How much do you pay your dog walkers/ sitters?

[belindarose]

I'm thinking of asking my friend' DH, who can't work at the moment, if he'd walk my puppy on the days I work, or just take him into the garden if he's not well enough to walk. What rates do people pay for this, so that I can offer him something sensible? Thanks.

[RobinSure]

Bout ten quid an hour. Usually involves a walk with other dogs, so she ends up nice and tired at the end of it.

[belindarose]

Thanks. That's about what I'd thought of offering really. £20 over the two days to do what he wants with him. Might even love him so much he'll want to have him all day!

[RobinSure]

If it's a chap who doesn't have dogs, worth having a good chat with him about what you want out of the walk. If it's a pup, might be worth trying to get him to work on the training of walking on lead etc.

If you've picked him cause he's a dog person, completely ignore the above sentence!

[Scuttlebutter]

I'd want to be sure he understands his responsibilities and that he has insurance while he's walking your dog. Around £10 per hour is going rate here but for that, you can expect an enhanced CRB check and full public liability insurance - important considerations if they have a key to your house and sole charge of your dog.

[belindarose]

Got a dog himself and is the husband if a good friend, so I wouldn't be worried about the key issue at all. I'll see what he says.

[oldandcrabby]

How old is the pup? Young puppies should not be walked for too long, especially a large breed who may have hip problems later. Multiple short walks is the ideal: a rule of thumb is 5mins per month of age especially if they are being walked on hard surfaces. Play in the garden is fine as the pup can take a rest when he/she wants to. Reputable agility clubs will not accept dogs under a year old because of bone and muscle development.