Which Dog Walking Service is Best For You and Your Dog?
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| Dog Articles » Dog Care | | Which Dog Walking Service is Best For You and Your Dog? |
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Regular walks are crucial for keeping your dog happy and healthy. Dogs that interact regularly with other canines and humans aren’t just in better physical condition but are also well socialized and more behaviorally sound. There are four different types of dog-walking services. Choosing one that’s right for you depends on the individual needs of you and your dog. After going through many types of services with my now twelve year old large mixed breed dog I realized that each age required a different type of walker.
One-on-one walking
As the name suggests, this service provides one dog to one walker. I have found this best for dogs that require extra attention, are older and/or have special needs. On top of the scheduling flexibility this service offers I liked knowing my dog got to the park each day and appreciated the bond that grew between the walker and my dog - essentially she became my dog’s nanny. The success of the one-on-one relationship depends entirely on the walker, which means you should interview the handler first to make sure you feel comfortable with him/her caring for your animal. Average price: $25-$30 per hour
Pack walking
This involves large groups of dogs, 10-12 at a time, being walked at the same time by one to two handlers. When my dog was a pup she really enjoyed pack walks. She socialized with dogs and people on the street and enjoyed the two hour walking time. When she was six, I tried it again and this time she unhappily lagged in the back of the pack so I cancelled. Pack walking is best for young dogs or energetic breeds with no aggressive traits. If you watch Cesar Milan’s Dog Whisperer television show you know that most dogs thrive in packs. If you have a puppy, pack walking can serve as a great training tool…and an even better tuckering out tool. And as we all know, a tired dog is a good dog.
If considering pack walking find a service that allows you to meet the walkers and request that your dog not be tethered outside alone when other dogs are being picked up or dropped off. Generally speaking there are two walkers per pack and one will wait outside with the dogs while the other goes in and picks up or drops off. However, err on the side of caution and make it clear that you do not want your dog left alone outside – that is just asking for trouble. Average price: $18-25 per two hours
Semi-private walks
A combination of one-on-one walks and pack walking, semi-private walks involve one walker with two to three dogs. Before signing up I strongly suggest that when interviewing your dog walker you not only get current customer references for the walker but inquire what dogs (breed, temperament, age) your dog will be walking with. If your dog doesn’t get along well with white fluffy dogs you won’t want to hear your pooch is walking with a Samoyed. Requesting this information is not overstepping – it is protecting your dog and the dogs he/she will walk with. Semi-private walks are ideal for social, active dogs that require more attention than pack walks can offer. Some owners find this service to be more personable and more flexible than pack walking; generally speaking semi-private walks run either a half hour or one hour in time. Average price: $20-$25
Doggy day care
With this service your dog spends the entire day at a doggy playground facility. Many offer an indoor playground and pool for canines as well as daily walks. Although it can be costly, I recommend this “pampered pet” service for people who work long hours with little downtime.
One drawback, aside from the often high cost, is that some facilities employ extremely young people with little experience with dogs. Additionally most doggy daycare facilities will ask that you sign an insurance waiver which will essentially waive the company’s responsibility should your dog get hurt in their care – read this carefully and feel free to discuss it with the management. Too often dogs get hurt at these places – due to typical dog fracas’ that result from multiple dogs in a closed-in place – and the owner is shocked when the vet bills are not covered. Average price: $40-60 per day
Questions to ask potential dog walkers:
-Do you have insurance?
-Will you cover the costs should my pet get hurt during your care?
-Do you have a back-up walker should you get sick or go on vacation?
-What is your policy for bad weather and holidays?
-Please confirm that my dog will never be tied up alone outside an apartment or store should you need to go in.Dog Articles » Dog Care
Dog Article Author: Susan Cava Dog Author's Website: http://www.i-love-dogs.com/dog-games/
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