24/08/2024
I am asked for dog walker recommendations a lot. There’s a lot of dog walkers in the area, and I’ll be honest that I don’t know each one that is out there, when so many new ones pop up so often. Whilst I do have some that I recommend locally, I thought it would be more useful for me to share my dog walker green flags. There are no regulations for those working in the dog care industry (the only thing that is regulated is veterinary care) so this is just my personal view.
🐾 They ask lots of questions about your dog’s behaviour, their likes, dislikes, and what makes them “them”. This shows that they are more likely to be able to cater to your dog’s individual needs and are interested in doing this.
🐾 They have taken time to learn about dog body language from reputable sources, and can evidence this understanding in one way or another. ANYONE working with dogs professionally should be able to read dog body language, and you don’t just learn this from spending time around dogs a lot. I’ve taught people that have had dogs for 40+ years new things about body language. Being able to read body language is essential for making sure any dogs in their care are happy. If there are things causing them worry or discomfort then the walker will be able to recognise this if they can read the dog’s body language.
🐾 They’ve taken time to learn about dog behavioural basics including recognising when a dog is becoming overwhelmed, how the environment impacts the dog, and some breed-based behaviours.
🐾 If they offer group walks, they carefully consider the compatibility of different dogs, and don’t just lump them together without managed introductions. If they tell you your dog doesn’t quite fit in with any of their groups, it is because they’re looking out for your dog and also the others. Sadly I’ve known more than one dog come to me for behavioural changes after going on a group walk and being put in to a group that probably wasn’t right for them, with no managed introduction to the group.
🐾 They recognise potential for resource guarding on group walks and manage accordingly, to prevent tension and conflict between the dogs. That might mean your dog doesn’t get to play with their favourite squeaky toy on their walks, because the other dogs might also really want that toy and there aren’t enough to go around.
🐾 THEY ARE INSURED – anyone working professionally with dogs should be insured.
🐾 Their ethics as a dog walker are clear from the outset, in terms of their approach, ethos, and values. They may even hold some dog behaviour qualifications, dog walking qualifications, or can evidence some understanding of dog behaviour beyond just liking dogs.
🐾 They will not let your dog off-lead unless they are confident in their recall and if it is safe for them to spend time off-lead. I’ve known dogs get lost when this has not been considered. It doesn’t mean the dog can’t spend time on a long line, though, and they can still have a fun enriching walk.
🐾 They prioritise your dog’s welfare above all else and will advocate for them when they are in their care.
🐾 They respect your wishes for your dog providing that they aren’t being asked to do anything that is not in the interest of the dog’s overall welfare. I know how scary it can be letting somebody else walk your dog, it requires a lot of trust. That trust needs to be respected. If your wishes aren’t being respected (e.g. “please don’t take him to the beach as it’s a bit busy for him there”, “he doesn’t like walking around our estate so please could you take him to XX place instead”) then that would concern me.
🐾 They are not harsh with your dog and do not use aversive training methods. They support the use of ethical training, and compassionate methods.
🐾 They know their limits. A dog walker is a fantastic part of the team around the dog but does not replace the role of a qualified behaviourist, or a vet (some behaviourists may offer dog walking services in some circumstances for their clients, and this is a bit different of course). If the dog is experiencing complex behavioural challenges (for example, reactivity), this can be discussed with the family, who may choose to employ the help of a behaviourist. I am always keen for dog walkers to get involved with supporting ongoing behavioural coaching if any of their clients have come to me, and am even happy for the walker to come to sessions if they’d like to, so we are all on the same page and understand the causes for the behaviour, as well as steps we’re going to take to help with the behaviour. The dog walker can then put in to practice our coaching strategies and management on walks, and provide greater consistency. They aren't expected to come to sessions, but at the very least, I always suggest to my clients that they share my recommendations and assessment with their dog walker.
🐾 They are respectful of other dogs, people, and livestock in the environment when they’re out on walks.
🐾 If travelling with you dog in their vehicle, the set up is suitable for the safety and comfort of your dog.
To add in some information about boarding and sitting. Dog boarding (looking after your dog in THEIR home) requires licensing by the council. They should have a license number. Dog SITTING (looking after a dog in YOUR home) does not need a license.
Dog walkers can be a great part of your support network, "team around the dog", and it can be helpful for your dog to form a positive relationship with a walker in case you need to employ their walking or sitting services.
