We aim to have all comments reviewed in a timely manner. The main pros & cons of dog walking Recurring revenue: consistent and repeating charges add up to lots of revenue over the course of time while dramatically reducing your stress level of wondering where your business is going to come from There is no doubt in my mind that when a customers dog sees you coming through the door that they. Dog walking provides people that have a bit of spare time during the day with a great means to earn some extra income, as well as keeping fit and hanging out with dogs all day. Carting around some extra weight? The average salary for a Dog Walker is $15.21 per hour in Las Vegas, NV. She works alongside her fur pal Chewie (a border terrier) to deliver information that is accurate and relevant to our readers. What did you do? If you would like to write a letter to the editor, please forward it to letters@globeandmail.com. Though dog walkers of course have their appointments they must meet but it certainly is nowhere near like a stuck up 9-5 schedule and it also is often much more pleasant to speak to the four-legged doggy clients then experiencing the newest drama in an office setting. Welcome to The Globe and Mail’s comment community. Records are not only good for financial reassurance, but also help your business run smoothly on a day-to-day basis. Nearly 75% of Americans are overweight and childhood obesity is on the rise (close to 20%). Ask questions – lots of questions. For example, the dog you’re walking might get into a fight with another dog. It might have an unusual behavioural change or it might break free of its lead and run away. However, it’s important to know if they have a plan and appropriate response for an unfortunate situation. Here are some of the key pros and cons of being a professional dog walker. Dog walkers: healthier people with healthier dogs As you can see, regular walking has health benefits for both you and your dog and will help prevent obesity, which is a significant problem in both species. Another benefit is that Wag! If you need additional help — like feeding the dogs or giving them medication — dog walkers may be able to provide this service at an additional fee. Stories you don’t want to hear, but need to know about. 4. Ample Exercise – All our dog walkers understand the importance of daily exercise for dogs and themselves. A great place to start is by word of mouth – ask local dog owners, your veterinarian or dog trainer which walkers they recommend. Likewise, the bigger the dogs you walk, the larger the poos to poop scoop. Most cities have limits on the number of dogs allowed under one person’s control at a time (usually six), as well as how many of those dogs are allowed to be off-leash. – Will you provide a postwalk report to notify me of anything unusual (such as loose stool, altercations, change in appetite, ingesting foreign objects)? Arrange to be home sometimes when your dog walker comes by – pay attention to how your dog reacts (hint: your dog should be happy and excited, and your walker should be calm and help to control and contain that excitement – not encourage it). Any advice does not consider your individual needs. Hiring a dog walker offers a lot of perks for both you and your pet, and can be a better choice than a dog daycare. ), – What are your references? – Do you evaluate dogs for temperament, energy level and size, and group them accordingly? This information is provided as a guide only and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask your advisor or BizCover. Four more tips on how to find a great dog walker. Dog walkers, especially those who offer private or semi-private walks, are ideal for young puppies and senior dogs, who may not be able to keep up with a room full of high-energy beasts. Pros will want to know everything about your dog: vaccinations, behaviour triggers, training you’ve done, allergies or physical restrictions, and especially how your dog behaves around other dogs. Though Rover has recently added their RoverGo service, which also provides on demand services, it’s relatively new and most pet owners are already familiar with Wag! Here’s why: A one-hour walk is usually less expensive than a full day of play. No office politics & drama — Surely no one can be bothered with office politics? This means they are bonded, insured and carry the appropriate business licences and permits for the area in which they operate (ask to see hard copies). Thank you for your patience. Readers can also interact with The Globe on Facebook and Twitter . Check out these marketing tips for dog walking businesses and pet sitters. In addition to regulating its diet, to … – Have you ever had a dog get lost or injured in your care? Your dog walker is the person who will treat your pooch to a midday bathroom break, give him a chance to get out in the fresh air and take in the sights and smells – and hopefully enrich your dog’s life. So if you’re considering a career as a professional dog walker, don’t go into it blind. ), – What steps do you take when you drop my dog off? Health. Los Angeles, CA - September 10, 2018 - Wag!, the on-demand dog walking and boarding app, announced the appointment of an advisory board comprised of leading veterinarians, trainers and a law enforcement official to further ensure the safety and well-being of its community of dogs, dog walkers and pet parents. Professional dog walker: PROS. Comments that violate our community guidelines will not be posted. The benefits of being a dog walker are tremendous. I can alter my schedule to meet your needs. Whether you are thinking about becoming a dog walker or hiring the services of one, it’s a win-win for everyone involved. Meet your actual dog walker – not just the owner of the company – and confirm that he or she will be the same person entering your home each day. Predictability. However, many dog walkers need to put regular time and effort into sourcing new clients. Do your research, ask hard questions of both yourself and your potential dog walker, and you’ll find a safe, suitable solution for you and your pet. Helps with Weight Control. Because there are very few prerequisites (the main one being a love of dogs) for starting dog walking services it is all so easy to think, well it’s only walking dogs how difficult can it be? Still super keen on starting a career as a professional dog walker? BizCover acts as an agent of the insurers in respect of the insurance products offered on the website and not as your agent. Most dog walkers are long-time dog owners. Plus, aside from your doggy clients, you’ll get to meet other dogs while out and about on your dog walking route. Be it the pets’ owners, people in your local community or other dog walkers, being a dog walker can be really sociable and lead to some awesome friendships. Welcome to The Globe and Mail’s comment community. In general though, drama is fairly minimal for professional dog walkers. If you want to know how to become a dog walker, the most obvious step is, of course, learning about dogs. In a dog walking business, you’re going to be doing the same thing at the same time on the same days, consistently. If you enjoyed reading this, take a look at the other posts in this series: Pros and cons of starting a pet sitting business. Some dogs with aggression or fear issues can only be walked privately, as a group trip to the park or daycare is beyond their ability to cope. Services And Training: I am comfortable doing cat feeding, providing long walks, and exotic pet care. Most often, dogs are walked near midday, but some walkers provide services at other times, which can be helpful when, say, you’re trying to get the kids off to school in the morning. Occasionally, dogs get amped up by the midday walk, and find it impossible to calm down upon returning home, leading to misbehaviour caused by boredom or lack of stimulation. As a year-round dog walker, my job isn’t canceled on account of the weather. I plan to contribute my skill as a dog sitting professional. Take the time to research the role and carefully consider the ups and downs. Dogs owners facing the “home alone” challenge have two main choices: hire a dog walker to come to their home and take their pooch for a midday outing, or send their pet off to dog daycare, to spend the day romping and playing with other canine friends. (This question is only helpful if you actually call, not e-mail, the references provided. The Benefits of Being a Dog Walker in New York City. These introverted pooches simply prefer the company of a walk on their own or with a few close doggy friends. The benefits of hiring a pet sitter. Walks improve pet health Just like their human counterparts, pets need regular and consistent exercise to live long, healthy and happy lives. However, at the start you’ll just have to make a concerted effort to be nice and bite your tongue! Four-legged doggy clients are much easier to handle (and more pleasant) than humans. Watch it disappear almost effortlessly as you work! Happy Dogs. Will muddy paws be cleaned and wiped? You're work schedule is completely up to you. 1. 1. When you lift up that Dog Lead they are genuinely delighted and excited to go for their walk. Here’s why: A one-hour walk is usually less expensive than a full day of play. Here are just a few reasons why: It will help you get in shape — and get paid for it. Aside from that, be sure to take your health and wellbeing as seriously as you do your dogs’. Enjoyable exercise — Forget hitting the gym at six o’clock in the evening when every other man and his dog are there; as a dog walker, daily exercise is part and parcel of the job. Some even offer training services, helping your mutt to learn some manners along the way. Yes, you might be able to build up a number of regular clients but there’s always the chance of cancellations. I'm searching for a dog sitting professional employment opportunity in Las Vegas, Nevada. Of course, even if you totally love dogs, being a dog walker isn’t all puppy kisses, wagging tails and sunshine. Do any veterinarians or dog trainers recommend you? By Stephanie Stahl January 17, 2018 at 11:40 pm. This is a space where subscribers can engage with each other and Globe staff. You may even want to consider joining or observing your pet’s walk as it unfolds – whether planned or unplanned. Today, we’ll examine the pros and cons of dog walkers, suggest questions you should ask of your dog service provider, and most importantly, show you how to tell which option is the best one for your dog. Dogs need regular exercise not only for a healthy body (Kennel Club statistics show that between 30-60% of dogs are overweight) but also a healthy mind. If you choose to buy a product as a result of a referral we will receive a fee. Gum boots and rain coats at the ready! Professional dog walkers, both individuals and businesses, are paid by dog owners to walk their dogs for them. That’s much better than the alternative, not walking the dog at all when you’re unavailable. © Copyright 2021 The Globe and Mail Inc. All rights reserved. Essentially, a dog walker will get a key to your home, come by when you’re not there, and take out one of your family members who has no way of telling you if everything’s okay. Keeping track on whose dog you are walking and when, and ensuring all clients have signed some form of business contract with you (recommended), helps you maintain a professional dog walker set-up for your business. Some dog walkers will take many dogs for a walk at once, while others will only take a single dog. Flexibility — Okay, so a dog walker will have to adhere to appointment times and you may be expected to start early in the morning. Plus, don’t forget to check out the insurance options to consider. Learn about salaries, benefits, salary satisfaction and where you could earn the most. Benefits Of Dog Walking Services. Alas, you can’t be in two places at once. Some information in it may no longer be current. Furry friends — Being a professional dog walker you get to meet lots of canine chums. Plus, if you plan to expand your business and take on other dog walkers you can always off-load the early starts to your employees! Are you certified in pet first aid? 3. New friends — Aside from the fantastic fur friends you’ll make, if you’re lucky you’ll also meet some great humans too. Exercise is important for dogs of all ages, and a dog walking service can help owners provide it. We aim to create a safe and valuable space for discussion and debate. This article was published more than 4 years ago. Naturally, those horror stories are few and far between. Professional poo pick-up — The more dogs you walk, the more dog poos you’ll be picking up. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We hope to have this fixed soon. Dog walkers may charge higher rates for walking your dogs on holidays. It's also a big plus if a dog walker can reference prior work in an animal health field such as employment as a veterinary technician or veterinary assistant. This means that if you use Rover instead of Wag!, you will not have as many options to take on demand walks during flexible times. – How many dogs do you have in your care at one time? That means: If you do not see your comment posted immediately, it is being reviewed by the moderation team and may appear shortly, generally within an hour. The Dog Walkers Advantages and DisadvantagesA professional Dog Walker Denver must ask to see the confirmation of registration and requestthat you’re pets is correctly tagged. – What is your policy regarding illness or injury to dogs in your care? You’ll need a general knowledge of the most popular breeds and their specific behavioural tendencies to become a dog walker. Brown specializes in on-leash walks for dogs that don't do well in large group settings. Consider this: Some dogs, especially young or high-energy ones, need far more exercise than they’ll get on a simple one-hour outing. However, the job … Non-subscribers can read and sort comments but will not be able to engage with them in any way. Plus, what happens when your client goes on holidays? You should have good dog handling skills and a thorough understanding of dog socialisation techniques. Careful, professional dog walking demands technical skill, physical stamina, and in-depth knowledge of everything from dog behavior to pet first aid to … as an on demand provider. They are a legitimate professional business. The Pros Of Being A Professional Dog Walker. 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Variable income — Similar to a freelancer, a dog walker’s income can vary. Additionally, what happens if you injure yourself and can’t walk? But they should be enough to get you thinking more carefully about whom you trust with your pet and your home. Find the right one, and both you and your dog will reap the benefits. Professional dog walking services have a lot to offer American families and households, but it’s always worth looking at how much these kinds of businesses will help busy commuters or others to manage their schedule and provide for their pets while they are away.. Benefits and Disadvantages of Dog Walking Services. Dog walking companies have risen in popularity over the past several years due to the increasingly busy schedules of dog owners. Keep looking. Intense Weather. What emergency vet do you use? One of the major pros of working with Wag!is that you are able to accept on demand dog walks. There’s an awful lot to learn (and unlearn) about the dogs themselves in order to keep both the dog and the walker safe. Anybody can be on the other end of electronic communication, but talking live to another dog owner or expert will give you a much better sense of whom you’re considering hiring. The Pros To Being A Professional Dog Walker. Make sure you look into insurance, such as personal accident & illness insurance, which can cover lost earnings. Frees Up Time. Phew! The following two tabs change content below. Owners are more comfortable leaving their animals in the care of those with some sort of veterinary background. Don’t get us wrong; we don’t want to completely turn you off your chosen career, so let’s start with the positive side of being a dog walker. Dog walking improves exercise motivation, stress control and community spirit. Dog walks are usually Monday through Friday in the middle of the day. Click here to subscribe. If the … What time? We all know that walking your dog is an extremely important part of maintaining a happy and healthy dog. Find out how to get your dog walking business off the ground. Mental, Physical Health Benefits To Being A Dog Walker. There are many benefits to dog walkers – here are our Top Five. One website, SexOffenderJobs.com, suggests dog walking and petsitting as an ideal business for sex offender registrants with an entrepreneurial streak. Life gets busy, and resources get stretched. Who will look after your clients and how will you make up that lost income? (This is not a deal-breaker – accidents sometimes happen. As time goes by you might be able to offload the less favourable clients and just keep the nice ones. If they do not ask questions, require proof of vaccinations (or a veterinary reference letter), and get you to sign a contract, then they’re not a professional. While ads on Kijiji and Craigslist can be a place to search for a dog walking service, avoid ones that say, “I’m a student looking to earn some extra cash …” Your dog and your home deserve a professional who is completely committed to what they do. There are many experienced, caring, and highly-reputable professional dog walkers who would love to enrich your dog’s life on a daily basis. Pay attention to what the walker asks you. Start with a two-week trial period, and carefully notice any changes in your dog’s behaviour. 351 King Street East, Suite 1600, Toronto, ON Canada, M5A 0N1, Just $1.99 per week for the first 24 weeks, var select={root:".js-sub-pencil",control:".js-sub-pencil-control",open:"o-sub-pencil--open",closed:"o-sub-pencil--closed"},dom={},allowExpand=!0;function pencilInit(o){var e=arguments.length>1&&void 0!==arguments[1]&&arguments[1];select.root=o,dom.root=document.querySelector(select.root),dom.root&&(dom.control=document.querySelector(select.control),dom.control.addEventListener("click",onToggleClicked),setPanelState(e),window.addEventListener("scroll",onWindowScroll),dom.root.removeAttribute("hidden"))}function isPanelOpen(){return dom.root.classList.contains(select.open)}function setPanelState(o){dom.root.classList[o?"add":"remove"](select.open),dom.root.classList[o? For all its benefits, there are situations where a dog walker is simply not the best solution for your pet. 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