Choosing the Right Dog Walker

Hiring a dog walker can be a great solution for busy pet owners who want to ensure their furry friend gets the exercise, socialisation, and care they need. However, finding the right dog walker for your beloved pet is crucial, as you want someone who will treat your dog with the love, patience, and attention they deserve. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to choose the perfect dog walker for your canine companion.

Consider what service you need

Dog walking services come in all different flavours, and it’s important to consider your dog’s personality and activity level to find the perfect match.

• Doggy Daycares: These essentially provide short term boarding dogs while their owners are at work. While in the daycare centre, your dog should have plenty of time to play, nap, and may also go for walks.

• Solo Walks: For particularly anxious, nervous or reactive dogs a solo walk may be the way to go. Solo walks usually cost more than group walks, but your dog walker will be able to focus all of their attention on your dog, managing their reactivity and working within any training plans you may have in place.

• Secure Field Hire: Some walkers have exclusive use of secure fields. These can be ideal for dogs with poor recall and/or bad leash manners. Dogs are able to play and exercise in a group with no risk of getting distracted or running off.

• Group Walks: Groups of dogs are taken to different locations and have time to play and explore in the real world. Group size will vary depending on the walker’s preference – in the UK walkers can be insured for up to 8 dogs per person.

We are lucky in Midlothian to have an excellent network of pet carers who often work together and refer dogs to one another to ensure each dog can meet the perfect walker and get the most from their activities.

Seek recommendations and research

• Start by asking friends, family or neighbours for recommendations, as they may have positive experiences with local dog walkers. Local Facebook groups can be a great place to find recommendations.

• Research dog walkers in your area by browsing their websites, checking out their photos, reading online reviews, and looking for testimonials from satisfied clients.

Check qualifications and experience

• Look for dog walkers with professional qualifications or certifications, such as pet first aid training, animal behaviour courses, or pet care certifications

• Find out how dogs will be secured during transport.

• Ask about their experience working with dogs, particularly if your pet has any specific needs or behavioural concerns.

Arrange a meet and greet

• Schedule a meet and greet between the dog walker and your pet, allowing them to interact and observe how they get along.

• Use this opportunity to ask the dog walker about their approach to dog walking, their familiarity with local walking routes, and how they handle different situations, such as encounters with other dogs.

Discuss your pet's needs and preferences

• Communicate clearly any specific needs or preferences that your dog may have, such as dietary restrictions, medication schedules or behavioural quirks – be honest! If the walker feels that they are not the best match for your pet they will very likely be able to refer to someone they feel will be a better match.

• Ensure the dog walker is comfortable and capable of accommodating your pet’s needs and can provide personalised care and attention.

Verify insurance and background checks

• Confirm that the dog walker has the necessary insurance coverage, such as public liability insurance, to protect both you and your pet.

• Ask if the dog walker has undergone a background check to ensure they are a trustworthy and reliable individual.

Review their terms and conditions and pricing

• Carefully review the dog walker’s service agreement, including their cancellation policy, payment terms, and any additional services they may offer.

Finding the perfect dog walker for your furry friend may take some time and effort, but the peace of mind it provides is well worth it. By seeking recommendations, checking qualifications, arranging a meet and greet and discussing your pet’s needs, you can confidently choose a dog walker who will care for your pet as if they were their own. At Waggy Wanderers Pet Care, we pride ourselves on offering top-quality dog walking and pet care services in Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. We offer experienced, compassionate and dedicated support to you and your canine companion. If you’re searching for a professional dog walker or pet care provider, please don’t hesitate to get in touch or check out our services for more details about our walks.