DOG WALKING - YOUR THOUGHTS

[mollie]

Hi All,

I am coming to 'the age' where I need a change of career!

I have been chewing over the idea of dog walking - I have plenty of experience and would like to see what you good folks think.

I'm not thinking in terms of buying a van etc etc and piling in as many dogs as I can. I am thinking more in terms of people who maybe don't want their dogs to be put into a car/van, but more walked from their homes in our local area. I'm thinking that I would certainly walk no more than two at a time. I am not considering this for earning a lot of money, as that is not priority.
I presume I would need insurance.

Does anyone out there doggy walk? Any advice on the pros and cons?

[Lins]

Can't offer you any advice Marge but, generally, so called professional dog walkers get up my nose.

They are definitely in it for the money. I know of one who give dogs no more than a twenty minute walk when people have paid for an hour. Dogs left in vans until they take the second batch. I could go on.

I wish you good luck in your career move.

[JoanG]

Marge I would have a word with Abi she must have lots of advice on the ins and outs of dog walking, She has so much experience on all matters relating to dogs. If it's what you really fancy doing I sincerely hope you can get things up and running. You would be just what people would want in a dog walker - caring, doing it because you love dogs not just to make money and local.

[mollie]

I've seen those dog walkers Lins, and I know what you mean. My conscience (not to mention my love of dogs, as you've said, Joan) wouldn't let me do that. I'm thinking a very small number, and doing it well.

I'll see Abi this weekend - good thinking Joan!

[Joe + Hilary]

I don't know anything about dog walking either (apart from mine). However, it could be a good service provided by someone like yourself maybe for people who are poorly but do not want to part with their dog. I would have dearly loved someone to walk one or two of mine sometimes when my husband was ill. As it was I put him at risk really by trying to dash them out and back again. It was as much an impossibility to re-home them as it was to try to walk them properly. I do have a large garden, lots of people are not so lucky. You could maybe contact some of the local associations for various illnesses to let people know of your service.

Good luck if you do it.

Hilary x

[Glenys]

You do need insurance and good dog walkers are a bonus we had someone who came twice a week to take Gollie out she only walked her own and two others together we called them his adventures because as we have direct access to fields they need a good walk as well and socialise with other dogs I trusted Sandra and he loved her too

Some however would not trust but you Marge you would do really well.

I think also because people who work give you keys to their property you need one of the CRB thingys Im sure you would pass that xx

[Labrador3]

Hello Marge,
we think its a great idea. Many of us have had times when a trusted dog walker would be a godsend (illness etc). As mentioned in earlier posts, there are some who take several dogs at once but that isn't always suitable for the dog. As you may remember when you collected our boy Roly for rescue, some dogs can be nervous or stressed around other dogs so single or maybe walking with 1 other dog as a companion is much better. There is definately a market for this in the Leyland/Ulnes Walton area and we think you would do very well.
If you decide to go ahead with this, please let the forum know and we would keep you in mind.
Good luck and best wishes.

[Liz5353]

Hello Marge
Dog walking service is not something I have used, but for some people it is necessary, I am sure you will be excellent if you decide to do this so lots of luck.
Love Liz Shelly Bonnie Molly Polly xx