These days, dog walkers have become more than just a mere luxury for many homeowners. After all, in lieu of busy and hectic schedules, a lot of people aren’t able to give their canine pets the attention that they deserve. And for those looking to get into the profession, you can guarantee that you’ll be in ample supply of dogs that need to be taken for a walk.
However, dog walking isn’t as simple as it sounds. In actuality, there are several things that you need to know before you start taking up the responsibility of walking the dogs for their respective owners. And in this article, we will talk about the dos and don’ts when it comes to being a dog walker.
Dos
- Be mindful of your surroundings. Ask any professional dog walker, and they will all tell you the same thing: always be aware of the surroundings. From drivers who may not be paying attention to the road to other animals that may be the same area, staying observant and perceptive on everything around your immediate vicinity can go a long way in minimizing, if not mitigating, the risks of an accident.
- Always have the dog on a leash. Most cities and states have a leash law. And as such, it’s critical to make sure that you keep your canine friend on a leash, regardless of its friendly disposition towards other animals or people.
- Make sure to secure insurance. While it may sound like an exaggeration, insurance coverage is a vital aspect that no dog walker should ever be without. After all, it’s not uncommon for dogs to cause property damage or be responsible for physical injury. And by securing dog walker insurance from Next, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re covered just in case you encounter any potential problems.
Don’ts
- Don’t assume that the dog is friendly. Just because a dog seems friendly, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is. So before you take it out on its daily walk, make sure that you get a grasp of the canine pet’s temperament first. It can save you from a lot of trouble and headaches.
- Never allow the dog to go wherever it wants. It may not be uncommon for dogs to walk their owners, but you should always try to steer them in the direction that you want. After all, there are plenty of things that you’ll need to watch out for, such as insects, poisonous plants, and even dog excrement. And it can mean a whole lot of trouble for you if the dog decides to eat any of them.
- Try not to use your smartphone. Mobile devices like tablets and smartphones can be a distraction. And there’s a good chance that it can divert your attention when walking a dog. So try to limit its use. You’ll be surprised at how many problems you can avoid by doing so.
Despite how simple and straightforward this type of job might be, being a dog walker requires a lot of thought and preparation. And by being aware of all the dos and don’ts of walking a dog, you’ll have a much easier time taking your canine friend out for its daily walks.
