Step1
Getting clients is relatively easy in a town. You could have a card printed and go out to your local park and give one to each dog walker there, and put it in petshops too. Or give one to anyone walking in your street with a dog. Or even better, join an agency, there are more of them around these days. An online search or looking in telephone directories should find them easily enough. They will need you to register, and probably do a home check to make sure you have a secure garden.
Step2
If you work for an agency, they handle the charges. They will insure you too. If you go it alone, you could draw up an agreement for owners to sign, covering such things as a promise to cover any unavoidable vet bills and agreeing to your daily rate. When you have a potential client, arrange a time to meet them and get to see their dog before agreeing to take them. Make sure you're realistic about what size and temperament dogs you'll take. Elderly dogs may not walk very far or very fast! Which is perfect if you're not very fast yourself. If you're unfit then don't take on active breeds like sheepdogs.
Step3
When meeting owners let them see the garden, and tell them what your daily routine is. Most dogs will fit in easily with you, and most owners are only too glad to have a home for their pet, rather than have to think of kennels! Make sure there aren't tempting snacks or little objects low down they may chew or eat. Some dogs will eat even non-food items and terriers can be very interested in chewing anything that catches their attention!
Step4
Ask questions about the dog's health; their local vet's contact number should be given if you take the dog. Does the dog get on with other dogs, people, children, cats? Do they like jumping in water when they're out? Do they come back when called off the lead? (some agencies won't allow you to walk a dog off the lead. I rarely do unless I'm very sure of the dog!) Are they o.k being left - how long are they used to? (Never leave a dog more than 4 hours!) Where do they normally sleep? What time are they used to getting up and going to bed? Do they need to pee immediately they get up? Will they go in the garden - some dogs will, some won't, and it makes a difference if you have to take them for an early walk especially in bad weather! What food do they eat, do they scavenge food when out, are they up to date on jabs and flea treatments (insist they are before taking a dog!) and do they have any food allergies or other sensitivities such as noises (fireworks!)
After all that, decide if the dog is suitable for you. Mostly it's best to call the owner next day to let them know, to give you time to think. Let them know what you want them to bring - lead, bowls, towels for drying, toys, food, and decide if you want them to bring the dog's bed. Some owners don't think to clean the dog's bed regularly - I had one that was flea infested! So I prefer to supply an old duvet which folded in four makes a very comfortable bed. And make sure the owner agrees to cover any vet expenses there might be. In 3 years I've had to take dogs to the vet twice, both for stomach problems (scavenging and drinking water from the garden!)
Step5
When the dog arrives, the best thing to do is let the owner leave and then take the dog for a good brisk walk on the lead. That really settles the dog's nerves and lets them see and smell their new area. (Cesar Milan recommends walking rescue dogs immediately.) The dog will see you as their leader and feel much more relaxed when you get home. Spend some time 'training' the dog when you get back, too, using treats to reward. This gets the dog to pay attention to you - some dogs take a while to focus on you! Make it fun and make sure you only reward some useful behaviour. Getting a dog to look at you is important - hold a treat next to your face and when they look at you, give it to them! Sit, lie down, give me your paw, come here, and roll over are all useful. Dogs will usually learn them pretty quickly if they haven't already been trained and just a few minutes doing this really bonds you with the dog. The mental stimulation is as important as the exercise to get the dog settled with you. Spend as much time around as you can, and interract with the dog alot. Don't do too much talking - actions speak louder than words to dogs! Get them to pay attention to you by being fun and interesting, playing with them and being in charge. Soon you'll both forget they're not yours!
Step6
I let the dog decide when to go to bed - make sure you've shown them where they're sleeping in good time first! If they don't settle very well, just stay calm and reassuring, and let them get used to the new noises and atmosphere. It's hard on a dog to be suddenly in a new place! But if you've walked them properly they should be relaxed enough to sleep.
Step7
Let the dog out in the garden first thing in the morning and keep an eye on it. Make sure there's nothing out there it shouldn't eat - keep a check for dead rats, birds, etc. Fox poo is a favourite for rolling in and there are foxes everywhere in cities these days! It smells terrible. My rule is I never take a dog I can't carry or bath easily!
While it's hard saying goodbye to a dog sometimes, it's great to know you're offering a real service where the dog is happy and the owner can enjoy their break without worry. Dog boarding is a great way to make some money while getting fitter and having the companionship of many different and loving dogs. I love it!
Enthusiast 
