By Laura Stampler. So … (Picture Credit: CBCK-Christine/Getty Images). Microchip is inserted under your dog’s skin and carry ID information that can be accessed with specific scanners. Candy wrappers, fast food containers, illegal substances—there’s no telling what kind of trash … Feb 16, 2016 Getty Images. i love being with my dogs but all said it is still a job. If you can, take your Fido for a walk early in the morning or in the evening to avoid afternoon temperatures that are much too hot. Extra guidance: walking a vulnerable person's dog Exercise provides your dog with a myriad of physical and mental benefits. It was not known whether it was a dirty protest aimed at the business but one dog walker had been seen “bolting” after reading the sign. There are LED collars you can use which provide the most visibility. To avoid this, ensure that your dog’s walking equipment is fully functional, otherwise your dog can get away from you and get lost. You will most probably encounter other pet owners with their dogs on your walk and that can sometimes lead to altercations. Walking your dog could raise risk of getting COVID-19, study finds Dog Owners Are at a Higher Risk of Contracting COVID-19, Study Says. Dog walkers have to be tough and endure all types of weather including rain, intense heat, extreme cold, storms, snow, etc. You can put on a doggy sweater or a coat on your Fido. The biggest danger that is always present for pet owners living in cities is vehicle traffic. Here are 15 dog walking dangers to consider and how to keep yourself away from these problems. I take my job as providing enjoyable, safe, enriching walks very seriously. Becoming a professional dog walker has a number of benefits from obvious fitness related plus-points to an improvement in your mental well-being. Photo: Hackney Council Part 3: A Day in the Life of a Dog Walker. What are the risks to dog walkers during the COVID-19 pandemic? Water can work well also, so have a bottle with you at all times to pour the water on fighting dogs if necessary. 1 This is the case even if the animal has never bitten before and the owner did nothing wrong.. The most important thing is that you need to be an animal lover. And when they’re... A shiny black coat, whether short or fluffy, is an eye-catching trait for dogs. Even a small flashlight that fits into a small jeans pocket can save your or your pet's life or prevent some problems. Some municipalities have leash laws that do not permit dogs to be off leash ever, while others allow dogs to be off leash in designated areas only. Improper fit can be the deciding factor when it comes to traffic accidents. Pet ownership, especially having a dog, is probably associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. Always remember to follow the Government’s guidelines while out and about, and use hand sanitiser regularly. Although there are relatively few regulations specifically targeted at dog walkers, businesses providing a service must get public liability insurance. The Pros To Being A Professional Dog Walker. Call us on 01494 887909. Sign up. Now I have dog friends all over the place. It goes without saying that it's not the right time to be rebelling near traffic when you have your pooch by your side. Plus, they reap other rewards, such as less stress, which may also improve their health. While they can keep his feet warm in the winter, they isolate heat and can keep your dog cool in the summer, because asphalt is hot and very damaging to pet paws. 4. But, not all risks … The Pros To Being A Professional Dog Walker. So, you’ve been thinking about becoming a Rover dog walker.. Avoid using a retractable dog leash because they allow your dog too much freedom and less control for you. It cannot be avoided – taking your pooch for walks everyday is necessary as an exercise routine, for bathroom breaks and playtime activity. When I first took a job walking dogs, I had an idea of what to expect. Failing to meet a pet’s welfare needs could cause them to become sick, hurt, upset or stressed. If your dog is attacked by another dog, the incident should still be reported to the police immediately. 9. Even if your dog is not aggressive and not a danger to others, this isn’t necessarily the case with other dogs and it's better to be prepared. Insurance does exist specifically for businesses that deal with caring for pets. You get lots of exercise, you’re never stuck in a cramped cubicle, and you get to hang out with pups all day. Minimum disclosure to the illness of other animals. Instagram. 13 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Became a Dog Walker. Take precautionary measures if you plan to walk your Fido when it is way too hot or much too cold outside. When you know where it is, you can avoid walking your dog on ice and snow in the winter, and avoid walking on hot concrete in the summer. Diseases found in dog poo can cause abortions in cattle and death in sheep. Plane crashes, being struck by lightning, or being attacked by a dog are common fears, but what about falls, the danger inside of a bottle of pills, or your drive to work? Make sure that all of your dog’s walking equipment works properly. And remember to keep your dog hydrated. I don’t want my clients’ carpets and rugs to suffer either. Losing One Client Can Be Devastating In a dog walking company, every client is your bread and butter. Both you and your dog need to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather since the risk of heatstroke is much more serious. 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READ NEXT: 8 Tips for Walking Your Dog Safely Every Single Day. Many walkers start out with just their outdoor dreams, a love of dogs, and the experience of walking their own pets, and soon realize the job is also about dog training and being responsible for the safety of someone else’s beloved companion. Try to make sure the dog doesn’t come into contact with other dogs or walkers while you’re out and don’t forget to take poo bags! And while dog walkers tend to spend more time with four-legged friends than two-legged ones in their day-to-day activities, this may also be a group at risk when it … Despite being bitten several times on the cheek by the pooch, whose breed … But dogs can be quite a handful, so you should understand canine behaviour. 10. By doing this, you get the opportunity to discover parts of your community you may have never known about. However, some countries have stricter laws than others. If you haven’t seen a Saluki or know much about it, we've got you covered. Anyone that is going to be a consistent presence in your pet’s life … Even if you don't have a ton of clients in the beginning, it's still super important to treat yourself like a … Dog walkers regularly enter the homes of their clients, and thus can be held responsible for theft of any property that occurs during the term of the arrangement. We created on-demand dog walking in 2015 and we’re now available in 43 states and 110 cities across the U.S., and growing. The Only Socks You Should Gift Dog Lovers This Holiday. Professional dog walkers always show up at the desired time and place and are responsible for bringing the dog … Despite repeated assurances from … Get the dogs apart as soon as you notice this. If the weather outside is too cold and you're going for a longer walk, ensure your pooch will be warm. If you do come across another dog, keep an eye of the body language of both dogs. "As he had a dog with him he passed Honey to a woman nearby who dried her off and cared for her before taking her to the vets for treatment. A dog walking business presents special risks because you are dealing with live animals and engaged in physical activity. ASPCA experts from the above mentioned study explain the importance of microchipping our dogs. But even when you do everything to prevent this, dogs can sometimes slip out of their collars or even run away with their equipment on, especially if something scares them. Illustration about Mature woman texting for help of a dog sitter while being pulled by a leash by an energetic small puppy, EPS 8 vector illustration. Also, you won’t be able to reel in the leash quickly if your dog lunges at other dogs or people. But I’m so glad I get to be a part of so many dogs’ lives. Consider getting dog winter boots, especially if there is snow and ice on your path – this can hurt your pet's paws. A … If you want to know how to become a dog walker, the most obvious step is, of course, learning about dogs. Avoid busy streets with heavy traffic and a lot of noises that can excite your dog, or make him anxious and stressed. Log in. However, a court could prosecute if a person believes they would have been injured if they tried to stop a dog attacking their animal. I'm insured, complete ongoing training and do e What's even more important is to keep your dog's paws healthy. These poor, misguided individuals go out of their way to make sure your dog doesn’t pee anywhere near their property, which apparently includes the sidewalk. Trainers are now teaching dog owners how to behave in those instances, because more people encounter walking injuries. Your vet should clear your dog for any new activity, especially if you have a very old or a very young dog. You can (and should) place an ID tag with your dog’s name and your phone number on his collar. In fact, according to a recent report from insurance company Insurantz.com, many professional dog walkers are putting themselves at risk by not being adequately covered. It happens. If the … You should have good dog handling skills and a thorough understanding of dog socialisation techniques. Many pet sitters let clients know upfront that all dogs walked will be on leash. Go for a walk in your neighborhood or take your dog to a local dog park where he can run and have fun without a leash or harness. A 2012 study found that about 15% of owners have lost a dog, and while there's no official statistics for a number of lost dogs, the estimated number is in millions. I love all my dogs, which makes it tough when their owners move away. Setting up a business as a dog walker is, on the face of it, a fairly straightforward enterprise. Ideally, a dog harness is what you must use instead of a leash, for several reasons: (1) it provides more control for you, (2) it's more comfortable for the dog, (3) it's more safe and less damaging than dog leashes, according to studies. What are the toughest parts about walking your furry friend? His heroic actions saved her life. The leash should be 4 to 8 feet long. If you want to explore new roads and paths, better do it on your own first to familiarize yourself with the area before bringing your dog along. A 6-year-old Wyoming boy is being hailed as a hero after his family said he was mauled protecting his younger sister from a dog attack. Join our team. i've been a dog walker for 7yrs. Walking with an Established Company. The other 4-6 minutes will be spent between getting the dog ready before going out and concluding the visit with getting the dog back settled into the house and writing a daily report card, if you leave one. I used to walk two big dogs who made quite a mess when their tummies were upset. ... There’s also the plus-side that it’s also good for reducing the risk of diabetes, arthritis and other diseases. A dog fight is brewing in Surrey over a memorial that's at risk of being removed. Walking with your dog in extreme weather conditions poses a ton of its own risks, and this can lead to your dog getting sick or hurt. 7. It’s very sad to see a dog who isn’t happy, especially if it’s one of your buddies. Once it has been demonstrated that a criminal act has occurred, the bonding company will pay the owner and seek reimbursement from the party who committed the crime. hardest part of my job is the public! Dog owners who walk their dogs get more total physical activity, on average, than those who don’t. Keep the pace down and gradually increase it with every additional walk. As a pet owner, you must practice dog walking safety and take precautions. What they don’t seem to realize is that squirrels, raccoons, possums, birds, bugs, and all other sorts of animals are finding nice spots all over their property (and even on their home) to do their business. At Protectivity alone, we have provided insurance for over 5,000 pet professionals in the last 12 months. There is no official statistic of how many dogs are hit by cars, but from news outlets we know that there have been many accidents, and when it comes to all animals, statistics show that cars are the number one killer in the U.S. One moment of not paying attention could result in your pooch getting hit by a car. Training and tests: Some dog-walking companies or services require their walkers to pass written and in-person tests to prove that candidates have the knowledge and skills to walk dogs and handle the different situations that arise. Follow the rules, don't jaywalk, and walk on sidewalks whenever you can. As a dog walker, you’ll be responsible for the dogs you’re walking during the time they’re in your care. If the post office is running, so am I–and also when they’re not running. When you hang out with a dog every day for a few years, you can’t help but build a strong bond with them. When you're picking a dog leash, it's crucial that you choose quality and reliable material like cotton, leather or nylon. It’s best to safeguard yourself by purchasing proper insurance coverage. 6. Trust me when I say it’s a challenge to find someone that is willing to brave all of those elements. Though dog walkers of course have their appointments they must meet but it certainly is nowhere near like a stuck up 9-5 schedule and it also is often much more pleasant to speak to the four-legged doggy clients then experiencing the newest drama in an office setting. A profession dog walker (such as a walker for the company Wag) may have difficulty prevailing in a dog bite lawsuit in California.. California’s “dog bite” law imposes “strict liability” when a dog bites someone. By 2012 I decided to start Rover-Time and within ten months of self-employment, I hired my first team member to support our dog walking service. And any other equipment malfunction may be the reason your pooch gets away from you, often right onto the busy street. Next Article --shares; link; Add to Queue Eileen Figure Sandlin. Safer Dogs around Children (Risk Assessment) Background: It is understood that whilst children need to be protected from injuries from dogs, and the potential for severe injury must not be underestimated, dogs are also highly beneficial to children in many way, especially to those who may have experienced dysfunctional human relationships. Even getting a physical yourself might not be a bad idea if you haven’t been exercising regularly. Becoming a dog walker and starting your own dog-walking business can be a good gig - there's no doubt about it. If you are new to a city, being a dog walker and pet sitter helps you get to know your surroundings. Litter. NBC Universal, Inc. Dogs get lost all the time. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. There are special dog water bottles that make it easy for both the owner and the dog. Remember general walking etiquette and stay safe. monitoring_string = "c1299fe10ba49eb54f197dd4f735fcdc". You’re also not alone if you’re... Brown is a very popular color for dogs, and lots of dogs have brown in their coat in some way, shape or form. Being a dog walker is great! When you know you're going for a longer walk, always have a bottle of water for you and your dog, or have a bowl with you if your canine is not trained to drink out of the bottle. However,... There’s something about dogs that are all one color, with their monochrome appearance making them look so pure, majestic and regal. You can also bring a flashlight with you for these occasions. Dog … If you have a breed that is naturally “dressed” for cold with a thick fur, like a Husky or a Malamute, this won’t be necessary.