Any dog walkers who would like to help a budding newbie

[Crazyone84]

I am making steps towards ditching the 9-5 and becoming a dog walker. My plan 2 years ago was to get experience as a dog groomer while I was pregnant and once I'd had the baby take advantage of the maternity leave and enroll in a training course in the hopes that once baby was old enough for childcare to start grooming. Covid put a stop to this as most things, however, the possibility of dog walker seems much more likely and it may lead me onto grooming once baby is at school and I have more time.

What I am hoping for is any dog walkers out there who can give me a honest good, bad and ugly of the job? How did you start off? what vehicles did you choose, how did you meet you clients, anything really that you also think I haven't thought of.

I have done my research to a degree and know I need insurance, I have enrolled in a first aid and dog walking business course (CPD)

I have very secure office job with people I like and it feels like I'm through myself of a cliff.......

Dog owner rather than dog walker, but are you assuming you'll be a dog walker with a baby in tow all the time? Covering childcare costs on a dog walkers' salary doesn't seem particularly realistic.

Apologies if I've got the wrong end of the stick, but just off the top of my head, are you going to be dragging the baby out in all weathers and dragging them out if they're ill or letting clients down?

To be honest, as a dog owner, I wouldn't employ a dog walker who had a child with them either - I would be paying to have their attention on my dog, not on their child.

Like the previous poster, I would not employ a dog walker who took their child out with them while walking. I would not have any control over how their child interacted with my dog, and I would fear that one day the child would do something DDog didn't like and my dog would snap. No independent witnesses, and a whole world of emotional and legal pain opened up. My dog has never bitten a child, for the record, but it is not a risk I'm willing to take.

Likewise every dog walker will tell you that they've had to break up a scrap between a couple of dogs - I wouldn't want a small child wandering into that maelstrom.

I'd also worry that the dog walker would be watching her child more than the dogs.

You will also need to consider things like cover for sick leave, annual leave and any further maternity leave. If you're self employed, you won't get paid sick leave, annual leave or maternity leave - you're fundamentally on your own. You will also risk losing clients if you come to be seen as unreliable, or know you will be off for some time (as with maternity leave).

Yep I’d not use a dog Walker whos child would be with them. I’d worry about what would happen if both child and dog acted out at the same time. I’d worry about my dog reacting to the child. Etc etc.

no no no! I have worded this wrong, I would not take my child out, she would be cared for under the minders or partner while I work.

I was more so asking for advice from dog walkers who have their own business on how to start up.

I walk one person's dog, and look after it for 4+ hours a week.
It can be very hard work (weather, dog rolling in fox shit, dog behaviour).
Can you drop your hours at work, and start with one or two days a week to see if you enjoy it?

Have you ever had a dog?
I would be a bit uncertain about your experience with practical handling and understanding dogs if not. It’s all very well getting qualifications but you need plenty of hands on experience before you start charging for dog walking! Have you thought how you’re going to get this? Volunteer at a dog shelter or kennels for a couple of years?
You’ll need to be pretty dedicated too, as you’ll be out in all weathers and dealing with sometimes less than straightforward dogs and those with behavioural issues.
I honestly wouldn’t employ anyone for my very easy dog who didn’t have a good length of experience with dogs.

@YanTanTetheraPetheraPimp I have a dog myself yes. I have also looked after and walked many other dogs on a very casual basis when needed. My dog at present has some very particular needs as she is a rescue so we have had to tailor walks and times to her so feel I have knowledge and understanding. Some dogs I have looked after have been reactive where as others are just a box of frogs and spend their life chasing their own tails.

@trumpisagit I understand, dogs can be very full on. I don't mind being out myself in the rain and cold as long as I have a waterproof and the kettle is on when I get home. I'm sure in winter the days are very long and cold, I have considered this.
I dropped my working hours from 5 days to 3 when I returned to work after having baby. At the time my boss said to make my job complete he needed at least 3 days out of me.

You’ll need comprehensive insurance, so that’s worth looking into. I’d also think about a DBS check to show you’re trustworthy and other certifications such as doggy first aid are worth having.

Have you approached any dog walkers in your local area to gauge the demand?

Have you priced up how many you need to walk a day to make the business work for you?

Not a dog walker myself but have used several long term.

Btw thought you might find this useful.

www.dogstrust.org.uk/latest/dog%20walking%20guide%20online.pdf

You will also need to check with your local council- many have restrictions on how many dogs can be walked at one time and other guidance in place that might impact you.

I came on to say that if I needed a dog Walker I wouldnt mjnd they took children as my dog loves kids.

However, he has good recall. Is good with other dogs and enjoys playing with children.

He only needs a 30 mins walk as he's small.

I've no idea how our dog walker makes money tbh. She takes a maximum of 3 dogs and charges £8 for 30 mins. But a 30 minute walk is often over an hour including pick ups/drops offs

Hi OP, I'm a dog walker :)

You must have insurance. It's not expensive, though - I pay just under £6 per month for mine. I'd recommend getting your canine first aid qualifications too.

You'll need to look at your area and see what the demand is like. Are there many dog walkers already? Are they full or do they have spaces? What could you offer to make you stand out?

Then I'd have a think about the following:

How many dogs can you comfortably handle at once?
Would you have them on or off lead?
What would you do if a dog ran off or a fight broke out or someone got injured?
Would you prefer to do group walks or specialise in solo walks?
Can you walk reactive dogs? Aggressive dogs? Nervous dogs? Dogs that pull on the lead? Dogs with no recall or lead manners?
Are you happy to be out for hours in howling wind and rain? What happens if the weather becomes dangerous - do you have a back-up plan?

Then think of transport - will you use a car or van? Can you afford to get crash-tested crates installed? How many dogs can you transport at once?

There's lots to think about - I think it's the best job in the world but it's nowhere near as straightforward as it can appear.

I earn around £400-500 per week working 30 hours, but it's taken me two years of hard work to get that point.

Do think about training. You may not be training people but you will want the dogs you walk to behave for you so training experience is good. You will also need to understand dog body language to help you manage your groups correctly and keep the dogs safe and calm.

I doubt you will make enough money unless you walk dogs in groups.

You will need to up to date with current canine law.

Think about the travelling and picking up and dropping off time. You may charge by the hour but the time spent on the dog will be longer than that.

If you are taking a mix of dogs from other households how safe are the dogs left in your vehicle when you are dropping off the dog think of hot weather parking etc.

Your vehicle will have to be cleaned throughly if a dog is ill and again that is time and expense.

You will need to draw up documents for your clients to ensure that they are happy for treats to be given and all medical history and ensure all dogs are vaccinated etc if being walked in groups

Dropping off takes longer than picking up as you will have to check dogs water and dog is clean etc may need drying off etc

Many clients want their dogs walked in the midday slots so these may fill up and other slots less easy to fill.

Your overheads will be higher than you think. Clothes for all weathers possible more than one set of wet clothes etc. Boots will need to be replaced frequently with lots of walks. Van insurance will be more for commercial use. Your van will need to be crated.

You will need spare dogs collar leads and harnesses for all size dogs.

It is recommended to have your own name tags to put on the dogs with your details when walking them.

Cfsg documents may also help you