Tips for Working as Dog Walker

New generations can be a breath of fresh air. They definitely take the credit regarding the creation of new, fun jobs that almost anyone can do. For example, who would have thought about being a dog walker just a few years ago?

So, have you ever considered it? Perhaps it isn’t something you can entirely survive on. However, it could definitely help you earn some extra cash to help make ends meet.

So, don’t underestimate this kind of work. Like in other jobs, a dog walker must be responsible, know what they’re doing, and be able to react fast and efficiently in unexpected situations.

If you’re interested in this line of work or are just curious to know what the job entails then here’s some information for you.

Tips for being a good dog walker

If you’ve already decided that you want to start working as a dog walker, then the hardest part will be at the beginning. Mainly, because you have to build up a clientele. The best way to do so is by word of mouth, among the people you already know.

Start by offering to walk your friends’ and neighbors’ dogs. Even if you do this for very little money, these could be the people who’ll speak well of your work. As a result, they’ll recommend you to their friends and acquaintances.

If you decide to take it a step further, then start telling everyone you know that you’re a dog walker. Furthermore, if you make a good impression, then they’ll remember you and will talk to others about you.

Talk to an agency

Believe it or not, there are agencies for this, and signing up with them is a useful way to get business. One of the questions they’ll most likely ask you is if you have previous experience as a dog walker. If you’ve had a dog of your own, and you took them out for walks then this can count as experience.

Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages in working with agencies:

• The good news is that you won’t have to worry about looking for clients, as they’ll find them for you and assign you to them.
• The bad news: you’ll be working through an intermediary who’ll get a big percentage of what you make and, in addition, it’ll be like having a boss in that you’ll have to stick to their fees, schedules, and regulations.

Get certified

Being a dog walker is not as easy as most people think it is, and if you’re certified then finding clients will be much easier. There are some schools that even offer diplomas for this.

These schools also offer job placement and might even help you find your own customers and/or an agency to work with if that’s what you want.

Know what’s in your city

If you’re going to work as a dog walker, then you’ll have to know the city like the back of your hand, especially regarding everything that relates to dogs.

Moreover, you have to know:

• where the best parks are
• the best places for the furry beings to do their dirty business
• the dog-friendly pools or beaches, if you live in coastal areas
• the location and regulations of the natural areas where you can take them
• what the best times are to take the dog to any of these places

If you know all of the above things, then congratulations! Clearly, you can start working as a dog walker! You’ll be able to make money and enjoy walks with your new friends immediately.

Get along with the dogs’ owner(s)

In order to work as a dog walker, it’s very important that you know how to handle dogs. However, in many instances it’s a lot more important to know how to handle their owners.

Keep in mind that politeness, flexibility, and being (sort of) reasonable are qualities that we all value. If others perceive the same qualities in you, then they’ll say so to other potential customers.

It’s possible for misunderstandings to arise at some point. However, if you’re able to handle them calmly and sympathetically, you’ll gain everyone’s trust and also open new doors with potential clients.

Get in shape

Being in good physical shape is essential in order to work as a dog walker. Therefore, you must make sure you’re fit enough to take long walks and, perhaps, travel long distances in order to pick up every dog client you have. If you spend some of your free time getting in shape, then working as a dog walker will be a lot easier.

As you can see, it’s not too difficult to become a good dog walker. Put the tips you just learned into practice and earn extra cash with your newly acquired profession.

Who knows, if you’re really good, then perhaps you can be the one who starts an agency. In that way, you’ll even be able to employ others and makes a full living out of it.