17/01/2023
Beverley Cuddy
8h ·
Hive mind time... Thank you everyone for the help constructing this list of questions - anything missing do shout!
Questions to ask a dog walker
1 How many dogs are walked at the same time? (If you want your dog to be walked alone you will probably have to pay more.) If a mixed walk, which other dogs will your dog be with, will they change? Can you meet them? How are dogs introduced to each other?
2 Does the walker have adequate insurance, ask if there is any restriction on the number of dogs they can walk – are they insured for off leash dogs?
3 Where will the dogs be walked and how will the dogs be transported – if by vehicle, are the dogs adequately restrained and separated?
4 Are the dogs ever left in the vehicle while other dogs are walked. (Dog thieves are known to target dog walkers who do this.). Is there air conditioning, are any crates secured properly? Ask to see the inside of their van.
5 Ask how long they have been walking other people’s dogs, what other dog experience or training they have. There is a qualification that is specific to dog walking, have they taken it? How well do they understand dog body language, have they an interest in it? Have they studied it?
6 Ask what they would do if they should encounter a problem dog for example. What would they do if two dogs started fighting? What if the dogs were attacked by a loose dog? A good dog walker will have an emergency plan and will be happy to tell you what it is.
7 Will they be letting your dog off lead? Would you be prepared to pay extra for them to use a secure field?
8 What happens if they are ever ill or on holiday, who covers or will you have to make alternative arrangements? If someone else is going to walk your dog, will they notify you in advance? Will they be of similar calibre?
9 Do they walk in all weathers – what happens in extreme heat, for example. What do they do with very muddy dogs?
10 Are they a member of any professional dog walking associations? Are they registered or licensed by the council? (Not all areas will do this.)
11 Are there any dog owners happy to give the walker a reference?
12 Are they trained in canine first aid?
13 Have they done risk assessments? Can you see them? Do they do them for every walking space?
14 Do they ever use prong collars, electric collars, or any other aversive methods?
15 Do they have a trial period, have they ever refused a dog? If your dog misbehaves or is in any way difficult, will they refuse to walk them? How would they deal with your dog if it did misbehave?
16 Do they have an induction process while they are getting to know your dog - what is it?
17 Do they supply leads, what type? How do they ensure equipment is fit for purpose?
18 What sort of paperwork do they want you to complete? Is it comprehensive? E.g., dog questionnaire, health information, emergency contacts, vet details, permissions? Is there a contract?
19 Do they use treats? Which ones - are they owner supplied, if not, what brand?
20 Do they throw balls or use toys? What sorts.
21 Who is liable if a dog is involved in an incident with another dog/person/animal.
22 Can you watch while they walk a group of other people’s dogs?
23 What back up do they have if they are injured on a walk or if their van breaks down?
24 What emergency vets do they use close to where they will walk your dog?
25 How long is their total journey time with dogs in the vehicle from pick up to their last drop off?
