Walking dogs is an amazing way to show your love and affection towards these noble beings. You may feel like you have a lot to offer as a dog walker. However, despite all of the love and affection needed in this field, many other variables are to consider.
To become a dog walker, you must be aware of the responsibilities you are in charge of, the level of communication needed, the compromise required, and the dedication needed to be successful. The more prepared you are to take on this kind of task, the better.
Critter Sitters is an experienced Atlanta dog walking company with more than forty years in the business. We understand what it takes to become an excellent dog walker. That is, we invite you to keep reading this article. To learn more about our services, call Critter Sitters today at (404) 793-6178.
How Can I Become a Dog Walker?
Becoming a dog walker is not something that requires extensive or intensive studies. However, it is essential to understand what it takes to be a professional, dedicated dog walker. Some people may think that being a dog walker requires putting a dog on a leash and walking it around the block. However, many different elements come into play when walking a doggie.
First, it is essential to be at least 18 years old and have a high-school degree. This can help you get qualified to be a dog walker. Once you have these qualifications, it is time to take a look at your knowledge of the dog walking field. Do you have any experience walking dogs? How much do you know about dog breeds? Have you walked dogs for someone else before? Are you aware of the different dog behaviors? These are all questions that should be answered if you wish to become a professional dog walker.
You may think these are silly questions that, at best, represent a waste of your time. Nevertheless, consider the following scenario. Assume for a moment someone asks you to walk their Pitbull around the block. This particular type of breed is powerful, strong, and can be temperamental if you get on their wrong side. If you try to walk a Pitbull without adequate knowledge of their handling, you could face a severe accident with you or another person around the neighborhood.
Depending on where you live, you may need a permit or license to become a dog walker. Some cities and counties may also require certification. However, if you are not sure about your specific requirements, it is best to contact your local government office and make sure.
Communication is essential when it comes to dog walking. You need to express your concerns and any worries to your client. Additionally, you should be clear about your services, fees, and responsibilities as a dog walker. It is also essential to be dedicated, passionate, and driven.
What Problems Can a Dog Walker Face in the Beginning?
If you want to become a dog walker, it is essential to understand some of the problems you may run into in the beginning. This can help you understand what it takes to become a professional dog walker and what you should look for at the beginning. Some of the problems you may face include the following:
Traumatized Dogs
Every dog is different. Some doggies are cheerful and happy, while some others are more quiet and mellow. It is also possible you run into a traumatized dog. There have been many cases where loving families have adopted abused or neglected dogs. It may take some time for these dogs to adjust, trust, and change their behavior in most cases.
It is essential to talk to the owners about their dog’s past experiences, potential triggers, and their particular needs as a dog walker. This can save you a lot of trouble down the road. It is possible you need to visit a traumatized dog once or twice before you start walking them. This will ensure they are familiar with your presence, reducing their stress levels and potentially a trigger.
Leash Tugging
Some dogs can’t wait for you to put their leash on because they know it is walking time! However, not all dogs react equally to a leash. Some dogs may find it uncomfortable, restricting, and irritating. This can lead to leash tugging and aggressiveness. It is essential to understand your pup and ensure they are securely fastened, but not to a point they feel too restricted. Sometimes, dog parents may not know about other alternatives to a dog collar, such as a vest. Steering them toward better alternatives for their pup is something that you should always consider to save issues during your services. Always ask the dog owners about their dog’s behavior towards a leash before attempting to walk them.
Aggressive People
You may also run into aggressive people who are not into dogs. Surprising; we know! There have been numerous occasions where people may lash out because you take too long to clean after your dog or just because a dog walked over their lawn. You may feel tempted to talk back to these individuals. However, part of being a professional dog sitter means smiling it out and moving on. If it comes to the point where a person gets too close to you or tries something against you, make sure to report the incident to the police.
Problems with Strangers
While there are people who don’t like dogs (as hard as it is to say it), many others can’t resist showing their love and affection towards these loving fluffballs. However, it is extremely important to be clear about your dog’s behavior toward people who may feel tempted to approach them and pet them. Some dog owners may feel ok if you let other people touch their doggie while you are walking it. However, others may feel like it is too risky due to their dog’s behavior. It is always recommended to be on the safe side and never allow other people to touch the dog you are walking unless otherwise instructed.
Do I Need Insurance as a Dog Walker?
Ideally, you would provide your services, make sure your client and their dogs are happy and have a great experience. However, accidents can happen. There is no telling when you may face an accident with a dog you are walking. For this reason, some cities require dog walkers to carry liability insurance. This is also a matter of policy in your living area. It is recommended to talk to your local government about this critical issue before attempting to walk a dog.
Dog Sitting Service Company Providing High-Quality Pet Sitting Services
If you are looking for a dedicated, experienced professional to take good care of good old Fido, we can help. Critter Sitters is a dog walking company with more than four decades of hands-on experience. We can help you with everything your pup needs. To learn more about our excellent services, call our office today at (404) 793-6178.
