Tips on assessing & selecting a dog walker.

Im going to need a dog walker soon and was looking for some advice on selecting one.

I intend to write everything down and have them sign a contract.

Do you think I'm am being unreasonable if I ask them to come out with me with the dogs? I just need to see what their like with my boys.

All advice welcome.

I was going to say go without the dog first and assess the walk but it's a dog WALKER you want not a dog walk lol!!
Becky

i would not sign your contract, you would sign mine!
Anyone can come on my walks to observe, before deciding!

I realised my mistake and tried edit the title but couldnt! quite funny though!lol

I don't think it's unreasonable at all to ask the potential dog walker to go with you and your dogs!

I would also want to know how a dog walker was with my boy

I would ask to see a Disclosure certificate to check they don't have a criminal record.

Ask if they're insured.

Do they take spare lead out with them?

Do they let your dog mix/do they walk your dog in a group?

Are they going to let your dog offlead, and if so, is this in a specific safe area?

I dont know if im different to other dog walkers!!!
With me you pay for my service which includes:
a (age related) walk ,
in a small group (under 6)
In a safe place with good field of vision, a large fun area where they can run chase & play & have a good sniff around, without too many members ofthe public.
They will be offlead when deemed safe.(unless requested)
Taken to & from walk in my caged van, with chews & ventilation.
They may spend some travel time in van whilst collecting other dogs
they will have treats on the walk (you may supply your own)
They (i ) will leave a diary of what they have done, inc any problems.
I am insured, i dont have a CRB check & dont intend to unless it becomes law!

I May do a one off walk (1-2-1) if its at a time that fits into my time table.

When I used a dog walker I looked at their contract before signing to see if I was happy with it.

I also added some stipulations of my own, which were signed for.

I wanted my dog walked on a lead on her own.

I also went out a couple of times to observe (under cover) move over James Bond.

I also had seen her out with other people's dogs beforehand.

The only other thing I would think is very handy for a dog walker is having the National Certificate in Canine First Aid just as I would expect a Childminder to have the human equivalent.

I could not care less if a dog walker had a criminal record, we employ many people with criminal records at work; unless of course it was anything related to housebreaking/'burglary or dog nappin!

I've found that most dog walkers are happy for you to go out with them so I think that would be a good idea. It gives you a chance to see how they behave with their dogs and how your dog behaves with them.

I'd also check out the vehicle they use to transport the dogs and whether it is safe. I had one potential dog walker turn up to pick my dog up in the family car that had no cages and no tail guard to stop the dogs escaping or climbing all over him whilst he was driving. Very unsafe and needless to say she didn't go with him!

I would also ask them about their training ethics. They may not be training your dog but you want to know that they won't be hitting your dog if it doesn't recall!

I have been thinking about this and it is a tricky one really as you are putting a lot of trust into someone.

You are trusting them not to allow other pets out, to keep your key safe and to make sure your property is locked again when they leave and of course with your dog!!


Mish, how long do the dogs walk for when you have them out? One thing that puts me off is I worked out my dog would only be out for 20 mins max by the time they 'done the runs'