Dogs: They can be your best friend, but they can also be wily and mischievous rascals, especially when you have to balance canine needs with the desires of their human owners. Luckily, we have a few tips to help improve your professional dog-walking experience—and to help you keep both human and canine customers happy.
1. Never use your phone while on duty
When you’re a professional dog walker, the safety of the pet in your care is your number one priority, so don’t get wrapped up in texting or chatting on the phone while you’re at work. Make it a priority to give the dog all of your attention. Avoid using headphones or listening to music too, even if you don’t think you’ll find it distracting.
It might seem drastic, but a little time away from your devices is much more bearable than receiving a message from a client telling you about the massive vet bill they have to pay because the dog ate something suspect on the street while you were distracted. The upside: In a digital world where we’re expected to be constantly online, you have an excuse to look up and really notice the world around you.
2. Never put dog waste in a private garbage bin
Throwing a little tied-up bag in that garbage bin on the street on collection day may seem minor. But the neighbours might not take the same view if they find a little gift left behind. There’s a chance they’ll have some harsh words for you or bring the offending deposit back to you. It’s best to avoid this altogether by disposing of dog waste in a designated public bin or back at the dog’s home.
3. Never let dogs approach other dogs without the owner’s permission
Dogs have a huge range of personalities, and you can never predict how they will react to an unknown dog. And leads have a way of increasing tensions. Few things are worse than an impromptu dog fight.
4. Never avoid telling the dog’s owner if there’s a problem
When it comes to professional communication, no problem is too small—and any issue is worth mentioning. Even if it’s just that the dog is eating slightly less of their food than usual, let the owner know so they can keep an eye on their pooch, too.
Also, if you make a mistake at work, honesty is the best policy. Don’t be afraid to tell the owners—the more they know, the easier it is to put right.
5. Never take your eye off the ball in a public space
If you’re walking a dog in a public space, whether you’re in a built-up area or the open countryside, make sure to respect the space and the other people who use it. Leave gates as you find them, stick to areas with a public right of way, and make sure to clear up dog waste rather than leaving it behind you. Make sure the dog doesn’t disturb other walkers or pets, and keep it on a lead if there’s a chance you’ll be anywhere near wildlife or livestock. If you follow these simple rules, you can use public space with perfect peace of mind.
6. Never assume you’re alone in a client’s home
Even if it seems empty, that may not be the case. If a client says you should feel free to have a glass of water and you take them up on the offer, for example, you should loudly announce what you’re doing. As in, “Hey, I’m going to come in now and get a glass of water.” That way, if there are any humans inside, they won’t be startled to find a stranger in their kitchen.
7. Never eat in front of dogs
All that walking is hungry work, but make sure not to have lunch while you’re taking a dog out. Unless you weren’t too partial to that sandwich, anyway.
Ultimately, the key to being a successful dog walker is simple: If you don’t love dogs, it’s not the job for you. But if your favourite thing to do is play with them, rain or shine, then grab a leash and keep these tips in mind as you start walking.