Tips for finding the perfect dog walker

Hiring a dog walker is a daunting and nerve racking experience, giving a stranger access to your home and more importantly the authority of your much loved dog should be a decision which shouldn't be taken lightly.

Here I will give you a few tips on finding the perfect dog walker to suit your needs:

1. Ask for recommendations:

Do you know anyone who uses the services of a dog walker ( if not ask your local dog owning community or even your local vets).

Of course even if you get a possitive reccomendation .. don't say your hired just yet!

2. Invite the walker to meet your dog:

This is your chance to meet your walker and ask any questions you may have. ( All professional walkers will insist on an initial meet and greet before services may start).

The meeting also gives you chance to see how your dog reacts and gets along with there new friend, ( the walker should ask lots of questions about your dog, be knowledgeable and act calm and assertive round your dog.)

-2.1. Ask important questions:

Ask questions during the meet and greet which your want to know:

Where will you walk my dog ?

Can you accomodate any bespoke needs? ( will you walk a nervous or challenging dog by its self)

How long are the walks?

Are you the only person who will be walking my dog?

-2.2. Look at there canine credentials:

Your dog walker should be someone who has professional experience working with dogs, not just a random person looking to make some extra cash while they look for something better.

Here are some things to ask about there background:

* How long have you been walking dogs ?

* What are your training methods ?

* Are you insured ( public liability and care & custodial)

* Are you certified to administer canine first aid ?

3. Last but not least go for a test walk.

If your having doubts ask your potential dog walker if you can go for a test walk. The walker will most likely be on there best behaviour but you can still get a sense of whether there the right choice for your dog.

Don't give up if your first dog walking candidate doesn't pan out. Keep looking around and doing your research and im sure your find the perfect fit for years to come.