I'm a professional dog walker AMA

[Krate]

Ask away!

How many dogs can you walk at the same time? Do you hate picking up shite?

Are chocolate Labradors the best dog ever?
Helpful hint: there is one answer and it has to be yes. 😇

bargainbin - I have a licence to walk up to 6 dogs at a time.
I dont relish picking shit up but its part of my job so just do it!

TheFaerieQueene-Of course they are!

What's the best and worst thing about your job?

Do you think anyone actually cares?

Hoe do you even manage to watch and pick up after six dogs?

Can you safely say you don't miss any poos?
Because you know who gets blamed? Regular dog owners.

Are there particular breeds of dogs you don’t enjoy walking?

How long have you been dog walking and does it make up a reasonable wage?

Are all border terriers nutters in the lead?

On not in

BiteyShark-
The best thing is being able to enrich a dogs life.
The worst? dealing with piss taking owners who don't value your service.

Lanadelrat-well you obviously do, why bother commenting otherwise?

ChardonnaysPrettySister I keep some on lead and some off, I pick up after my dogs at all times. I see owners daily letting their dogs crap all over the place and not pick up.

Shadowboy No specific breeds no. I have been dog walking professionaly for over 10 years and yes my wage is reasonable.

ohdeardeardear. Nope, some are naughty some are well behaved :)

In what way are owners piss-taking?

And of course chocolate labradors are the best dogs ever!!

Do you let the dogs you're walking off lead approach other people and dogs?

I think highly of my dog walker and my dog loves her. What do owners do that takes the piss so I know not to do it

P.s. spaniels are better than labs

Bythebeach Late payments, trying to get out of 24 hour cancellation clause, Rude. These people don't stay on my books very long obviously. However there are times you put up with it a bit more than you should because of the dog.

crazycatgal. I live and work in London, space is limited so all have to have excellent recall. If I know the dog and its owner and the other dog isn't reactive then yes. Other times no not at all.

I see owners daily letting their dogs crap all over the place and not pick up.

Oh do they now?

What do you think your biggest risk is/have you ever been injured doing your job?

A dog walker I know recently broke her ankle on a walk, tbf we live surrounded by wooded massive hills so an everyday risk really I guess.

BrazzleDazzleDay- Ive had a dog turn around and snap at another dog that came over to us and because I stepped in between the dogs he bit my leg.

Ive fallen over a few times in mud and slipped forwards once on ice on a pavement going into a clients house and smashed my knee( still gives me trouble).

But yes everyday I could damage myself if not careful :)

Do you have a favourite breed to walk? And do you own a dog yourself?

nervousnails -no favs no, each dog has its own personality which has nothing to do with its breed.

Yes I have 3 dogs of my own

Dog walkers are popping up like flies here. Is it possible to set up without a license?

How much is your annual insurance?

twoheaped -Yes anybody can set up. Each borough has its own rules and regulations with regards to how many dogs can be walked at one time.

My insurance is about £160 a year.

Its is however illegal to board dogs in your own home without a licence in most parts of the country

What's the definition of 'boarding'? Sayif I had my friends/sister's dogs stay with me while they're ln holiday is that OK? Is it a certain number of circumstances?

ThomasinaMouse - As long as you are not being paid to look after the dog in your home then no you don't need a licence for this.

Do you genuinely enjoy walking for an hour in all weather?

Do you go to the same places to walk or different places?