Become a dog walker
In the USA, dog walking has long been a trend: Dog owners who don't have enough time to properly exercise their four-legged friend hire a dog walker who takes the dog for a walk for money. Sounds like easy money? Far from it: Anyone who wants to become a dog walker needs not only a leash and good shoes, but also a lot of know-how and experience in leading groups of dogs.
What does a dog walker do?
Dogs need plenty of exercise to be physically and mentally stimulated. A lack of exercise and boredom can quickly lead to undesirable behavioral problems in our canine companions. However, many dog owners don't always meet their pet's need for exercise and attention – whether because they are too busy with work or personal life, or because their physical condition doesn't allow for hours of walking. This is where dog walkers come in: For a pre-agreed fee, they walk their clients' dogs, take them to the park and dog park, or drive them out into nature to exercise and keep them occupied.
Is "dog walker" a profession?
Especially in large cities, where many people – and many dogs – live in close proximity, walking other people's dogs can actually be a way to earn money. Many urban dog owners appreciate having experienced dog walkers handle their walks. This allows them to work in the city center while their dog gets to satisfy its need for exercise in the park, the woods, or on country lanes. Unlike in the USA, where many professional dog walkers already operate in cities, dog walking is not yet a state-recognized profession in Europe, but demand is steadily increasing here as well. As a result, more and more people in Europe are offering dog walking services as a side job or as self-employed individuals. At the same time, dog training schools, various dog services, and training centers have recognized this trend and now offer training courses, online courses, advanced training, and workshops to professionalize dog walking.
Is training necessary?
Anyone who simply wants to walk their neighbor's dog doesn't need to attend a course. However, anyone seeking to offer professional dog walking services should have sufficient expertise in handling dogs. As a dog walker, you're not just walking the well-behaved Labrador next door, but usually a group of five to eight dogs of various breeds and temperaments. This is a significant responsibility that every dog walker should be aware of. Dogs often behave differently in a group than when alone. If a male dog suddenly displays dominant behavior toward another dog in the group or becomes aggressive, you, as the dog walker, need to know how to respond to this behavior and resolve the situation as quickly as possible. Experience with your own dog or the neighbor's is generally not enough. Dog walkers must be experts in handling dogs; they must be able to adapt to different canine personalities and know what to expect when walking various dogs.
Be aware of your responsibility.
Reading specialist literature, gaining practical experience with various dog breeds, and exchanging ideas with experienced dog trainers are essential for aspiring dog walkers. While there is no formal vocational training program, it's advisable to consider the training opportunities offered by various organizations, institutions, and clubs. Although dog walkers don't require a certificate of competence like those who run dog daycares, a certificate, diploma, confirmation of participation, or a dog walking license not only impresses potential clients but also provides the walker with a sense of security. To be successful as a dog walker, you primarily need a good reputation, which is best earned by knowing what you're doing and demonstrating in your daily interactions with clients and dogs that you chose this profession for a reason.
What will I learn in a dog walking seminar?
The content, scope, and costs of a dog walker course, advanced training, or workshop can vary significantly depending on the provider. Reputable instruction should definitely include a substantial practical component alongside theory. In the theory portion, prospective dog walkers learn not only the most important rules of dog ownership... but also answers to legal questions, applicable dog laws, and necessary insurance. This knowledge must ultimately be applied and reinforced in practice. It's not just about learning how to train a dog and teach it the most important basic commands. It not only teaches (which should be a basic requirement), but also helps dogs understand the group dynamic: how a dog changes when interacting with other dogs. Which dog personalities are compatible and easy to walk together? What influence does the behavior of one dog have on that of the others?
In addition to gaining a better understanding of canine behavior, course participants practice acting confidently as a dog walker and leading a group of dogs. The dogs must pay attention to their signals and remain undistracted by environmental stimuli. Various scenarios are tested to ensure you maintain control of the group of dogs, even in unforeseen circumstances. You will also learn how to optimally group the dogs, which paths and routes are suitable, what emergency measures to take, and how to safely transport the dogs in your car, for example.
What do prospective dog walkers need to know?
In addition to the aforementioned knowledge and experience in handling dogs and groups of dogs, people who want to work as dog walkers must meet several other criteria and formalities. Depending on the laws in your country, there are various regulations you should definitely familiarize yourself with beforehand. Those who want to earn money by walking dogs must decide whether they want to do so as an agency employee, as a part-time or mini-jobber, or as a self-employed individual. Depending on the chosen option, various discussions and applications with the tax office, trade office, or employer are necessary. Furthermore, find out what insurance you need as a dog walker. Walking other people's dogs always involves certain risks, not only for the dogs and yourself, but also for other people who might be attacked by a dog from your group. Comprehensive liability insurance and, if necessary, appropriate legal expenses insurance will help you limit the associated financial risk.
What skills does a dog walker need?
The job requirements for a dog walker extend far beyond simply walking dogs. Those who want to be successful and earn money in this profession should possess the following qualifications:
- They love animals and have a particularly good rapport with dogs.
- They possess sufficient knowledge in handling and training dogs.
- They possess excellent reflexes and can react quickly and appropriately to a dog's behavior or in a conflict situation.
- They are confident and assertive. They don't become nervous, anxious, or flustered when something unexpected happens, but always remain calm and self-assured around dogs. They are affectionate yet consistent in their handling of dogs.
- They enjoy working outdoors – even in bad weather.
- They are physically fit and can easily walk or run with the animals for several hours a day.
- Not only in your interactions with animals, but also in your interactions with people, you act in a friendly and confident manner and present yourself as a trustworthy and reliable person – after all, dog owners want to know that their four-legged friend is in good hands with you.
- They have liability insurance and are covered for any potential dangers arising from their job as dog walkers.
- They are flexible with their time and can accommodate their customers' wishes.
- If you want to work as a self-employed dog walker, you need basic knowledge of office organization and accounting to run your own small "business".
- They have the right equipment (especially weatherproof clothing and comfortable, waterproof shoes that allow them to walk long distances without any problems).
How do I become a dog walking expert?
Does the job description resonate with you, and do you believe you possess the necessary qualifications to work as a dog walker? Great, then you have the best prerequisites to become a dog walking expert. However, it will take some time before you earn enough money to pursue this job full-time. After all, you first need to find enough clients and convince them of your qualifications. This requires patience, perseverance, and, of course, effective client acquisition.
Gain experience
But one thing at a time: First of all, you should test in practice whether this job is really right for you. Why not ask at the nearest animal shelter or in your neighborhood if you can volunteer to walk the dogs?
Once you've gained sufficient experience, you can take the next step. Look for continuing education, advanced training, or courses for dog walkers in your area. Even if there isn't a formal training program, certificates or confirmations of participation in relevant courses can be very helpful – not only for demonstrating the necessary expertise but also for attracting clients.
How do I attract clients for my dog walking business?
Once you have completed the relevant courses and gained sufficient experience, the most important, and for many people, the most difficult part of the work begins: customer acquisition. Have flyers printed and distribute them in your neighborhood, at veterinary clinics, or dog training schools. Distribute your information. Advertise on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms, and place an ad in the local newspaper or a neighborhood online portal. There are many ways and channels to draw attention to yourself and your dog-walking services.