About the author: Jason Meltzer is the Co-Founder and Chief Dog Officer of Wag Labs Inc., which runs the app Wag! You’re well on your way to being a pet professional! And don’t try to sugarcoat your dog… Narrow down your search to 3 to 4 potential walkers… Ask those in your neighborhood or family friends at even the slightest mention of a vacation or being too busy to walk the dog. With a company like Barkly these are provided to you via the app before and during the walk. You will also need to be physically fit, as you will be walking for long distances while you work. Beyond that though it means planning your day so that you get to each pup on-time. Have fun! In order to become a professional dog walker, you will need to be very good with animals. My grandmother has a dog, and it needs to be walked regularly but she is getting to frail to do it herself. It’s the photo requirement to sign out. 19 December 2019. A good dog walker must be friendly, reliable, and trustworthy. This means not overbooking yourself and not making commitments you can’t fulfill. For those pet parents that just may not have the time or would prefer to find someone else to walk their dog for them, choosing a dog walker can be a strenuous effort. Ask your dog … Of course you also want to make sure that they have experience with properly taking care of dogs if they get hurt on the walk. Our application process is … During that time, she kept the house neat … How Dog Walking on Rover Works. A good dog walker must be thorough in carrying out his/her duties. Not Letting Your Dog Sniff and Explore. You mentioned that you should make sure that you should check the accountability of the dog walking service, and make sure that they always bring the dog back when it is supposed to be back. As a dog walker you’re responsible for keeping track of all this and making sure nothing is forgotten. Don’t charge $20 … If youâre thinking about becoming a professional dog walker, check out these tips below. I do feel like experience would be a pretty big thing to consider when choosing a dog walker, so it is great to see that the article agrees. If you’re excited to see a pup and get out into the fresh air then the dog will be too and owners will only trust someone who truly loves their pet to care for them. Communication — Good communication is the foundation of a good dog walker. Our dog walkers are registered veterinary technicians, shelter volunteers, foster parents, dog groomers, dog trainers and/or have their own dog walking business. Most owners will leave notes about their dog’s health issues, triggers and preferences. Must be a valid phone number. We have created an amazing community of pet caregivers and dog owners who can connect using our app for dog walking, overnight sitting & boarding, or training needs. If the walker has a website/online … Once done you can then proceed straight to Port City Brewing for a celebratory pint on your way home. Wag looks for dog walkers with experience as a pet professional. The last thing anyone wants is a dog walker … Some dogs have very specific needs, so I can see how that would be problematic if the dog walking service doesn’t have employees that follow thorough instructions. We're expanding to your area 2016 - 2021 Barkly Pets™. Traditional Classroom Environment in Los Angeles California, Click here to view Animal Behavior Collegeâs Annual Reports. discounts. With experience, our dog walkers know, among other things: 1) to bring all-natural treats, 2) how to deal with sluggish dogs and 3) how much energy each breed needs. You don’t need any formal training and qualifications to become a dog walker. All rights reserved. Dog walkers should have a postal carrierâs mentality; they show up no matter if it’s raining, sleeting, snowing or sunny. Required fields are marked *. Ex: (555) 555-5555. Dog walkers typically walk around 13 dogs per day, but the National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers (NARPS) suggest walking a maximum of 4 dogs at a time. Think about the type of dog that will best suit your lifestyle. next month! As Barkly Pets walkers know, most of this is handled by the app itself, but some still must be done the old-fashioned way, by text message (boy does that make me feel old). I agree Ann! Now you have to make sure you can keep all your customers (2-legged and 4-legged) happy. Start working for an agency. The customer should know that you are going to be there, they should know you expect to arrive, they should know when the walk starts and stops along with the details of what happens on the walk, and, last but certainly not least, they should get a picture of happy pooch to brighten their workday. Your email address will not be published. Just my two cents. Rating A+ The BBB only accredits the business management of a school, not the quality of the curriculum, or training programs. Do they have a professional attitude? In any business, you need to be competitive. A great dog walker makes sure to read—and remember—a note’s every detail before beginning a walk. We have used her service on several occasions, the last one for a period of three weeks. A good dog walker must be thorough in carrying out their duties. Having a passion for dogs might not be enough to make … Just as some dogs are more comfortable around certain types of people, certain … This may seem obvious, but it’s an important to plan out your day like this so that everyone is walked on-time and you aren’t wasting time that could be spent loving on pups! [1] X Expert Source David Levin Dog Training Coach Expert Interview. Like a Kong, we only fill our newsletter with the good stuff. There are times, almost every time, that it’s way more important to interact with the dog or dogs you’re responsible for than to endanger them by trying to take their photo. A great … Here is a tip: you can sync your scheduled walks in your calendar with Waze, which will alert you when you need to leave in order to make it to your dog walking appointment on time. I had a dog this past week where it was 95 degrees out and the owner actually asked me to cut the walk short because it was too hot. Copyright © Most dog walking bios tend to focus on personal life stories and the walker’s love of dogs. In that case I just made sure she did her business and sniffed around a bunch and then I got her back before she would start to overheat.. Not enough tome for pics or videos to send while on the walk, but as you say, the well being of the dog is so much more important. Get Insured and Bonded. For example, lets say you live just outside Old Town Alexandria and have a walk just down the block from you in Cameron Station, 2 in Old Town, and an afternoon walk in the Carlyle Mill Mill Apts. As you keep on reading, you will discover some ways to get in contact with a dog walker … Professional dog walkers always show up at the desired time and place, and are responsible for bringing dogs back safe and sound. Thanks for the blog. If something untoward were to happen it would prove costly in more ways than one because for a dog walker, a good … Your email address will not be published. 9 Dog Walking Skills To Look For When Choosing A Dog Walker. A: To be a good dog walker, you need to be responsible, trustworthy, and have excellent time-management skills. It’s ok for them to tell you they aren’t skilled enough to work with your aggressive dog. However you receive them, customers will only trust you with their pets if you fulfill all their requests and instructions on every walk. He or she will always arrive on time and provide amazing service to the family every time. All these things are essential to attract customers … If you’re interested in becoming a dog walker with Barkly Pets, you can apply here! We are always looking for talented and caring pet-lovers looking to begi. I’ll have to look online and see if there is an established service in her area, and read some reviews on it to check that it is an accountable service. A good dog walker will usually send you photos or at least keep you up to date with a note or electronic message on how your dog is getting on each week. Dog owners will leave notes for the dog walker on health issues, triggers and preferences regarding their pets. Dog Adoption in DC: Your Complete Guide to Getting Started, Returning to Work: Dog Separation Anxiety Training Tips, Prevent a Lost Pet: Keep Your Pet From Going Missing. © 2000 - 2021 Animal Behavior College. If I ever hire a dog walking service, I hope that they will follow my directions really well, cause my dog is afraid of some things and will want to run straight back home. Interested in a career outside of the animal industry?Visit our subsidiary school! Where Animal Lovers Pursue Animal Careers. Some dog walkers … We have five or six million scent receptors in our noses, but … There are a number of ways people get into dog walking. Start dog walking or pet sitting for friends and neighbors. Dog Walker Duties & Responsibilities The job generally requires the ability to perform the following duties: Provide exercise for clients' dogs (usually in half-hour or one-hour increments). Most owners will leave notes about their dogâs health issues, triggers and preferences. Accountable dog walkers use calendars with set reminders to keep track of their schedule. If you think dog walking is right for you, here are some tips to make sure you’re the best dog walker you can be. — This the easy part, to be a good dog walker you must love dogs and you must love spending time with dogs. Wag Labs recently became a sponsor of ABCâs Pet Sitting & Dog Walking short-term program. The last thing anyone wants is a dog walker who does not follow instructions to the T. If a note states that the dog must be crated after the walk and the walker misses this detail, the owner could come home to a chewed up pair of Jimmy Choos, a ripped up signed Michael Jordan jersey or a damaged Eames chair. All job roles require a certain degree of professionalism, and … To learn more about what Wag looks for in its dog walkers, check out this page: https://wagwalking.com/dog-walker. Through Rover, pet parents can find, book, and manage personalized care for their dogs, including dog walking. A good place to learn the ins and outs of the dog walking business is under someone who is already in it. Your Credentials, Not Your Story Dog walkers often have an interesting origin story to tell about how they became dog walkers. If you’re excited to see a pup and get out into the fresh air then the dog … Pick … Know Your Limits. It would be great if you didn’t have to have a photo for each walk. Getting the right dog walker is an important decision, and you must put some thought into it. Evaluate your lifestyle. Beyond walking … But on a torrential rainy night with two dogs pulling you down the road is not the time to futz with your phone. Animal Behavior College, 25104 Rye Canyon Loop, Santa Clarita CA 91355-5004. and DogWalking.com. A good dog walker must be thorough in carrying out his/her duties. They take photos of their adventures and happily share them with their clients. I do have one issue. Evaluate all … Checklist for Finding a Good Dog Walker . The following 9 dog walking … A dependable dog walker will go the extra mile to make sure every dog receives a safe and enjoyable walk. How to become a dog walker. They take the time to know as much about their four-legged clients as possible, including each dogâs birthday as well as favorite treats. Some people move away from home and miss their family pet and need to get their pup fix in somehow. Get education / certification and training. There’s room for these things (done well), but that room is not at the top of a professional About page. Passionate dog walkers take pride in what they are doing, and it shows in the dogs they walk. If you are searching for a dog walker, here’s the key requirements to look for: What training do they have? After all, you’d ideally want someone that knows how to handle several excited dogs. So don’t hide anything from them. Any reputable dog walker should have a variety of happy clients who can attest to the walker’s expertise, professionalism, and friendly personality. An experienced pet professional knows how to make the dog walk fun. Here are some ideas on the best places to begin your search. Investigate word of mouth referrals, bulletin board posts in trustworthy places (vet’s office) or reputable agencies. A great dog walker makes sure to readâand rememberâa noteâs every detail before beginning a walk. of service. If you’re walking on your own, this means depending on a hand-written note left on the counter or remembering what they told you when you met. However, they end up in the industry, they all end up with a job that’s convenient, great for your health, and just plain fun. Build a website, logo and social media presence. It's a good idea … They will keep you … Where to look for a dog walker There are as many dog walkers out there as there are reasons for needing one. — This the easy part, to be a good dog walker you must love dogs and you must love spending time with dogs. Look for a large, local dog walking agency and … Ideally this should include up-to-date evidence-based knowledge of dog behaviour and dog handling. A dog walker has to be accountable as the petâs health and well-being are in his/her hands on a regular basis. Consider the Initial Costs and ROI. Others have their own dog, love taking it for walks, and think ‘This is great, I wish somebody would pay me to do this.’ Still others are looking to start a career in pet care and need experience. Tell us a bit about yourself. … Questions? But dogs can be quite a handful, so you should understand canine behaviour. By continuing you agree to the terms It really isn’t worth taking the risk of being caught out. Thanks for the good advice! I really like your advice to maker sure that the dog walking service that you use is thorough in their work. We'll manually review your dog walker … So make sure you contact a reputable insurer to discuss your needs. You must build positive relationships with pet owners; learn their preferred schedules for walking, how to pick up the pet, and communicate any concerns you may have about their dog. Laura Milholland is by far our first choice when we need a dog sitter. A passionate dog walker will never cut a dog walk short unless it’s an emergency. In America, you don't want to do any business without taking care of two … Planning ahead — So you’ve got a few consistent customers, congrats! Maintaining a good rapport with customers is key to building trust and trust is key to dog walking. Paying close attention to detail — Everyone owner has their little quirks and preferences with their dogs (they don’t call them fur-babies for nothing). It’s a cute idea. What I do in those instances is just take a pic when we get back from the walk. If you enjoy spending time outdoors with any and all dogs then you’ll start to understand that old cliché, if you find something you love to do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. A good dog walker knows their limits. In fact, it’s the responsible thing to do. From being a professional dog walker for years to owning my own dog walking business to co-founding a startup built around dog walking, I know what makes a good dog walker. See if you qualify to become a dog walker. Apart from it being a fantastic way to make some extra cash, you're resume building, too! In this case the best way to go would be to do the nearby walk first, then take a scenic bike ride along the Eisenhower Ave Trail into Old Town to do the 2 walks there before heading back to Carlyle Mill for the afternoon walk. 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