How to find the right dog walker

Finding the right dog walker isn't just about scheduling a person into your life. The real decision is one of trust. What's the big question most dog owners are thinking? "Am I putting my dog in good hands?"

I created Dog Trek, as I wanted to create something that would help dogs, be healthy, active and interesting — and in doing so, help owners. This philosophy is behind every thing we do today.

Price alone is not the answer

Many people will select a dog walker based solely on price. While selecting a dog walker based on price may seem logical, it usually overlooks several key elements such as; where the dogs go for the walk, how the dogs are grouped together, how safely the dogs will be transported, and the degree of insurance coverage and DBS checking etc., which all contribute equally to the quality of care provided by a professional dog walker. Selecting a dog walker strictly based on price may ultimately prove to be far more costly than initially anticipated if there is a problem with the dog walker. Furthermore, even though the dog walker may provide adequate exercise to the dog, if the overall experience for the dog does not meet their individual needs, then both parties (dog owner & dog) lose out.

It's More Than Just a Walk — It's an Experience

Dogs require a great deal more than just physical activity. Dogs require mental stimulation, and they require new and diverse experiences to keep them engaged. For example, a short walk around the block may suffice for some dogs, but for many dogs, it simply will not be enough. A successful dog walk should result in a dog feeling satisfied, relaxed and content, rather than merely tired.

What I Look for In Dogs — And What I Don't

All dogs are not suited to group walks. One of the primary considerations when assessing whether a particular dog is suitable for group walks is how the dog reacts to other dogs. Many dog owners fear that their dog is not going to fit-in with other dogs in a group walk setting. However, that is not typically the issue. More precisely stated, the concern is whether the dog fits appropriately into the group dynamics. Energy levels, temperaments and social skills are essential elements to consider when planning a group walk. In fact, I have turned-down many potential clients who are too boisterous or too large for our existing groups due to these factors. These decisions are made because while they may be excellent dogs in every respect, they simply won't mesh with our current groups.

What Happens When Needs Are Met

There are few things more gratifying than seeing positive changes occur in dogs after they begin receiving appropriate amounts of exercise and socialization. One of my regular clients is a four year old medium size dog who began walking with me as a high-energy dog that was creating problems at home. After providing him with structured and enhanced walks along with developing an environment conducive to his behavior and personality type, he has become significantly less high-strung and now enjoys spending time at home with his family. His behavior has improved greatly because he finally received what he needed.

Building Confidence

It's not just high-energy dogs that gain confidence through proper walking. I've also worked with shy or timid dogs that over time have gained confidence through socialization and bonding with other dogs during walks. Once confident dogs begin to bond and interact with other dogs during walks, the possibilities open up for numerous fun experiences. Just like humans, confidence in animals can be developed through experience and interaction with others.

Misconceptions About Walking Your Dog

One of the most common misconceptions about walking your dog is that a short walk around the block meets your dogs' needs. While that may be true for some dogs, many dogs require more than a short walk to satisfy their needs including more space to roam, more stimuli to discover, more opportunity to explore and play, and greater freedom to follow their natural instincts. Therefore, a walk should be more than just another scheduled event in your dog's daily routine. A walk should add value to your dog's day.

What Really Matters To Me

When selecting a dog walker for your pet, remember to set aside concerns related to cost and convenience long enough to ask yourself a very important question: Is my dog in safe hands — and are their needs being fully met?

Specifically:

1. Safety and Reliability.
2. The locations your dog visits.
3. The way your dogs are grouped.
4. The amount of enrichment and stimulation available.
5. Does your dog walker understand that every dog is unique and treats each as an individual client versus booking number.

Why We Are Different

Our goal at Dog Trek is to design all of our walks around your dog's experience.

Therefore, our walks are:

1. Reliable
2. Paced according to each individual dog's needs
3. Socialized and matched accordingly
4. Enrichment-based
5. Active/Exercise focused
6. Friendly/Calm/Safe

Because at the end of the day, a good dog walk isn’t just about getting through energy. It’s about improving a dog’s day, and in turn your own relationship with your dog.