Choosing A Dog Walker

Hiring a dog walker should be considered an important decision worthy of time and thought. After all, this person will be spending a great portion of time with your ever-developing puppy or dog. Feeling comfortable with your walker to enter your home and to handle your most prized pup is essential.

1. Allow Time & Do Your Homework! - There are plenty of dog walking services out there. Don’t just hire the first one you reach. Give yourself time to make this hire. Searching the internet on a Sunday in order to start walks on Monday is not fair to you or the dog. Take the time to make the right choice. A reputable person/organization will also need time to meet with you and your dog, process your paperwork, and fit you into the busy schedule!

2. Professionalism/Commitment - Is this person or company committed to servicing the needs of both you and your dog? Is the company bonded/insured? Can they provide references? Consistency is very important & will take a lot of pressure off of you knowing your dog will be cared for in your absence.  Make sure that this is not just a money making job. Your walker should be committed to the daily responsibility of providing the quality care & walking that your dog deserves.

3. Handling Skills/Methods – What are this person dog handling methods? Ask “what if,” questions. For example, ask him or her, “How will you react if my dog jumps up on you when you come into my home, or on a neighbor in the street?” “How will you reac tif my puppy has an accident in the house?”  The answer will give you an idea of his or her handling methods, and how they would respond in specific situations.  Make sure you are comfortable with the answer given. If it seems harsh or completely out of line with your reaction, it may not be the best fit. Also, please be aware – dog training and dog walking are very different. Walkers are not usually educated in dog training and you should seek advice from a professional trainer when addressing any undesired habits or behaviors.

4. Routine/Consistency -  Make sure that the walker is willing to and able to adhere to YOUR routine with YOUR dog. While the walker will be spending a lot of time with your pet, it is you that lives with the dog and will be responsible for his/her behavior. If your dog walker allows pulling on leash, barking at other dogs, jumping up on other people – you are essentially paying them to inappropriately train the dog! This only leads to more confusion, frustration and prolonged training for you and your dog.  Be sure to use the same training vocabulary (“down” for no jumping, and “down,” for lay down can be very confusing for your pup!). Be clear about what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior. Let them know how you react and address specific behaviors. Consistency is the key to developing a well-mannered dog. Everyone in his or her life should take care to provide a consistent message.  This is YOUR dog and YOU should set the rules!

5. Communication – Contact information is important. A walker should know how/where you can be reached. Where the vet office is and your preference for an emergency contact. It’s cause for concern if a walker does not ask for this information.  Where would the walker take your dog if something ever happened? Daily communication is also key and often the only way to stay informed about your dog’s walking/potty schedule. Ask the walker if they leave a daily note about your dog’s walk? If not, communication may not be a top priority for this walker.