Dogs need daily exercise and stimulation to keep them fit, healthy and happy, but sometimes a change is schedule or circumstance means you just don’t have the time. If you are short on time, you might consider using a professional dog walking service.
There are so many dog walking services out there, it can be hard to know who to go with. To help you narrow down your search, we have put together 5 things you should consider when looking for a dog walker to ensure your dog is in safe hands.
Credentials
All professionals dog walkers should be fully qualified, DBS checked and fully insured. These three key credentials will ensure your dog is in safe hands when out on walks. Qualified dog walkers will have knowledge of dog behaviours, handling and will be first aid trained too.
Trustworthy and Reliable
For many of us, our dogs aren’t just pets, they are part of the family which is why it’s important for you to find a trustworthy and reliable dog walker. A good way to find out how reliable and trustworthy they really are is by looking at reviews and testimonials on their website, social media pages and third-party review sites. Customers reviews will help paint a picture of the type of person they are, and the type of service they provide.
Transport Facilities
Most dog walkers will pick your dog up and drive them to the best dog walking route in the area. To ensure the safety of your dog, a good dog walker will have the correct transport facilities. Dogs should be transported in vehicles that are regular cleaned, have good ventilation and temperature control. Dogs must also be secured during transport by either the correct size harness or placed in a crate or container.
Relationship Between Them and Your Dog
As you will know, dogs have their own personalities, likes and dislikes, so it’s important your chosen dog walker is the right fit. If your dog walker doesn’t have a good relationship with the dog they are walking, it can be harder for them to control that dog and tune into the dog’s needs. A good dog walker should arrange an initial meeting before any walks take place, giving both them and your dog the chance to get to know each other.
Walking Policies
Always ask a dog walker what their group walks and off lead policies are.
Group works should have a limited number of dogs per walk and all dogs should be compatible. Group walks should have no more than 3-4 dogs per walk depending on the size and breed. A good walker will also make sure all dogs have compatible personalities to ensure control, safety and harmony is always maintained .
Off lead walks are great as it gives your dog the chance to explore their surroundings even better. A good dog walker should always discuss off and on lead preferences with the owner first and even then, they should never let a dog off the lead unless they are confident in the dogs recall skills.
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If you're in need of dog walking, dog sitting or dog taxi services please get in touch. We'd be happy to chat about your specific requirements. You can call Puppy PT on 07896 963871 or email us at puppypt@hotmail.com
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