Do you think it's a good idea for me to start walking dogs?

Question

I'm twelve years old. I live in a city were there are quite a bit of dogs. My friend was thinking of walking dogs for extra cash, and she asked me to walk the dogs with her. We were going to split the money 50/50, but now I'm not really sure. What if the dog gets away or gets hurt? What should I charge? Would people trust their dogs with two twelve year olds? How much should we charge?

Answer 1

It's nice that you are worried, that shows responsibility. If I were your mom, I'd be more worried about you! What if you got bit? If you really want to do this, limit yourself to one dog each to begin with. Make sure you spend some time walking the dog WITH the owner first, so that you can see how the dog behaves on walks, and the owner can introduce you as a leader, not a follower! I think that people would be willing to spend $10 for a one hour walk with such a nice, responsible girl!

Answer 2

These are excellent questions, it's good you're thinking this through. Advertise your services with posters, and be sure to let people know that you will only walk their dog if it is trained and well-mannered. Set a limit on how many dogs you'll take for a walk at once, for example, two per person. Also make sure to decide how long the walks will be, for example, half an hour. Depending on how long the walks are, set your standard price. Ask your parents and teacher for an idea on how much to charge per walk. Maybe between $5-20?

I know a lot of people would happily let a 12-year-old take their dog on a walk, as long as you show them that you're responsible. Be friendly to the people and their dogs, and look the people in the eye when you speak to show that you know what you're doing. Be kind and cheerful. I think plenty of people would trust you with their dog if you acted this way.

Answer 3

That is a good question. Honestly, I wouldn't trust a 12-year-old girl walking my dogs, but that's because they are pretty large. They are akita's and I wouldn't want you to get tugged too much or accidently let go of their leashes. Are you strong? My biggest akita weighs a little over 100 pounds....do you think you could handle it? I would let you walk our little dog for sure though. He's about 30 or so pounds and I'm certain you could handle him. So maybe, I would only walk the smaller breeds. Make sure you have a secure collar on the dog and that the leash that is connected is securely attached. If you walked small dogs, I think that a lot of people could use you. Small or medium. Maybe charge, 20 bucks a week or something. I guess it would depend on how often you walk them. Try asking around to see how much someone would pay you. Good luck to you and your friend!

Answer 4

Good for you for asking for advice.
You may be a little young for this job. Especially if there's a Great Dane or something on your block. You could start with friends and family to get references to show people that you are trustworthy. Maybe learn about obedience so you know how to hold the leash and handle a hyper dog. Put a size limit on customer's dogs too, I think.
As for charging, it depends on the number of dogs in the house and how long the walk. Talk you your parents or an adult that knows dogs.
Good luck.

Answer 5

I don't know about the 50/50 split... If you each started your own dog-walking service, and happened to walk the dogs on the same route at the same time, that would be fine, but I think you should each have your own clients.. Mrs Johnson is your client, you are always the one to walk her dog, and what she pays for the service is yours....Mr Benson is your friend's client- she always walks his dogs, and what he pays belongs to your friend...

If the dogs get hurt.... I'd suggest a waiver- that you are not responsible for harm that comes to their dog while under your care.... or some kind of release of responsibility- You're only responsible for harm that can be proven to be caused by your negligence....

Charge-$20/week- for 3-5 days' walks... Most dogs need to be exercized (walked) MINIMUM every other day. Athletic breeds- herding dogs, other working breeds should be walked every day... Figure $3 to $5/walk, and talk with the owner and find out how often they want their dog walked. Bill monthly or weekly, or even by the day if they want to...

I'd want to make sure you and your friend knew how to handle dogs, how to deal with energetic, or less-than-obedient dogs, how to keep 3-5 dogs under control (going the same way and not fighting) at the same time. I struggle keeping 2 dogs under control at the same time, and I'm 30!
Suggestion- Read up on dog training- If you have a library card, make good use of it! Borrow and read every book your library has on training dogs, working with dogs, understanding dogs, etc.

Hope this helps- I know it's a lot of info, but you are asking people to trust you with a member of their family.....

Answer 6

that's a great idea. don't worry the dogs shouldn't get away as long s you watch them. people with love that idea. i would trust a 12 year old. if they know you like dogs then they won't worry. if you have alot of dogs to walk you should get money fast and so maybe $5 for so many hours or minutes. or maybe about 8 or 10. some people rather pay kids to walk their dogs so they won't have to walk them themselves so i bet you could get more out of those kind of people. again, great idea!!!

Answer 7

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Answer 8

They might depending on the presentation you give them you have to show them you know what your doing come up with things you are going to tell them. I would charge them according to how big the dog is. You have to be prepared because that can be hard. I recommend watching "The dog whisperer" with Cesar Millan on the national geographics channel. He teaches you how to be a pact leader in other word how to be in control instead of the dog taking control of you. He shows you the proper way to walk dogs and all that good stuff. Good luck and dont forget win them over with the right words.

Answer 9

i think its a great idea becauswe me and my friend are actually thinking of starting that to but i guess for charging it would be like $5 for mediums to regular sized dog but for larger and giant sized dog i would charge $10 but before you start anything i would get some expoerience do you or friends have dogs try walking them for a while see how it goes and decide later

Answer 10

Wow.... I like the idea.... but I would be a bit concerned because of the heavy responsibility for you and your friend if the dog got away from you, got lost, or hurt .... I would wait until you are older. Just something to think about.

Be Blessed!