For many dog owners, the warmer weather means longer dog walking routines are just around the corner. If finding the time and ability to give your furry friend enough exercise is troublesome, you’re not alone.

There are many reasons some dog owners choose to hire a dog walker. Injury, illness, or other physical limitations can affect how often or how long walks can be. Busy calendars and work schedules can also limit free time for parks and strolls.

Before hiring a dog walker, there are a few questions to consider so both people understand the responsibilities and expectations.

Walk Time

Think about how much time and how often you would like your dog walked. Different breeds, ages, and sizes of dogs can require different levels of exercise. Have a time in mind before asking so you can express your dog’s needs. If the potential dog walker is driving to a location, ask if the drive time is included in the total time of the walk.

Group or Individual Walks

Will there be several dogs walking together at the same time, if so, what other kinds of dogs will be along? It’s important to know your dog’s behavior around other dogs and if the size of the other dogs will make a difference to your dog. 

If several dogs are walking together, you may want to ask about their dog walking experience and background with walking several dogs. You might also want to give the potential dog walker an example of a conflict or injury between the canines and ask what he or she would do to resolve the issue.

Qualifications

If you are reaching out to a professional, you might want to ask about certification, insurance, and additional references. If specific questions about behavior techniques are important to you, ask if they have any experience or training in these areas.

In addition, it’s useful to know if the person you are talking to is the person that will be walking your dog. In some cases, several dog walkers may work together or have several employees that help manage the workload.

Price

Once you have a good idea of the amount of time your dog will be walked, if other dogs are part of the walk, and what other services are included, it’s time to talk price. Dog walking prices can vary by location, so it’s a good idea to ask around and get a general idea about what to expect and what you are willing to budget for this service.

Spending extra time asking important questions will help you choose the dog walker that’s the best fit for you and your furry friend.

If your dog seems to have extra energy, you might want to consider creating an agility course. Many dogs enjoy the mental and physical activity of agility courses. It can also be a great way to strengthen the relationship between you and your canine.

Author Bio

Sarah is the founder and writer of Dog Training Boss. As a parent, dog owner, and dog foster caregiver, she strives to create a loving home environment for all two and four-legged creatures. Her background also includes research analysis and journalism. Sarah works closely with animal experts and dog lovers to provide clear information that helps dog owners make the best decisions for their furry friends.