5 Questions To Ask A Potential Dog Walker
A dog walker is a necessity for many pet owners. High energy and under-exercised pets are more likely to show troubling behavior, such as chewing. Daily walking gives your pet important exercise and social time, along with the time they need to relieve themselves. If you work outside the home or lead a busy life, hiring a dog walker may be the best option. Make sure to ask any potential walkers the following questions before hiring them.
Question #1: What kind of bonding or insurance do they have?
Bonding is important if the dog walker will have a key to your home and be entering your home when you are away. This protects you from theft. It isn't as necessary if you will be home when they pick up your dog. Insurance is what will cover your dog in the event of accident or injury due to negligence. The dog walker you hire should carry some form of insurance.
Question #2: How are walkers assigned?
Many dog walkers work for a larger company, so you want to make sure that the same walker is assigned to your dog most days. If you schedule walks seven days a week, strive to have no more than two walkers assigned to your pet. You want your dog to become accustomed to their walker. It can be stressful for your pet to be walked by a different person everyday.
Question #3: Are walkers trained in behavior or first aid topics?
The best dog walker has some animal behavioral training, which helps them practice positive discipline and control over your dog. It's also important that they know basic animal first aid in case your dog is choking or suffers an injury while on a walk.
Question #4: How many dogs are on the average walk?
Walkers that take out multiple client dogs at a time generally charge less than those that walk only a single client at a time. If your dog is social and well-behaved, this is an excellent option with one caveat. Make sure that the dog walker insists that all dogs on their route are up-to-date on vaccinations. Also, make sure the walker works with dogs individually before allowing them to join the group to ensure that the dog doesn't have any behavioral issues.
Question #5: What training philosophy does the walker use?
The best dog walking professional uses a similar training and discipline method as you do at home. Not only does this ensure that your dog isn't mistreated, it provides your pet with consistency so that they always know what to expect.
