Google search. You can also go straight into the various dog walking service apps and look up prices in your area. This gives you a good sense of how to budget for the service. You should also factor in a consideration for tipping the dog walker, especially if they work for a service and you know they are not receiving all the rate you are paying.
While ideally, as a dog owner, we want to spend as much time as possible with our dogs, it just isn’t always possible. With good research and adequate interviewing, you can find a great match to walk your dog and give you peace of mind. For more advice on dog behavior, obedience training and play care – give Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training a call.
