You hired a professional dog walker and you want to make sure the walks go smoothly for both your dog and the dog walker. Did you know there are simple steps you can take before the walks start preparing your dog for a dog walker?
Check out our 7 simple steps preparing your dog for a dog walker.
- Provide the dog walker with a 4-6 foot nylon leash and any other dog walking accessories such as a harness or haltie. If your dog pulls or reacts quickly to things on walks such as squirrels, trucks, skateboards, etc., you may want to get a double handle dog leash that has a second handle close to where the leash attaches to your dogs collar, hatlie, or harness allowing the walker to have more control.
- Teach your dog to sit and stay before exiting your front door for walks and before re-entering your front door when returning to establish who is in charge. Have your dog walker do the same.
- Teach your dog not to pull when on walks or use techniques to stop them from pulling that you can share with your dog walker.
- Teach your dog to sit at corners and/or before crossing the street and ask your dog walker to do the same.
- Prepare a bag of treats for your dog walker to take on the walks to help enforce good behavior or to use as a distraction to stop bad behavior.
- Leave out poop bags if your dog walker isn’t bringing them to ensure they can pick up your dogs’ poop.
- Make sure the keys you give your dog walker are easy to use so your dog walker doesn’t have to struggle with your locks when entering or exiting your home with your dog.
By taking the time to do the above, will help make the walks easier for your dog and a dog walker.
Do you have any other tips you would recommend to prepare your dog for a dog walker?
Great tips there. Simple but easy way to ensure that your dog walker has a pleasant experience walking your dog. Although you are paying for their walking services it has to be enjoyable for both the dog and the walker. That way they can build up a trusting bond and have fun with them during those times when you, as an owner, are not there.
The point about providing treats is important, especially if your dog has favourite treats or an allergy! I also think providing poo bags is essential unless of course payment covers poo bag expenses! 🙂
Hi Amy. We are so glad you like our tips and understand the importance of making sure the relationship is enjoyable for both the client’s dog and the dog walker.