How to pick a Dog Walker

[TrishB]

We had the 'How to pick a pet sitter' thread - how about a 'How to pick a Dog Walker' thread?? ;)

How many of you use dog walkers while you're away at work? What have your experiences been? How did you choose?

I'm looking for experience, recommendations, first aid certification and bonded / insured. Along with that both I and my pup will have to like them. ;)

[Rottlva]

Trish, check out my business' webpage (still under some construction)...

A misconception with bonding is that it is like insurance. Bonding only pays if the accused is found guilty. Therefore insurance is really the only thing needed. I carry insurance which covers the animals, and the owners personal items (items within the house)

Also, you will find alot of pet sitters do dog walking so I may interchange the two.

Deffinitey check references. I usually give out 2-3 client references and one professional (vet, groomer)

How long have you been in business, is your business registered with the town (if need be), do you have employees, what times are you available, what are your rates?

As for experience, I am finding as the business demands grow, people with love, but not education are starting thier own pet sitting business. My husband and I ( he works with me!) are always at seminars from behavior to first aid...I also have an animal science degree... You can never have to much information.... Emergencies do happen and sometimes having the knowledge in your head versus having to look it up means the life of a pet. Also training experience is a must. You don't want your dog to push the walker around.... tow her or jump all over her. You want your walker enforcing what you are teaching the pup/dog...

Will the sitter come when YOU want them to? We usually have a very set schedule for our puppy clients. Up until they are six months we generally do 2 visits in an eight hour day. Pendant on your schedule, you need to find the right balance to help potty train that pup when you can't be there.

[Rottlva]

What vaccines are the sitters requiring? I am suprised to find out that alot don't require any. Just to be safe, for dogs I require distemper/parvo, rabies and kennel cough..... I take titers too...

Is your dog going to be walked with anyother dog?? This is a big one. I generally don't. Somepeople want thier dogs to have a buddy... I then bring my rottie... who is calm, well socialized and obedient... but can give those lab girls a good walk! :D :D

Are there any employees? What is the cancellation policy?
What if you can't come and take the dog out?

Good Luck! Let me know if I can help further!!

[LynnS]

We agonized about what to do with Bella while we were at work. My husband was home for the first 4 weeks after we brought her home. I admit this was one aspect of puppy ownership that we had not figured out ahead of time. We decided to have her spend week days at a doggy day care facility that actually has a separate puppy floor. All dogs must be vaccinated etc and they are ANAL about all the dogs health and well being. It has worked out beautifully (although it's an unexpected dent to our budget). The minute I let her out of her crate in the morning, she runs to the backyard to pee and poop and runs to the front door where she sits and waits to begin her day. Did I mention what a cutie she is? :p

The funniest thing is that my husband is actually jelous of the guy that is with the puppies all day because Bella is in love with him.
She is definately partial to men!

[TrishB]

Well, the person I have found is very friendly, is willing to come twice a day for 'Puppy Time' and is trained in Pet First Aid. She has given me 2 personal references and a professional reference (her vet). She wants to meet with me and my puppy first, to ensure that we all click together - I appreciated that idea. She's been at this for 3 years and has only had one sick day.

I'll let you know how the meeting goes! :D

Now all I need is my puppy! ;)

[Rottlva]

Trish, your pup will appreciate the quality time :)