As a responsible fur parent, you would make sure that your adorable pooch gets the love and care that they need. However, if you have a hectic schedule, it can be difficult to find time to walk your dog every day. This is where professional dog walkers come in!
In this article, we will discuss the importance of dog walking and how to find the best dog walkers in Brisbane.
Importance of Walking Your Dog
As we all know, dogs are man’s best friend. They provide us with companionship, love, and loyalty. In return, they rely on us for their basic needs like food, water, shelter, and exercise. Walking is an essential part of a dog’s daily routine as it helps them stay fit and healthy.
Now, you may be wondering why your dog needs to go on regular walks. After all, they can just run around in the backyard, right? Well, not exactly.
Dogs need exercise just like humans do, and walking is one of the best ways to allow them to be active as they need to be. In fact, walking has a lot of benefits for both dogs and their owners. Not only does it help keep dogs healthy, but it also provides an opportunity for them to bond with you and other people and pets. In a way, this activity benefits their mental health too.
Whether you are doing it yourself or you are hiring Brisbane dog walkers to do it for you, walking gives your dog a chance to explore the world around them and socialize. It allows them to release any built-up energy so that they can relax at home. Plus, it prevents them from getting bored and destructive.
How to Find the Best Dog Walkers in Brisbane
When looking for professional dog walkers, you want to make sure that you find someone who is reliable and trustworthy. Here are some tips to get you started.
1. Do an Online Search
The quickest and most convenient way to look for walkers Brisbane has to offer today is through the internet. With a simple search using keywords, such as “dog walking services near me”, “dog sitting near me”, or “dog walkers Brisbane”, you will be able to find potential candidates in your area.
Take some time to check out each one’s website and see what kind of services they offer. Make sure that they are licensed, as well as experienced in handling different types of breeds.
It would also be helpful if you can read reviews from their past clients to get an idea of their work ethic and professionalism. You can find these testimonials on their website or on third-party platforms, like Google and Yelp.
Moreover, you should give them a call to inquire about pricing and availability.
2. Ask Your Relatives and Friends for Recommendations
Pet lovers tend to stick together, so it’s likely that you know someone who has availed of dog walking services before. If this is the case, then ask them for recommendations.
Your family and friends can give you honest feedback about their experience with a certain dog walker, which can help you in making a decision. They may even have some insider tips on how to get discounts!
3. Meet the Walker in Person
Once you have a shortlist of potential dog walkers Brisbane has to offer, it’s time to meet them in person. This is important so that you can get a feel for their personality and see if they are a good fit for your furry friend.
When meeting with the dog walker, be sure to ask about their rates, services, policies, and availability. You should also take this opportunity to let them know about your dog’s quirks and personality so that they can be prepared when walking them.
Interviewing a Dog Walker: Essential Qualities to Look For
Never hire a dog walker without interviewing them first, as meeting them personally will give you a better idea of whether they are a good fit for the job. Here are some qualities that the best dog walkers have and that you should look for during the interview.
Passion for Dogs
First and foremost, you want to make sure that the dog walker is passionate about dogs. This means that they should be patient, loving, and attentive to their needs. They should also have knowledge of different dog breeds and their behaviors.
So, during your interview, try to ask them about their experience with dogs and see how they answer. Sure enough, you will be able to tell whether they are passionate about dogs or not. If they seem hesitant or uninterested, then they are probably not the best ones to hire.
Punctuality and Reliability
You are entrusting your dog’s safety to this person, so it is important that they can be counted on to show up on time for every walk.
You can gauge their punctuality and reliability by asking them about their previous clients. Do they have any references? How long have they been working as a dog walker? Have they ever missed a scheduled walk?
Asking questions, such as these, will give you a better idea of whether the dog walker is punctual and reliable or not. If they have a lot of excuses for why they were late or if they have missed several scheduled walks, then it is best to look for someone else.
Good Communication Skills
Since you will be entrusting your dog to this person, it is important that they have good communication skills. This will give you the assurance that they will be able to update you on your dog’s whereabouts and condition during the walk.
You can test their communication skills by asking them how they would handle an emergency situation. For instance, what would they do if your dog ran away? What if your dog got into a fight with another dog? How would they contact you in case something happens?
Positive Attitude
Having a dog walker with a positive attitude can make the experience more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. After all, dogs can sense when someone is angry or upset, so it’s best to avoid hiring someone with a negative outlook on life.
During the interview, pay attention to their body language and see how they interact with your dog. If they seem tense or nervous, then this means that they are actually not confident about their abilities. On the other hand, if they are patient and gentle with your dog, then this is a good sign that they have a positive attitude.
Naturally, dog walkers should also enjoy themselves around dogs.
Instant Connection with Your Dog
The best dog walkers are those who can establish an instant connection with your furry friend. They should be able to make them feel comfortable and safe in their presence right at the start.
So, during your interview, it is good to introduce them to your dog and see how they react. If your dog seems happy and relaxed around them, then this is definitely a good sign.
Insured
Last but not least, you want to make sure that the dog walker is insured. The best way to check if they are so is to ask them for proof of insurance. Typically, dog walkers in Australia need to have public liability insurance in order to start providing their services. This insurance covers them in case they accidentally injure someone or damage property while walking your dog.
How Often Should Your Dog Be Walked
This would depend on a number of factors, such as your dog’s breed, age, and energy level.
For instance, if you have a small dog breed, then they would probably need to be walked more often than larger breeds. The same goes for puppies and senior dogs, as they would also need more frequent potty breaks.
As a general rule of thumb, most dogs need to be walked at least once a day. But if your dog is particularly active, then it might need to be walked multiple times a day.
Dog Walking and Sitting FAQs
Q: What is the average price of dog walking and sitting services in Brisbane?
A: Dog walking services usually cost between $15 and $30 per hour, while dog sitting services can range from $25 to $50 per day.
Q: Do I need to provide anything for the dog walker?
A: Yes, you will need to provide the dog walker with a leash, collar, and any other supplies that they might need for the walk. You should also give them a list of instructions, such as what route to take and how long the walk should be.
Q: How do I know if my dog is getting enough exercise?
A: If your dog seems restless or destructive, then this might be a sign that they need more exercise. You can also ask your veterinarian for advice on how much exercise your dog needs based on their age, breed, and health condition.
Q: What are the best times to walk my dog?
A: Morning and evening walks are usually the best, as this is when most people are home from work and school. This means that the walking paths will not be too busy.
Q: Do I need to be home when the dog walker comes?
A: No, you don’t necessarily need to be home. However, it is best if someone is there to let the dog walker in and to give them any instructions. If you can’t be there, then you can leave a key with a trusted neighbor or friend.
Also Read : Finding Affordable Dental Veneers in Australia – Tips to Save on Such a Dental Treatment
Parting Thoughts
As you can see, walking your dog on a regular basis is very important for its overall health and well-being. So, if you’re not able to walk them yourself, then be sure to hire a reputable and experienced dog walker who can do it for you. With the information provided in this article, you can start on the right foot in finding the best dog walkers in Brisbane.
For more tips on pet care, feel free to check out the other posts on our site!