Despite our increasingly busy and demanding lives, many people consider having a pet, such as a dog or a cat, essential. For some, this is non-negotiable. A glance at rental listings reveals how often prospective tenants inquire about pet-friendly properties. Many renters prioritise their furry companions over the property itself, turning down properties where pets are not allowed.
Dog walking services have become increasingly popular among pet owners who want to ensure their furry companions receive proper exercise and attention. Whether you’re a busy professional, have mobility challenges, or simply need an extra hand, hiring a dog walker can be a great solution. These services provide an effective solution for pet owners who wish to ensure their furry companions receive adequate exercise, attention, and socialisation, especially during long workdays or when commitments have necessitated their absence from home.
Benefits of Dog Walking Services
Dogs are more dependent and more active than cats. They require regular exercise, stimulation and attention to prevent frustration, whereas cats tend to be rather aloof, self-sufficient and able to fend for themselves. Key signs of a frustrated dog include:
- Body language: Stiff posture, lowered ears, raised hackles, tail tucked between legs, whale eye (looking away while showing the whites of their eyes), staring intently, lip licking, excessive yawning, or even attempting to bite the leash or your hand.
- Vocalisations: Growling, whining, snarling and excessive barking.
- Destructive behaviour: Chewing on inappropriate items, digging at the floor, tearing up furniture, shoes and clothing.
- Aggression: Snapping, biting, lunging at people or other animals.
- Ignoring commands: Not responding to training commands.
What can cause dog frustration?
- Lack of exercise: Not getting enough physical activity.
- Boredom: Not having enough mental stimulation.
- Restricted access: Being prevented from reaching something they want, like a toy or another dog.
- Poor training: Not understanding expectations or being asked to do things beyond their capabilities.
- Anxiety: Feeling overwhelmed in a situation.
Using the services of an experienced and skilled dog walker offers the following benefits:
- Physical and Mental Health: Regular walks are essential for dogs, helping them maintain a healthy weight, alleviate anxiety, and avoid destructive behaviours. Dogs which are not regularly exercised can become aggressive and frustrated due to pent-up energy.
- Socialisation Opportunities: Dogs that are walked regularly have the chance to interact with other dogs and people, improving their behaviour and personality. Dog walks provide not just physical activity but also sensory exploration. Engaging in new sights, smells, and environments can stimulate your dog’s mind and reduce boredom-related behaviours. Group walks can help improve a dog’s social skills with other dogs and people, which is crucial for their development and behaviour in public settings.
- Convenience for Owners: For those with busy schedules, hiring a dog walker can alleviate the stress of leaving a pet alone for extended periods. It ensures that your dog receives dedicated attention and care throughout the day.
- Customised Walks: Many dog walking services offer tailored walks based on a dog’s age, breed, and energy level, providing a safe and enjoyable experience that meets each dog’s individual needs. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs with behavioural issues, health concerns, or specific exercise requirements.
- Relief for Busy Owners: For those with busy schedules, hiring a dog walker can alleviate the stress of leaving a pet alone for extended periods. It ensures that your dog receives dedicated attention and care throughout the day.
- Services Offered: Dog walkers may provide various services, including solo walks, group walks, or additional services like pet sitting or feeding.
What to Look for in a Dog Walker
When choosing a dog walking service, it’s essential to consider the following:
- Experience and Training: Look for walkers with experience in handling different breeds and temperaments or those who have participated in dog-training exercise programs.
- References and Reviews: Checking testimonials from other pet owners can help gauge the reliability and quality of the service.
- Compatibility with Your Dog: Arrange a meet-and-greet to observe how the walker interacts with your pet. You would do this when appointing a nanny or babysitter for a child, and many regard dogs as their furry children, so the walker and the dog must get along well and enjoy each other’s company. On a more basic level, it is essential that your dog feels comfortable with the individual who will be taking them out.
- Reliability and Communication: If possible, choose a walker who provides updates, such as GPS tracking, photos, or written reports.
Tips for Selecting the Best Dog Walking Service
- Assess Your Dog’s Needs: Consider factors like frequency, duration, and type of walks your dog requires.
- Compare Costs and Packages: Some services may offer discounts for multiple walks per week or additional pet care services.
- Check for Emergency Plans: Ensure the walker knows what to do in case of an emergency. Can they handle unexpected aggression from or toward other dogs or people? Can they carry out basic first-aid procedures if your dog is injured for any reason? This is critical for the safety of your pet.
- Observe the First Walk: If possible, accompany the walker on the first walk to see how they handle your dog.
Conclusion
Dog walking services provide a convenient and valuable solution for pet owners who want to keep their dogs healthy, happy, and well-exercised, even when their schedules are too demanding to do this themselves. Hiring a professional and reliable walker offers peace of mind, ensuring that your dog receives the care and attention it deserves. Whether you need a daily walking service or occasional help, having a professional dog walker will significantly improve the quality of life for your beloved pet.
