How to Interview a Dog Walker

Dog walking businesses have sprung up everywhere, and have become one of the fastest growing businesses. A dog owner's choice of walkers seems to be limitless. But, there are ways to decide from the first meeting if your dog walker is a keeper, or if you should start to look elsewhere.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• The dog(s)
• The walker
• You

Gauge Punctuality

1. Apply rules of a job interview to the "Meet and Greet."

2. Make sure the walker is on time. Better yet, are they a few minutes early?

3. Gauge the walker's attitude. Does the walker seem like they're in a hurry? Or, are they patient and willing to answer whatever questions you have?

Determine Experience

4. Ask if she's been walking dogs for a while. How long? Months, years?

5. Request phone numbers for other clients who you can call.

6. Determine if they have walked dogs for any other services. Can you call them?

Judge the Questions Asked

7. Analyze the questions a dog walker asks at the "Meet and Greet" because they are very important. There are key questions they should be asking related to the dog.

8. Note if they ask, "Where should the dog be left?" (For example, should your dog be crated or left in a room?)

9. Consider the meaning behind the question "What time do you want the dog to be walked?" Unless yours is the only dog your walker has, you should expect to have a 2-hour window for the walk.

10. Answer "Does the dog have special needs?" in great detail. Is your dog prone to car-sickness? Does your dog get along with other dogs? An experienced dog walker will want to know this.

11. Know that if the walker asks "Does the dog need to be fed?" they will probably be willing to do some minor extras, which is not uncommon for a dog walker.

12. Don't be alarmed by questions like "Where do you keep the towels?" This question is important in case of bad weather. You don't want your dog put back in your home soaking wet or covered in mud.

Judge Playtime

13. Observe whether or not the walker engages your pet. Watch them play: Do the walker and your dog seem at ease with each other?

14. Ask yourself if he seems capable of handling your dog properly. Does the walker appear knowledgeable of dog behavior?

15. Consider the walker's temperament. Does the walker seem to be enjoying playing with your dog? Or, does she seem afraid of your pet and keep a distance?

Tips & Warnings

• Most dog walkers get more clients by word of mouth. Talk to friends and acquaintances who can give you recommendations.
• The "Meet and Greet" is a way to showcase the walker's talent with dogs, therefore this interaction with your pet is the most important aspect.

Resources

• Find a dog walker in your area at Pet Sitters USA
• National Association of Pet Sitters

[originally]

on 9/7/2009 Also check to see if this dog walker texts or uses a cell phone while ostensibly "walking" your dog and taking your money.