How to Choose a Dog Walker

If you work long hours outside the home, you may want to hire a professional dog walker for your best friend.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phone Directories
• Dog Collars
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Tags
• Dog Training Leashes/collars

1. Ask other pet owners or your veterinarian, grooming shop or pet store for references.

2. Make sure the walker has a business license, and ask him or her for additional references.

3. Ask the walker whether he or she walks dogs in large groups or individually - the more dogs a walker walks at once, the less attention he or she can pay to each dog. Check whether the walker offers small-group or individual walks, if necessary.

4. Ask about the walker's water, feeding and cleanup policies.

5. Find out the time and duration of the walk - the walker should be able to accommodate your schedule.

6. Check to see whether the walker can provide for any special needs your pet has. For instance, is your pet a puppy or an older dog?

7. Set up a two-week trial period, and enlist a neighbor to see how the walker handles your dog when you're not there.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide the walker with emergency information, including your pet's medical history and your veterinarian's phone number.
• Walkers who own or have recently owned a pet can provide for your pet's emotional needs as well as his or her physical needs.

on 11/22/2005 See how the walker interacts with other dogs when not in the presence of clients. A "very kind" walker that came highly recommended was rejected because I observed him abusing non-client dogs and walking dogs with behavioral problems without muzzles in crowded areas.

Also, observe how your dog reacts when she sees the walker in the neighborhood. Is she excited? Does she cower? Is she upset? She should be thrilled to see him - an excellent sign of a good working relationship.

on 11/22/2005 I was home sick one day and found that my walker was coming to take my dog 2-3 hours later than we had agreed upon. This is one way to find out what goes on when you're not there!

on 11/22/2005 Perhaps you have a friend or neighbor who has a dog that is also lonely. If so, perhaps you can have your dog "visit" the other dog and vice versa. It's hard to hook up, so be patient and ask around.