What does a professional dog walker in Maidstone does and what they don’t!
What a blog post to set myself to write but I think it’s time.
I am not an industry leader, far from it but I am a stubborn old moo with very specific ideas and opinions about pretty much everything! I have been part of the professional dog walker scene in Maidstone for a long time now. Although the state of my knees would have you believe it was for a couple of decades.
I know the cycle the industry goes in. For example I know that in March almost every cat owner seems to go on holiday. I know in June I answer the phone to the question ‘Do you do dog boarding?’ and I know that a lot of people think my job is stupid.
Heck even I used to think my job was stupid too, until I needed a dog walker too and couldn’t find one that fit the bill!
Expectations mean a lot
What I didn’t expect though was the massive down turn in expectations by the public. This week alone I have watched a video where a hobby sitter allowed two dogs to play tug of war with a stick. A large dog and a tiny puppy. Imagine what would happen if that stick hit that poor pups eye! If it all went wrong who is going to pay that vet bill? I imagine it will be the owner because when things go wrong with a hobbiest they generally turn their hands up and walk away.
Having viewed photos of dogs in the blistering heat huddled under what can only be described as a small tent canopy, why? Because they are left at a field to play in their droves but it’s OK because the owner is ‘building her brand’ which is emblazoned on that lovely canopy with dogs sweltering underneath it.
<—- Out of control?
Perhaps the funniest a ‘day care’ complaining that dog walkers cannot possibly walk 6 dogs at once responsibly right under the lovely photos of 8 dogs in what is obviously her very small garden. Where are the 2, 3 or 4 extra dogs going when this lady does her walks? Or is she expecting the dogs in her care to behave as she rakes in the money from sitting on her behind.
Well meaning doesn’t always mean good
Each one of those pet care providers had their fair share of likes and probably saw absolutely nothing wrong with their actions. Heck I have done things I thought nothing of in the past. The difference between a hobbyist and a professional company is the constant chase for knowledge and qualifications.
So what should you as a paying owner expect from your dog walker?
Control
My most used word to my staff. Always have fun but always be in control. The day care lady mentioned above is correct in her assumption that 6 dogs is hard to control if you don’t know what you are doing. If you assess them correctly and continue training on your walks it really isn’t that difficult. Sometimes that means your dog stays on the lead or a long line, it isn’t a bad thing it just means your dog walker is making your pets safety paramount.
Health and safety and policies
Boriiiiiiing but important, very important. Everything from extreme weather to nervous dogs to house security all require a policy to stick to. Even now I am personally constantly coming up with new policies, some we will probably never use, some are common sense (remember stick lady! apart from the odd photo we catch before removing the offending article we NEVER play with sticks).
Responsibilty
We have insurance for a reason, we have a emergency plans for a reason, we are ‘only’ dog walkers and we are only human. Mistakes happen but how they are dealt with is what makes a professional worthy of your attention.
A level of trust
Ultimately you are putting your trust in someone to care for your best friend. Ask questions, ask lots of questions and trust your gut! Not every company will suit everyone but remember you get what you pay for, don’t short change yourself and don’t short change your dog!
Edited to add
As if by some sort of sad serendipity a case of a pug being killed in a day care has today come to my attention. It was luckily not in Maidstone however I am so worried that incidents like this may become more common. Unfortunately the poor little victim was set upon by a larger dog, an incident which could happen at a park or anywhere dogs are after all more delicate than they sometimes look.
However there were 5 members of staff for 43 animals, 43. For someone who is so opinionated that makes me incredibly sad a little bit speachless that owners would allow their pets into such an environment and also that there are still no requirements on these ‘day care cente
How to find professional dog walkers in maidstone?
Ask your vet, check dog walker websites to see of they are members of professional bodies and check out their credentials.