Our walkers are professionally trained and fully insured, so dog owners don't have to worry about leaving their dog in their care. Your beloved dog will be in good hands! Professional dog walkers will supervise them and give them plenty of space to explore.
Once you've chosen the right dog walker, there are a few things you should agree on.
These should be written down in the contract (you also use Bobby’s forms) so you and the dog walker can both refer to them if something goes wrong:
- In the event of an emergency, you should outline what kind of decision-making power the dog walker has, like seeking veterinary care.
- Think about what kind of treatment your pup needs and how you'll handle the vet bill. Agree on the type of equipment you want to use when your pup is out for a walk, like leads or muzzles, and who will provide them. Talk about what kind of toys your pup likes and how often they can eat.
- Set a schedule for when your pup will be picked up, dropped off, and taken for walks, and make sure the walks are varied to keep them interested and stimulated. If a dog walker is coming to pick your pup up while you're out, make sure the person knows how to keep your property secure.
- Dog walkers are not allowed to change your dog's behaviour unless your dog has received appropriate training, and you have given your consent. You should talk about your dog's level of training, and what signals you use – do you use 'lay down' or 'settle'?
- If your dog is walking with others, you’ll need to talk about which dogs your dog can walk with.
Before you hire a dog walker to come and walk your pup, there are 10 things you should ask them.
1.Can we meet and greet?
A good walker will be happy to go through all the paperwork and arrangements with you. This is a great way to see if they're the right fit for you, if you trust them, and how they get along with your pup.
2.Are they DBS checked?
This is a basic check to make sure they have no criminal convictions. Dog walkers need to be able to access your home while you're away, so a DBS check can give you peace of mind.
3. Do you have First aid training?
Before you book a professional dog walker, make sure they are certified in pet first aid so you can trust that they will be able to act quickly in the event of an emergency.
4. How do I pay for my dog walker?
Do I have to pay each time the walker visits? Can I pay by bank transfer at the end of each month or cash? You should discuss it with your dog walker at Meet and Greet. Please, remember, that you should pay directly to your dog walker's bank account or make an agreement for cash payments. So, you and your dog walker can choose the way suits best for you for payments. Bobby the Bulldog wants our friends to be free to take care of their finances and save their time without any delays in payment. But please remember, you have to book the service through the Bobby the Bulldog platform to be eligible for emergency vet insurance.
5. How long will my walk last?
The majority of dog walkers charge by the hour, but you can ask for more information about how much time your dog walker spends walking your dog.
6. Will a dog walker walk my dog with other dogs?
Most dog walkers plan to walk with other dogs, which is not a bad thing. However, if you are worried about this, a good walker will explain to you how they decide whether your dog can be walked with other dogs.
7. What does a dog walker’s pet experience?
You want a dog walker who has experience in dog care. Feel free to ask about their experience and qualifications in pet care.
8. Will a dog walker continue with my training methods?
The last thing you want is for another dog walker to come in and use different commands or techniques that could confuse your dog. Make sure the dog walker can adapt their technique to your dog's needs.
9. Will a dog walker keep me up to date on their walks?
It is important you have a relationship with your dog walker that is open and honest. Your walker should provide you with accurate and up-to-date information, as well as proof of how your walk went. Our walkers provide regular feedback in the form of photos so that you can see how your dog is having a great time. They also leave notes or messages if you ask for them.
10. Does a dog walker keep your dog on or off a leash?
This is one of the most important questions for many dog owners, as it can determine where your dog's walks take place, how happy your dog is after the walk, and how safe you feel when your dog is in the walker’s care. Be sure to describe the type of walks you take your dog on and when your dog is off a leash. A good walker will pay close attention to this and let you know what they plan to do next.
Get Started Today! If you're ready to enjoy a well-behaved, happy, and confident dog, contact Bobby the Bulldog today. Our dog walkers are conveniently located around the UK, and they can't wait to meet you and your four-legged friend.
For enquiries, pricing, and scheduling, please get in touch with the right dog walker. We look forward to helping your dog reach its full potential!
Bobby the Bulldog - Where Dogs Learn, Love, and Thrive!
