Dog Walking FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Walking your dog is not only an exercise activity but also a delightful time together with your furry friend. Some dogs prefer to walk several miles. You can start off by walking your dog for a minimum of 15 minutes two times a day. However, the walking distance and time depends on the size of the dog and the breed.

Leash is actually a communication and controlling tool between you and your dog. You can restrain his movement as well as convey some important signals to your fur partner through leash. Walking leash will be generally 4 feet long and the handlers on the other end will help control the movement of the dog whether to allow the dog close or let him move freely.

Once your dog gets comfortable with his collar or harness, teach him a cue with his favorite treat and make him come to you with the leash on. Practice walking inside the room initially with the leash on. After enough in-house training, you can take your dog outside for shorter walks initially and then for long walks. Lure him, praise him, and reward him with treats for properly and obediently following you.

To become a dog walker:

• Take dog walking courses from certified schools.
• You can even earn dog handling courses.
• Be trained under experienced dog walkers.
• Get the required licensing.
• Start dog walking for friends and neighbors.
• You can also get a dog walking business certification and become a full-time dog walker.

It is really enjoyable to walk a calm and obedient dog on a leash. However, all these obedience is attained only through proper leash training.

Kick off the initial leash walking practice with lots of praises, treats, and lures. The length of the leash can be between 2 feet to 4 feet depending on the type of control you want to have on your dog.

Use the handler to decide how much slack you want in the leash between you and your buddy.

Generally, vets advise at least 3 days of complete rest after neutering. Some dogs recover relatively quickly after the procedure. You can take them for short leash walks if your vet assures of good healing after checkup. However, your dog should have complete rest for 10 to 14 days or how many ever days your vet recommends.

• Get a dog care certificate or dog walking certificate from a proficient school.
• Obtain the necessary license for dog walking.
• Get on the job training for some time with an experienced dog walker and learn insights.
• Start off by walking your friends’ and neighbor’s dogs.
• Choose a name for your business and create an online presence.
• Acquire networking with other local dog walkers and dog sitters.
• Prepare an economy package and market that through internet and fliers.
• There you go, kick start your dog walking business.

Dogs need exercise and walking is the best low-impact exercise both for you and your dog. Walk for 30 minutes daily, keep up a brisk pace and gradually increase distance. At a very least, a dog can walk up to 1.6 km daily. Jogging can also be fun for your dog but beware of heatstroke during summer time while jogging.

Dog walkers generally sell their services as packages or on an hourly basis. Dog walker service charges depend on the size of the dog and the location. Generally, dog walkers charge from $20 to $28 per hour depending on the business service.

The safe and precise temperature range for all types of dogs to walk is from 15 to 18 degree centigrade. When the temperature is between 20 to 25 degrees, healthy medium and large dogs can walk for 15 to 20 minutes. When the temperature falls below 15 degrees, make sure you don’t walk senior, small, and sick dogs. When the temperature touches zero degrees centigrade, then it is a BIG NO for any type of dog to walk.

If your dog walks in circles, then it is a probable sign of stress, anxiety, or physical pain. Sick and senior dogs walk in circles because of issues in cognitive functions. Boredom and anxiety can also induce this type of atypical walking manner. Consider engaging him in mental and physical stimulation activities and this might work. Check for any physical injuries and consult your vet.

Mostly disobliging puppies pull away when on the leash. You can teach them better leash manners using lures, treats, praise, and games.

You need lot of patience with adult and non-cooperative dogs. You can reward their cooperation and obedience and correct them through their own resistance.

Use treats in your hand and move your hand forward luring him to move forward. Encourage your dog to follow the treat. It may help him walk forward.