[NICOOLEST]

Hi,

I have decided to open up a dog walking business here in NZ. Below is a wee survey I have put together to test the waters with dog lovers and dog owners.

Please think of this in 2 minds. Either as a person who would use a dog walking service or someone whould use a dog sitting service ie, at home service.

I appreciate your feedback in advance and hope I have not broken any forum rules by posting this..

1)What would you expect someone who is charging you money to walk your dog to do?e.g. pre-defined walk routes, type of doggy exercises etc

2)What would you want your dog walker to do? Added activities/services?

3)Why would you consider a service like this for your dog?

4)What would this service mean to you as a dog owner?

5)What would your biggest concerns be with this service?

6)Would your dog walker need any kind of special certificates/insurance etc

7)What kind of knowledge would you want you dog walker to have?

8)If your dog walker had all of this what would you think would be a reasonable rate?

Cheers!

[Lunareclipse]

1) My dogs like to go on walks because they see different things they do not see at home or in the yard. I think that different routes everyday is great stimulation for them. Just make sure the routes have sidewalks.
2)Make sure the dogs have plenty of water, and some of the dog walkers in my area offer to water house plants.
3)If I had to work, I would want something for them to do midday.
4)If I had to work, it would be great, because then I wouldn't have to come home at lunch time to let the dogs out.
5)One of my dogs running away or attacking another dog or getting attacked by another dog.
6)Insurance would be a good thing, and plenty of muscle. Saint bernards can pull up to 4,000 lbs each. I have 3. Plan on insurance for yourself for a torn rotator cuff and insurance in case a dog gets loose and gets hit by a car or some other freak accident.
7)Dogs basic history, dos and don'ts for each individual dog, a log book to write all of your info in so there are no mixups as to what dog can do what or eat what.
8)I would pay $50.00 a week for this service.

Also, it would not be a good idea to let someone else give the dogs treats or food of any kind. Some dogs may have allergies that the owner may have forgotten to mention. And some people may offer food and treats with ill intentions. Do not allow any person to walk up and pet the dogs unless the owners say that it is ok. Even then, stay alert. You do not want your client's dog hurting another person or another person to hurt the dog on your watch.

EXPECT TO GET BITTEN AT LEAST ONCE. MAybe even more than that. If you do not want to get bitten, this is not the job for you. It is normal to get bitten doing an animal related job. This isn't something to sue the owners over or have the dog picked up for, unless you sustain serious injuries that require hospitalization. You do have a choice of not walking an aggressive dog. If you feel that the dog is too aggressive for you to handle, do not accept the job.

Make sure you get a tetanis shot. You will need it. Make sure you get one every 7-10 years.

Make sure you have a back-up person in case you cannot make it. It's not fair to make the dog hold it for 10 hours because you were sick and couldn't make it.

Keep a small first aid kit on hand. Bandages, neosporin, tweezers. Sometimes there is broken glass on the sidewalks.

MAKE SURE YOU PICK UP THE DOG'S POO!!! Always carry something to pick up and dispose of any messes the dogs may create.

[Lara's mom]

1) My biggest priority would be safety, having my girls walked without other dogs and, that they had fun.

2) Bring cold water, throw tennis ball for lunatic JRT.

3) I would use such a service if I worked and was away from home for more than 3 -4 hours a day.

4) I'd hate to leave my girls cooped up at home all day. I'd feel a lot less "mother guilt" if I knew they were getting out for some fresh air and fun.

5) My biggest concerns would be my dogs getting lost or attacked by other dogs.

6) Insurance would be an excellent idea and, a good deal of knowledge about dog behaviour.

7) First aid and common sense.

8) I'd be willing to pay $75 a week.

[NICOOLEST]

Thank you so much for your feedback!

[davlin47]

Hello

i lost my two dog leashes temporarily, and we made one from mule tape and a water bottle. the water bottle has a one inch diameter round handle. this was the most comfortable leash i have ever used. we made a bowline and tied this to the water bottle handle. other end a bowline that threads through the collar when u unclip the collar.

Thanks for sharing this. This is very useful Post.

Thanks
Have a nice time a head