What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 6pm Tuesday 8am - 6pm Wednesday 8am - 6pm Thursday 8am - 6pm Friday 8am - 6pm

Ali Spence - Dog Walking & Pet Care Services

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Ali Spence - Dog Walking & Pet Care Services

Ali Spence - Dog Walking & Pet Care Services is able to provide you with a professional, reliable an
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There are times when we can't always take care of our pets personally. That's why I offer a range of pet care services to make life a bit easier in busy times, holiday times and just times when you need a bit of space for yourself. I pride myself on being able to provide you with a professional, reliable and friendly service that gives you total peace of mind - 'your pets in safe hands'. I am p

olice checked, fully insured and canine first aid trained. My aim is not just to provide peace of mind at all times, but to make sure your pet has a fun, interesting and stimulating time in my care. It is important to me that you come home to a happy, healthy and relaxed pet.

26/01/2025

11/01/2025

Top Tips for Walking Your Dog in the Winter

Winter walks with our furry friends can be a magical experience but also come with challenges. Here are some top tips to ensure you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable time during your winter adventures:

1. Dress for the Weather
For You: Layer up with warm clothing, gloves, a hat, and waterproof boots to keep yourself comfortable.

For Your Dog: To keep your dog warm, consider a dog coat or sweater, especially for short-haired breeds. Booties can protect their paws from ice, salt, and cold surfaces.

2. Stay Visible
Reflective Gear: Use reflective collars, leashes, and clothing for both you and your dog to ensure you are visible to drivers, especially during early morning or evening walks.

LED Lights: Attach LED lights to your dog's collar for added visibility in low-light conditions.

3. Protect Their Paws
Paw Balm: Apply a paw balm or petroleum jelly to your dog's paws before heading out to prevent cracking and irritation from the cold and salt.

Booties: Use dog booties to protect their paws from ice, salt, and cold surfaces. If your dog is not used to booties, practice indoors first.

4. Be Mindful of Ice and Salt
Avoid Salted Areas: Avoid areas heavily treated with salt, as it can be harsh on your dog's paws.

Rinse Paws: Rinse your dog's paws with warm water to remove any salt or chemicals they may have come into contact with after the walk.

5. Keep Walks Short and Sweet
Monitor for Signs of Cold: Watch for signs of discomfort in your dog, such as shivering or lifting its paws off the ground. If it shows signs of being too cold, head home to warm up.

Short Walks: Opt for shorter, more frequent walks rather than long outings in extremely cold weather.

6. Stay Hydrated
Water Supply: Bring fresh water for your dog to drink, as they can still get dehydrated in the winter.

Avoid Eating Snow: Discourage your dog from eating snow, as it can contain harmful substances like antifreeze or chemicals.

7. Be Aware of Hypothermia and Frostbite
Watch for Symptoms: Signs of hypothermia include shivering, lethargy, and pale gums. Frostbite can occur on ears, paws, and tails, so look for pale or blue-tinged skin.

Seek Warmth: If you suspect your dog has hypothermia or frostbite, seek immediate veterinary care and warm them up gradually.

8. Stick to Safe Paths
Familiar Routes: Stick to familiar routes where you know the terrain and potential hazards.

Avoid Frozen Water: Avoid frozen ponds or lakes, as the ice may not be thick enough to support your dog's weight.

9. Ensure Your Dog is Microchipped
Identification: Make sure your dog is microchipped and has up-to-date identification tags in case they get lost during a winter walk.

10. Have Fun!
Enjoy the Season: Winter walks can be a wonderful bonding experience for you and your dog. Embrace the beauty of the season and enjoy the time spent together.

Address

250 Fairmile Road, Christchurch
Dorset
BH232LR

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 6pm
Tuesday	8am - 6pm
Wednesday	8am - 6pm
Thursday	8am - 6pm
Friday	8am - 6pm

Telephone

+447870989933

Website

http://ali-dogwalker.co.uk/

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My Story

There are times when we cannot take care of our pets personally. That's why I offer a complete range of Pet Care Services tailored to your individual needs. These include: Dog Walking (Group & Solo), Pet Feeding, Puppy Maintenance Visits & Evening Dog Sitting.

Established in 2013, Ali Spence - Dog Walking & Pet Care Services offers a reliable, affordable and professional Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Service in Christchurch, Dorset. I provide all these services myself, so you can be confident that once our initial consultation and trial walk has been completed, you will know that your pet is in 'safe hands'.

In addition to these, I offer a number of Dog Training Packages. These are offered on a one-to-one basis and you can work with me to develop your relationship with your dog and iron out any 'troublesome' issues.

I am police checked and fully insured for third party liability. I am Canine First Aid Trained and am a FULL member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers.

I have had animals around me for forty plus years. Dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits and a few birds were part of my family life since I was very small. My grandmother and mother kept Dachshunds and I loved looking after the dogs and their puppies. Later in life, I had my own cats, rabbits and a hamster; followed by a black Labrador and then three Border Collies - Flash, Flynn and Molly, a senile English Springer Spaniel - Dylan and presently Charlie 'Crocodile' the lovable Bassett Hound.

I am often asked why I do this job and I reply - 'I have always had three passions in my life: being outdoors, walking and being with animals'. I have previously worked in team management and also as a complementary therapist/lecturer. These roles were enjoyable but I was always looking out of the window, longing to be outside walking with my dogs. Finding my vocation allows me to 'live' my passion and help other people when they need their pets looked after.

My time in management taught me that leadership is important and this is best achieved through positive motivation and a consistent approach. Work as a complementary therapist taught me that relaxation is often achieved through good diet, plenty of exercise and adopting a 'holistic approach to life'. My time spent as a lecturer enabled me to teach others about these strategies.

I believe these principles apply equally to our pets and that the key to a happy pet is:- a good diet, plenty of exercise, calm guidance, guardianship and leadership, understanding of how different species' minds work and that we use positive reinforcement methods - and of course lots of love!!!

I have worked hard to improve my 'knowledge, 'experience' and 'confidence' when working with dogs. I am qualified in Canine Psychology (studying at Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester). In 2014, I passed my IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) assessment with a distinction, which has been maintained at that level bi-annually. I believe in keeping my skills up to date and being aware of the latest research regarding training methods. I regularly attend continuous professional development courses.

I am currently studying Canine Behaviour with the ISCP (International School of Canine Practitioners). There is always so much to learn about our furry friends. My principle aim is to be able to offer a truly 'holistic' approach to pet care services.

Lots of Wags & Woofs

Ali xx