A Dog Walkers Checklist

In short, be prepared.

We are currently seeing an explosion of dog walkers and dog-walking companies. It is, after all, a wonderful way to make a living. If it's the path you choose, set yourself up to enjoy the most worry-free experience, knowing that you are taking the best care possible of the four-leggeds in your care
Many disappear not long after starting and with more dog walkers about than ever before the spread of work has been spread thin compared to a few years ago.

First thing first

Research everything you can about dog walking and especially the already established dog walkers in your area, the services they offer and the prices they charge. A good way to find out where dog walkers are is to locate them using Google maps, many will have websites detailing their services and general info - this is all useful stuff. Find the going rate and make sure you don't go over it nor beneath it too much as you have to make a living and the first few months will be a real test financially.

The prices of dog walking can range between 5-10 but generally it's about 7-8 per hour walked. There are two types of dog walking, group and solo. Solo walks tend to cost more but group walking is ideally what you want to do. Most people want their dogs walked at lunchtime while they are at work, so that's your peak working hours and you may only get two to three walks (max) in that time and in that time you will earn most of your money for that day, so if you are doing solo walks in that time you are limiting what your income can be.

3) Active Paws Dog Walking

4) On the Move Dog Walkers

5) Out for a Walk Dog Walking

6) Wanna Go for Walk Dog Walkers

7) Happy Paws Dog Walking

8) Your Name's Dog Walkers

9) Best Friends Dog Walks

10) Sniffs and Wiggles Dog Walkers

11) Out and About Dog Walks

12) Doggie Escorts

13) At Your Service Dog Walkers

14) On the Mend Dog Walking (for older or disabled dogs)

15) Tough Guy Dog Walking (for aggressive dogs)

16) Happy Pack Dog Walks

17) Pedigree Dog Walking

18) Four Seasons Dog Walks

19) Rain or Shine Dog Walking

Dog walkers can make their own schedules, wear what they want to wear, and they spend their days walking around or visiting parks with dogs. In truth, walking dogs isn't as easy as just grabbing a leash and making flyers to get customers. Here's are some tips about how you can begin a rewarding career as a dog walker.

The best way to prepare for a career in dog walking is to complete training and receive certification. Not only will this teach you the ropes of the business, it will ensure customers that you can be trusted with their canine companions. There are several reputable organizations that train and certify dog walkers. One of the better known dog industry trainers is Dog Tec, which provides education in dog training, walking, sitting and other types of services. Dog Tec holds a number of workshops and talks throughout the United States. The Dog Tec Dog Walking Academy is a four-day intensive training program that teaches participants about dog behavior, health issues, pack management and the in's and out's of starting your own business.

Dog insurance is important for dog walkers, sitters and trainers.