What I get told most often …
As a dog walker, I am out walking a LOT … I mean a LOT!
My day normally starts about 7-8am, when I walk my own dogs. I sometimes have other dogs with me, but this is mainly my time with my dogs (Unless it is stupidly hot … like now, then it’s earlier and shorter walks!)
There are a few comments that come up nearly every time I encounter someone …
The most common comment; “Ooo my, you have your hands full!”
Yes, I can often have multiple dogs with me, wether on lead or not (dog and location dependant) so I can get that many people do not see someone walking up to six dogs (according to my local authority rules of number of dogs allowed on public land by one person) But surely you must realise that I am told this often?! And I would like to point out that 99% of the time, the dogs are well behaved and not an issue to these people!
Another comment is; “Oh you are a dog walker? Oh I would love to be a dog walker, it has to be the best job in the world. Stress free and easy. Anyone could be a dog walker!”
Yes, it IS a great job, and I do think it is the best job in the world … BUT … it is NOT stress free and it is far from easy! And there is SO much more to being a dog walker than ‘just’ walking dogs.
Not all dogs are happy walking with every other dog I walk. This means I need to plan who walks with who, using my judgement with new dogs and making sure the dynamic of the ‘pack’ is a happy and well balanced one.
Every dog that you walk needs to trust you. They need to listen to you and respond. They need to get to know you and you to know them and their traits. You need to create a connection / bond with each and every one of the dogs you walk.
Offering a pick up and drop off service from walks, means that I need to plan my route between dogs (if there are multiple dogs) and let customers know rough time estimates and when the dog will be returning.
The weather is another factor. Is it going to be too hot? Too cold? Is it wet, meaning they will need to be dried on my return? Is it going to thunder / lightning, and are the dogs I am taking OK with that?
You need to be calm and confident at all times, in order to keep that bond and the trust that the dogs have with you. What if an aggressive dog approaches off the lead? What if you are walking a dog that is apprehensive when meeting people and someone wants to come and stroke them? There are SO many factors you need to constantly consider and judge.
I can walk anywhere up to twenty miles a day, which not only takes its toll on my physically but mentally too. It is also a HUGE cost in shoes!
I need to make sure I have plenty dry and clean towels in the van, I have enough treats for the day. I have drying coats for dogs that are spending the day with me. Do I have enough leads? Are there any dogs that may not have a collar or an ID Disc on them? Have I got enough of them to go round? Is my first aid kit up to date? Do I have all the keys I need for the day?
All of this also has to be carried by me at all times.I am often alone, walking in not very busy or populated areas. This could be a massive worry to many people. What if someone confronted me? Or the dogs?
What if a dog suddenly has a fit whilst out walking? What do I do? How do I get that dog back to the van? Which vets do I need to go to?
These are just a FEW of the issues I face on a daily basis. There are so many more! (some that I will NOT talk about!)
I have also helped many customers (and randoms) with common health issues that come up in everyday dog ownership. I am able to help due to my knowledge and having had dogs for years.
Yes, I suppose anyone COULD be a dog walker … but there are not many that are GOOD dog walkers!
“Are all these your dogs?” Looking at me in shock, as if I am the crazy dog lady (I mean, I am the crazy dog lady … but that does NOT mean I own that many dogs!!!)
So these are just a FEW of the things that I get told most of the time.
Hopefully you have enjoyed and maybe even laughed at some points … until the next time,
THANK YOU!
Nikki, X
