Like humans, dogs also require regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Sometimes, you may be unable to fulfill your dog’s physical exercise requirements due to a busy schedule or other commitments.

In such cases, a professional dog walker can be a great help. However, finding the right dog walker for your pup can be challenging. This is because you need someone you can trust to take good care of your furry friend. It’s not just about loving dogs; it’s also about being reliable, professional, and understanding your dog’s needs.

Are you wondering what factors to look for when choosing a private dog walker? Let’s give you some answers!

Why Hire a Professional Dog Walker?

Every pet owner knows how important it is to keep pets active, especially dogs. You can’t escape it – even small or most docile breeds require daily walks.

However, walking your dog every day can be time-consuming. Work or other unforeseen commitments sometimes get in the way, and you just can’t fit dog walking into your schedule. For instance, one report suggests that 57% of dog owners admit they skip walks each week. 

Even if you’re tied up, your Fido shouldn’t miss out on its daily walk. That’s where a private dog walker comes in. Hiring a professional dog walker is a great way to keep your dog happy and active when you can’t be there.

Still unsure? Here are a few compelling reasons why you should hire a professional dog walker.

Helps Keep Your Pup Healthy

Dogs need routine exercise to stay happy and healthy, just like people. If your dog stays inside all day without moving, it’s not good for them. A dog that only eats and sleeps all day can become unhealthy. It may gain weight, feel stressed, or break things.

These problems happen because the pup doesn’t get enough activity or exercise. According to one study, over 54% of dogs in the US are obese or overweight, with some breeds more susceptible than others. With obesity, dogs can have other health issues as well.

A puppy with little to no exercise may develop heart problems, high blood pressure, lose strength, and more. Hiring a professional dog walker ensures that your dog gets the exercise it needs every day, helping it stay healthy and happy.

Helps Socialize – No More Lonely Days

One of the hardest aspects of owning a dog is leaving it alone for work. Your pup may look sad when you leave, make you feel bad, or even become sick. Dogs are sociable beings – they need company and stimulation to stay happy.

One effective way to do this is to walk your dog. A good daily walk benefits your pup health-wise and helps them mingle with other canines. Dogs have a stronger sense of smell than humans, so they enjoy smelling new things on walks, keeping their senses active. 

In addition, your dog will meet new people and animals, helping them learn to socialize. This can stop them from becoming aggressive or biting someone for no reason. When you hire a professional dog walker, you can sign your pup up for group walking. It allows your dog to play with other pets and have fun while you are at work.

Less Stress for Your Dog

Dogs often get stressed and have pent-up energy if they don’t get enough exercise. This can cause them to bite or scratch people and things. We all have heard at least once from family and friends how a canine chewed up a shoe.

They do this because they have no other way to release excess energy. Hiring a dog walker helps your pet stay happy and calm so they won’t destroy things when you come home.

Bathroom Breaks 

If you have a young puppy or an older dog with health problems, regular bathroom breaks are very important.

After all, you don’t want to come home to accidents all over your nice carpet after a long day at work. Professional dog walkers can customize their services for your needs. They can visit your home multiple times a day to ensure your pup gets all the bathroom breaks it needs while you are at work.

Risk-Free

When you hire a skilled dog walker, you can relax knowing your dog is safe. Every leading dog walking service does a thorough background check on employees. Plus, they train them to take good care of your dog.

If you’re still worried, some companies provide a dog walker app. You can use the app to track where your dog is during their walk. The app also provides updates, such as texts about how your canine is doing on the walks. Some even send photos and videos of dogs during walks. 

This way, you can feel calm and know your dog is safe while you are at work. Now that you know why you should hire a professional dog walker, let’s find out what factors to look for when hiring one. 

Factors to Consider to Choose the Right Private Dog Walker

For most pet owners, their furry friends are part of the family. When you have to leave your pup in someone else’s care, it’s important to find the right person. Here are a few actionable tips to help you choose the perfect dog walker.

Know What You Want From a Dog Walker: Define Your Expectations

Before hiring a dog walker, consider what’s most important to you. Do you want someone to play with your dog and keep them active, or take them on a leisurely sniff-filled walk around the neighborhood? 

Would you prefer real-time updates during the walk or a summary at the end of the day? Do you need them to bring in deliveries from your doorstep? Also, mull over how qualified you want your walker to be. Some people hire neighborhood teens or friends to save money, but that comes with risks. 

Even if your dog is mellow and easy-going, unexpected situations, such as encounters with off-leash dogs, could lead to fights. You could be held responsible if your dog escapes or causes an accident. So, it’s important to think about what you want and what your pup needs to stay safe.

Evaluate Your Dog’s Needs

Every dog is different. Therefore, it’s best to reflect on your dog’s breed, energy level, age, and socialization needs. Do they need short, easy walks or longer and more active outings? Is your canine comfortable around other dogs, or do they prefer solo walks?

If your dog is nervous around new people or loud noises, you may need a walker who can handle those challenges. Some dogs may even need help with leash training. In such cases, a dog walker who’s also a certified trainer could be the best fit.

Where to Find a Dog Walker

There are numerous places to find a good dog walker. Here are some tips to start your search:

• Ask your friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations. Maybe your next-door neighbor has an older teen at home who exercises and looks to make extra money.
• If you already have a pet sitter, ask if they also do walks or provide a reliable referral.
• Check with your vet, groomer, or local animal shelter. Sometimes, many vet technicians offer dog walking on the side, which is helpful if your dog needs medication during the walk.
• Your dog trainer may know some good walkers or offer walking services themselves. Trainers who walk pups can help reinforce good behavior while they walk.

Questions to Ask a Pup Walker

Once you have found a few potential dog walker candidates, it’s time to ask questions. After all, you want to ensure they’re the right fit for your dog and that you can trust them with your pet – and your home. 

Here are some important things to ask about:

1. Qualifications and Experience

Start your interview by asking about certifications. Are they certified in pet first aid or CPR? Do they know any signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion? Are they part of any professional group, such as Pet Sitters International? 

After qualifications, jump to the questions relating to their experience. How much experience do they have with different breeds and sizes of dogs? Do they know how to stop a dog fight? Also, what’s their approach to training and discipline?

They must use positive, reward-based methods and avoid tools such as shock or choke collars.

2. Business Details

No matter what, do your due diligence to ensure your dog walker’s business is organized. This is key for both safety and liability. Here are some important questions to ask:

• Are they licensed, insured, and bonded?
• How long have they been in business?
• Can they provide references from clients?
• What are their rates, and what’s their cancellation policy?
• If they’re unavailable, do they have a backup walker, and what are that person’s qualifications?

3. Walk Routine

Will they walk your dog alone or in a group? If it’s a group, how many dogs are included, and how are they managed? Where will they walk your dog, and what’s the routine? Do they offer training during walks? Will they send you updates or photos from the walk?

Health and Safety Needs

Your dog’s health and safety should always come first. Ensure your walker knows where the nearest emergency vet is and has the contact information for your regular vet. If your dog has any health issues or behavior concerns, such as aggression or anxiety, ensure your walker is aware and able to handle them. 

If you don’t inform your potential walker, they may accidentally cause your dog to act aggressively, putting themselves at risk of serious injury. This could also lead to your dog being taken away or labeled “dangerous” by authorities.

Ask for Trial Walks

Before making your final decision, set up a trial walk. This is your chance to see how the walker interacts with your dog. Pay attention to how your pup responds to them – does your dog seem comfortable? Does the walker understand your dog’s body language?

Trial walks may cost you a bit, but they’re worth it to make sure you make the right choice for you and your dog.

What to Do Once You Hire a Dog Walker?

Hiring a dog walker isn’t a “set it and forget it” decision. Just like in any relationship, things can change, so it’s smart to keep an eye on things and check in regularly.

While most dog walkers are kind and trustworthy, there are some exceptions. For example, a dog walker in Florida didn’t do the walks for which they were paid, and another in California was caught throwing a small dog.

To make sure your dog is safe and you get what you pay for, consider the following checks and precautions:

• Watch for changes in your dog’s behavior or health and see how it behaves around the dog walker.
• Ask your neighbors to watch and tell you if they notice anything unusual.
• Use an activity and GPS monitor to track your dog’s walks and exercise.
• Set up cameras at your door or inside your home. Many options are available, including affordable ones. Just let your dog walker know you have security cameras in place.

Value Your Dog Walker

Once you find a great dog walker, we say hold onto them. Whenever possible, show your dog walker how much you appreciate their efforts. 

Here’s a list of things to do to make them feel valued:

• Respect Their Time: Try not to cancel at the last minute. Book their services as early as you can.
• Celebrate Special Occasions: If possible, remember their birthday and give them a card or a small gift. After all, who doesn’t like a gift certificate for a massage or spa service?
• Include Them in the Holidays: Send your dog walker a holiday card and consider giving a tip or a small gift to show your thanks.
• Leave a Review: If they have a website or social media page, write a positive review. Share what makes them special and what you appreciate about their service.
• Say “Thank You”: A simple thank you can make a big difference.

Treat your dog walker well, and they’ll continue to be a wonderful part of your dog’s life.

Elevate Your Dog Walking Experience With OC PupScouts

Choosing the right dog walker is important for your dog’s comfort and happiness. You want your dog to feel as relaxed with their walker as they do with you. 

Follow the tips to find the perfect private dog walker. However, if you seek the best dog walkers in town, choose OC Pup Scouts! Our private walk service gives your furry friend a safe and enjoyable outing tailored just for them.

For more information, visit our website or contact us today to set up a private walk perfect for your pup!