Do I really need a dog walker?

[onanothertrain]

I have 2 dogs, 13 and 8 years old. I have used the same dog walker for 10 years and he has now suddenly introduced t&cs that I'm not sure I want to accept.
I work full time usually 8-4, can walk them for 30 mins before and an hour or so after work and also have the option to work from home, either all day or pm only. Would I be daft to tell the dog walker I no longer need their service?

[Thatstheendofmytether]

I would work from home half day. What are the t&c's?

[tenbob]

What are the t&cs?

How active are your dogs, what time and length does the walker have them for?

[Bunnybigears]

I would work from homw but then I would have done that from the start so there must be a reason you didnt. What are the T&Cs you dont like?

[onanothertrain]

The older one has a health condition and is very slow. The younger one is quite energetic but happy with 20 mins or 2 hours if that makes sense. The walk is an hour but travel time makes it quite a bit longer depending on whether they are dropped off / collected first or last.
T&C are numerous but main one is a limit to the number of days I can keep the dogs off per year before I have to pay for it. From a business point of view I completely understand where they are coming from but I can't really afford to pay for a service I'm not getting.

[onanothertrain]

I couldn't previously have worked from home. I started a new job this year.

[Itsatravesty]

It's not really the exercise or lack of it that's an issue, it's loo breaks, particularly in older dogs. Am sure they'd be fine for the morning if you can work from home in the afternoons. 8-4 is too long imo.

[ChardonnaysPrettySister]

8 to 4 is far too long.

You need someone to walk them in between.

[Wolfiefan]

I agree it’s not about the walking. It’s about the company and toilet breaks.

[Fluffypie1]

Work from home if you can .It's letting them out for wee breaks more so than walks especially for the 13 year old.

[FATEdestiny]

A dog flap could resolve the toileting issue while you're out, assuming your garden is secure.

[onanothertrain]

Garden is secure however it would need to be a massive dog flap!
Thanks for your opinions

[Wolfiefan]

I would never use a dog flap. Chance of theft, dog barking and being a noise nuisance etc.

[puppymouse]

I wouldn't leave mine that long and he's quiet as a mouse with a bladder of steel. It's just not right. Especially as you have an older dog I think you should still let them out after 4 or so hours max.

[Nesssie]

If your dogs can cope with being left that long, then fine, but you need to make sure they can hold their bladder, won't be destructive, and wont bark/howl.
All depends on the individual dog. Some dogs can, some dogs can't.

Can you look for another casual dog walker for a few days a week instead? Bare in mind, the 13year old might not want to go for walks much longer.

[OVienna]

I think from time to time it's ok. Not an arrangement to be relied on though. I'd look for another walker. Is there a doggy daycare near you?

[onanothertrain]

I'm not going to look for another walker and as the oldest is 13 don't feel a new environment of dog day care would be fair on him.
I now have a plan in place, thanks for all your suggestions.