How to Choose a Dog Walking Service

As a certified, credentialed dog trainer, I often get questions from clients about how to choose a dog walker. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I’m going to share a blog by my brilliant colleague Saundra Clow. While her post is specific to Canadian clients and trail walking with dogs (as opposed to city street walking) the same screening applies.

Saundra’s post follows below

Did you know that the animal care and animal training industries are completely unregulated?

This means anyone can call themselves a dog professional, no matter their education, experience, or qualifications. Scary right?! It’s important to know what to look for when choosing a dog walker, dog trainer or a dog sitter.

Today we’ll talk about navigating the dog walking industry. When looking into dog walking options, here are some top things you’ll want to consider:

• Loving dogs or growing up with dogs are NOT qualifications
• Look for certifications such as the Karen Pryor Foundations Course, Dog Knowledge Foundations thru BravoDog, or the Dog*Biz Dog Walking Academy.
• It’s also important that your dog walker has pet first aid certification. Look for certifications from DogSafe Canine First Aid or Walks N Wags Pet First Aid. Both offer online certification options, so there’s no excuse for any dog walker not to have this!

Ask Questions!

• How many dogs per handler?
• How do they screen new dog walking clients?
• How are the dogs transported to and from the trail?
• Do they carry first aid kits on the trail?
• Are they following science-based, positive-reinforcement handling methods?
• What do they do if your dog does something wrong?
• What do they do if your dog does something right?
• Do they use words like “pack leader” or “dominant” (HINT: if they do, RUN!)
• What kinds of equipment do they use on walks?

Make sure you are comfortable with their answer to all of these questions. Good, ethical and experienced dog walkers all carry treats to reinforce good behaviors they want to see more of. There should be no use of punishment, ever.

Memberships

Lastly, look and see if the company you are considering holds any memberships with the IAABC or PPG. Both are good signs that they are committed to force-free handling methods and continued education. If they hold other memberships, do your research to ensure those organizations meet your expectations and are in line with your values as well.

Until the pet care industry is regulated, it is up to you the consumer to ensure that you are leaving your pets in the care of a qualified pet professional.

Additional tips from Janice Z Dog Training

• Avoid any walker who uses a device such as a choke, prong, or shock collar. Period.

• While some excellent services use their own leashes and harnesses on your dogs (for liability and personal safety reasons), avoid a service that says they use “walking collars” on your dog. These are simply choke collars. There is a woman in my city who walks up to 10 dogs at a time, all on choke collars.

I’ll say it again. It’s likely these dogs are walking nicely on leash simply because they are being choked.

• Even if you ask them to, some dog walkers will not take your dog to a dog park: too much can go wrong there very quickly, which can be a serious business liability for them.
• Your walking service should be bonded and insured.
• Pet Sitters International is another highly regarded professional group for dog walkers

So, about going to the dog park …

My own dog was attacked and injured at our local dog park. The attacking dog was there with a dog walker who broke park rules at least two ways: 1) too many dogs per handler and 2) the dog was in a prong collar, which is supposed to be removed before entering the dog park.

If your walking service offers trips to the dog park, say no thanks unless your dog is 100%, rock-solid friendly with every dog she meets. Most dogs are not and that’s perfectly normal!

Janice Z Dog Training uses only proven-effective, rewards-based training methods. Based in Medford, Mass., Janice Z Dog Training currently holds all one-on-one training sessions live and online. No need to wear a mask or worry about being 6' away from others, no need to bundle the dog into a car, tidy the house for the trainer’s visit, or get a babysitter for the kids. Visit Janice Z Dog Training for more information and sign up for her monthly newsletter here.