I'm a dog walker, started only 3 months ago. I know mumsnet often views walkers with suspicion but I am responsible, professional and the wellbeing of my customer's dogs is at the centre of all I do.
I was contacted by a customer who wants a daily walk of her GSD. Had a quick chat over the phone and then visited the customer afterwards.
During the visit the customer explained they walk their dog on a choke chain. They have found this to be the best way to minimise pulling, but they did say he is still very boisterous, and pulls like a train. I'm fine with boisterous and pulling, but I had visions of the dog behaving in this way whilst using a choke chain which IMO is going to cause pain and discomfort.
I explained I cannot walk Dog on choke chain. I feel they are aversive, pain inducing and it goes against the professional code of conduct of two professional bodies that I'm a member of. I didn't go into detail as to why I can't use them as I didn't want to criticise a potential new customer, or judge them.
I suggested a few alternatives. They had tried several and they didn't like them. I also gave them details of a fab local positive method trainer.
They were very blunt and said they will find a dog walker who will use a choke chain. They seemed to think I was utterly ridiculous. They also said they think a man would be more helpful as the dog will see him as more dominant.
I don't want to turn this into a criticism of the owners. I'm just disappointed to have lost potential new business, but at the same time feel I must stick to my principals. DH is usually lovely and supportive but he feels that the professional thing to do would have been to take the job, as I'm a walker not a behaviourist. Plus now someone else will now take the job.
Two lovely other local walkers have told me they would have done the same (although both are also fully booked).
I guess I'm just ranting on a board where I hope I'll get some support!