Dogs are social beings who need constant stimulation to channel their boundless energy. If you are a busy dog owner, having the services of a professional dog walker can be a boon. It ensures that your furry friend gets the exercise and attention he needs when you are not available.
Choosing the right professional for dog walking can be a daunting task, with many factors to consider. Here’s a cheat sheet to help you hire a professional dog walker.
1. Professional Dog Walker vs Pack Walks
Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between a professional dog walker and a pack walk.
A pack walk is a group walk where multiple dogs are walked together by a single individual. Pack walks can be a great way for dogs to socialize and get exercise. It can be a perfect reintroduction to your dog’s natural environment as a pack animal.
On the other hand, professional dog walkers offer one-on-one walks with your dog, a personalized service tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
2. Experience and Training Matters
Experience is one of the most important aspects when hiring a dog walker. You are essentially leaving your dog in someone’s care. So, you have to ensure your dog walker has the necessary knowledge and skills to handle your dog and keep him safe during walks.
A dog walker with experience working with dogs of different sizes, breeds, and temperaments is ideal. If you have a new puppy who needs extra attention and training, hiring someone who is also a dog trainer with experience working with puppies can be particularly helpful.
3. Check for Insurance and Licensing
Before hiring a professional dog walker, ensure he is insured and licensed. Professional dog walkers should have liability insurance in case there is any injury to the dog during a walk.
They should also be licensed by your local government or animal control agency. It ensures they have met certain standards and have the necessary permits to operate as dog walkers.
4. Ask for References and Reviews
Ask the dog walker for references from previous clients and speak with them about their experience working with the dog walker. These reviews can provide valuable insight into the dog walker’s reliability, professionalism, and quality of service.
It is one of the best ways to gauge the quality of a professional dog walker.
5. Align the Availability and Schedule
It is also important to consider their availability and schedule and ensure that their schedule aligns with yours. They should be available to walk your dog when you need them.
Ask questions regarding how long the walks will be and how often your dog will need to be walked. Some dogs require more exercise and attention than others, so make sure that the dog walker can provide the level of service your dog needs.
6. Regular Communication and Updates
Your dog walker should provide regular updates and communication about your dog’s walks. He should be able to give details on how the walk went, including how long it was and any issues that arose.
He should also communicate with you if there are any changes to the schedule or if he notices any changes in your dog’s behavior.
7. Understand the Cost and Payment
Make sure you have a clear picture of the cost and payment structure when hiring a professional dog walker. Dog walkers typically charge by the hour or the walk. Get full info about their pricing structure and what is included.
Additionally, consider how you will pay for the service. Some dog walkers may require payment upfront, while others may invoice you at the end of the month. Ensure you are comfortable with the payment structure before hiring a dog walker.
8. Additional Services
Some dog walkers may offer additional services, such as feeding, administering medication, or providing basic training. Make sure that you discuss these services with the dog walker and that you are clear on what is included in the service.
When you have found a professional dog walker who meets your criteria, it is a good idea to schedule a trial walk to ensure he is a good fit for your dog. Observe his interactions with your dog and see if your dog is comfortable with him.
By researching and asking the right questions, you can find a professional dog walker who fits your and your dog’s needs well.
At MD Pup Scouts, we know what it takes to make pack walks fun and fruitful. Our pack leaders design the walk to ensure social interactions among the pack, which helps them to acquire new skills with trust, enjoyment, and ease. Our structured outdoor adventures are designed for fun and learning.
Call us today to learn about our services and how your dog can benefit from the same. Click here to book a 1-on-1 session now.
