How to be a great dog walker

There are a number of ways people get into dog walking

There are a number of ways people get into dog walking. Some people move away from home and miss their family pets. Others have their own dog, love taking it for walks, and think ‘This is great, ‘I wish somebody would pay me to do this.’ Still, others are looking to start a career in pet care and need experience. However, they end up in the industry, they all end up with a job that’s convenient, great for your health, and just plain fun.

If you think dog walking is right for you, here are some tips to make sure you’re the best dog walker you can be.

• Communication — Good communication is the foundation of a good dog walker. The customer should know that you are going to be there, they should know you expect to arrive, they should know when the walk starts and stops along with the details of what happens on the walk, and, last but certainly not least, they should get a picture of happy pooch to brighten their workday.
• Planning ahead — So you’ve got a few consistent customers, congrats! You’re well on your way to being a pet professional! Now you have to make sure you can keep all your customers happy. This means not overbooking yourself and not making commitments you can’t fulfil. Beyond that, though it means planning your day so that you get to each pup on time.
• Paying close attention to detail — Everyone owner has their little quirks and preferences with their dogs (they don’t call them fur-babies for nothing). As a dog walker, you’re responsible for keeping track of all this and making sure nothing is forgotten. If you’re walking on your own, this means depending on a hand-written note left on the counter or remembering what they told you when you met.
• Have fun! — This is the easy part, to be a good dog walker you must love dogs and you must love spending time with dogs. If you’re excited to see a pup and get out into the fresh air then the dog will be too and owners will only trust someone who truly loves their pet to care for them. If you enjoy spending time outdoors with any and all dogs then you’ll start to understand that old cliché, if you find something you love to do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.

Dog walkers at PawSpace make it a point to deliver their best by keeping in mind all the above points and more! If you are looking for a fun source of secondary income with us or you are a pet parent looking for a dog walker, click here!