What should I look for in a dog walker?

Answer 1

Get recommendations locally from other dog owners. I would suggest looking for a larger service that is bonded, insured and all that good stuff, but make sure that one person is going to be the main person to walk your dog. Call several suggested services and interview the owner. Ask questions about what he/she would look for in a service, how they find their help, etc. Once you have found one or two services that are possibilities, ask for a tiem for the owner and the walker to come meet your dog and ask more questions.

The link for the service we used is below and even if you don't live in Chicago, I would highly recommedn talking to Marc the owner and seeing if he has any recommendations in your area, etc.

Things to look for are services that do not allow walkers to walk 100 dogs at one time. You want your dog to get the attention that you are paying for and someone that is walking every dog on the block altogether is not going to be able to give them that. Also, make sure that the service gives you daily updates, thing slike if they gave the dog any treats, water, went to the dog park and the potty habits of the dog. You may think this all sounds silly, but this is something that is actually done without asking by good services.

I used to have a fantastic dog walking service when my husband and I both worked away from home on a daily basis and we never regretted one penny of what we paid.

Answer 2

First off, What breed do you have? Some breeds are very large and domineering, and the dog walker must be capable of letting the dog know that it is his/her way. No highway option. A very timid and soft spoken person probably wont do.
Is the person physically capable of walking your dog. I know it sounds funny, but if you have large dog, he or she must be strong enough to hold it back if it decides to make a run for it. However don't be too critical as I am only 5'3" and 120lbs and have been known to hold back some VERY determined Mastiffs and Great Danes at the boarding kennels where I have worked! Also, If your dogs require long walks, a very heavyset person might not be able to keep up as easily. I'm not being mean, just honest.
Is this person mature enough to handle a dog and make tough, quick decisions?
Do they know basic obedience commands and how to make the dog respond with out beating it?
Are they willing to scoop?
Do they know to wait AT LEAST an hour after the dog has eaten to walk it to prevent bloat?

Dont forget that your dog and the person you choose must have a good connection and trust both of your instincts.

Hope this helps... Happy hunting!

Answer 3

What you need to look for is someone your dog likes (they don't have to smother them in kisses but if they seriously dislike the person then give them a miss), I'd recommend getting a police check done, try and go on personal recommendation rather than going through the yellow pages. Obviously you need someone responsible and reliable but if you are serious about a dog walker you also have to consider if they need a key to your house to walk the dog when your at work etc or if they will only be walking your dog when your their to hand the dog over, you also have to consider if they are only going to be walking your dog alone or walking other dogs at the same time. Unless you can go through a recommendation I'd advise that you ring the Kennel Club or the Association of pet sitters that have a register of pet sitters and dog walkers on register in your area. - Hope this helps

Answer 4

What is the point of owning a dog if you can't take it for a walk? if you absolutely have to have a dog walker I would look for one who is dependable and fully capable of scooping up poop. I know those are lofty specifications for a job, but surely there is someone out there who isnt too fried to handle it.

Answer 5

You should probably ask if they have any expirence or if the maybe have a dog of their own. If they have a dog you can pretty much assume they know how to walk a dog. Also see if you can tell if they like dogs or not, some people do it for easy money.

Answer 6

err,
Posture, length of stride ( matched to dogs size and ability)
Tone of voice ( strong and commanding, yet gentle when nescessary)
Groomed,to the same level as your dog
Strong wrists to hold the lead
Someone able to fit enough plastic bags in their pocket to pick up the dog crap expelled on the walk.
Preferably someone who has reasonable fees and actually walks the dog, not just takes it to the park and sits on the bench watching the crowd pass by

Answer 7

If achievable decide for somebody you and your canines know. you opt for somebody to blame, solid and you opt for somebody who asks the the terrific option questions which includes even in the experience that your canines is fixed, whether it relatively is ok to allow off lead, is it friendly with different canines/little ones/human beings, whether it has an inclination to chase prey, whether it walks ok on the leash and with different canines etc. Whats remember like and popular obediance. the place do they decide for to bypass, can they swim. That shows that they are thinking of your canines secure practices and wellbeing. in the event that they are not a specialist then you truly decide for somebody a minimum of sixteen and ideally woman in case you have a bully breed. That from adventure with the teenage boys in my section, no longer a prejudice. generally you opt for to determine what they're like alongside with your boys and whether the canines will pay attention and admire them. in the event that they dont then the walker could have hardship dealing with them. additionally determine that they admire your canines and their needs.

Answer 8

someone with 2 legs!


just kidding, make sure you totally trust this person and know their phone number and address. ask them for a reference as well from other people who they have walked dogs for.

Answer 9

somebody that u can trust and not steal ur dog or get u in trouble for something u didn't do

Answer 10

someone that wont run off with ur dog and never come back