Like humans, pets have to move around and avoid confinement to one place. Thus, besides going to the potty, it’s essential to walk your dog as it serves as a good activity, even for the owner. Additionally, it provides not only physical exercise but also mental stimulation and opportunities for socialization. That’s because your furry friend gets to relate with its kind.
Importance of Dog Walking
Generally, dog walking is also an excellent time for bonding between you and your pet. Most people even use that avenue to train them, especially when they’re young. They teach them to sit, stay, lie down, and do various other things at their command. Therefore, it’s a vital activity people must engage in with their animal companions.
As walking leads to other exercise and activities, it’s also essential for your pet’s health. That’s because a sedentary lifestyle can pose many health challenges starting from being overweight, and you wouldn’t want that. When they’re cooping up inside, it results in having much pent-up energy as well. That, in turn, could make your dog act up, hence, the need for a private dog walker.
Why People Need Dog Walkers
Now we understand the necessity of walking dogs. However, not every pet parent has the time or ability to carry out this activity themselves. That’s because some people are busy with work and many other commitments. Some others only hire a professional walker part-time when they travel or on weekdays. There are many benefits to derive from hiring one.
● More Fun and Attention
Using a dog walk service is what guarantees that your pet gets the required attention it needs. That applies, especially if it’s a combination with a sitting service. Thus, walkers provide one-on-one care and are more mindful and focused on your dog than you would be when walking them absent-mindedly. As they play and spend time together, it increases your pet’s happiness and decreases separation anxiety.
● More Socialization for the Dogs
Another way dogs are like humans is their need for socialization and companionship. Therefore, as much as they love their owners, it’s also good for them to spend time with other dogs. That’s why most people take them on walks to parks and other places where they can get that experience. Dog walkers can help with that too, and your pets get to socialize.
Qualities of an Excellent Dog Walker
Whether you wish to work for a dog walking agency, there are certain qualities people always require. You must be a reliable person because of the responsibilities you must carry out. One of the essential features is that you must be good with animals. Your job would include taking the pets from their home and back and observing anything that the owners should note.
Most pets have a schedule, and you must work with it, providing food and water as required. During walks, you’ll also need to pick up and dispose of their waste appropriately. Besides that, you should take care to avoid injuries and take necessary precautions to ensure safety. Nevertheless, it’d help if you’re able to get to a vet if something unexpected occurs.
Becoming a Private Dog Walker
You don’t need any specific formal training to become a private dog walker. However, it’s necessary to take animal care courses to improve your qualifications. You would also have to get a dog walking certification, especially if you’re starting your agency. It’s essential to seek known professionals for expert advice, and experience is vital too.
To begin, you could search “dog walkers needed near me” online to find potential clients. That’s after you get the necessary certification and documents, which include licensing and insurance. Most people start on a small scale with one or two clients and build up from there. That’s because it’s crucial not to take on more than you can handle.
