5 Questions To Ask Your Dog Walker
As the world begins to open up and we start the gradual shift back to normalcy, Torontonians are excited to go out. Back to our offices, dinners, friend’s houses, parks, sports games – basically anywhere that isn’t a 500 square foot condo.
With that, the furry friends that have been glued to our side for the past year and a half will need a little extra attention as we start to enjoy activities outside our home. In order to ensure your pup is enjoying the same level of care and attention that they’ve gotten used to over the course of the pandemic, it might be time to start thinking about hiring a Toronto dog walker!
When paired with the right temperaments, group walks are a great way to give your pup a little extra socialization. Toronto dog walkers are well-equipped to provide your furry family member with the care and attention they deserve.
That said, leaving your dog in the hands of someone else can be intimidating (I’m a dog owner myself, I get it!).
As you start your search for a Toronto dog walker, here are a few things to ask them so you can relax knowing your dog is in good hands.
- Does the walker have previous experience in walking dogs?
The pandemic has provided a lot of people with a unique opportunity to start fresh, leading to a lot of new dog walking businesses and dog-related care companies that are now available to Toronto pups. As a new business ourselves, we love to see the dog community growing with passionate people!
However, as a first time client, you might feel a little more comfortable using a service that’s backed by a few years of experience. This experience could range from walking a variety of sizes and temperaments of dogs, to becoming familiar with dog body language and facial expressions (can they tell when a dog is nervous or stressed?)
After 5 years in the dog industry, I started Can You Dig It as a way of utilizing my experience working in a variety of dog-walking and dog-care roles. Creating a new business is no walk in the park, but it allows me to give each dog the time and attention they need backed by tried and true experience.
Whether you’re looking to hire an old-school company or a new business, make sure your dog walker has the experience needed to provide your dog with the same quality care you’d provide.
- Is the walker using evidence-based methods?
There are a lot of evidence-based methods that Toronto dog walkers should be mindful of as they take out your pup. Make sure to ask your potential dog walker what kind of method they use in their business (Is it force-free? Do they use positive reinforcement?) Do they believe in a 0 intimidation experience for their dogs? (They should!)
Can You Dig It prides ourselves in using humane techniques to reinforce positive behaviour. meaning absolutely no use of physical force, aversive tools such as prong or e-collars, intimidation, or leash corrections.
Force free methods allow your dog to make choices. This helps to gain the dog’s trust, which in return, forms a bond between the dog and human!
Tried and tested methods provide a better experience for a pet parent, as you know what to expect, and a better walk for your dog!
- Is your dog walker responsible?
This one may sound obvious, but it’s important to give it some thought. Of course your neighbour or friend will be responsible with your dog, but it often goes beyond just knowing someone will give your dog attention when they take them out for the day. Ask yourself: Do you get an honest update after each walk, detailing how your dog did, their mood, etc? Will this dog walker respond to emails, phone calls, and text messages in a timely fashion? Is this their full-time gig, focusing specifically on maintaining an effective and quality dog-walking business without any additional distractions? Are they insured?
Leaving your dog with a stranger is hard! It’s important to have that extra peace of mind of knowing your dog walker is responsible enough to take care of your furry friend when you leave them in their care.
- Will all the dogs’ needs be met?
While difficult to determine from the first meeting, you’ll be able to tell as soon as you start walks with a new company if your dog’s needs are being met. As you know better than anyone, each dog has a unique personality, likes and dislikes. Larger dog walking companies may not always have the time to get to know your dog on a personal level, with a range of employees taking over different walk schedules throughout the week.
Some questions to ask your potential dog walker could range from “Is my dog enjoying their walks?” to “What is he like around the group?”
As a small business of just 1, Can You Dig It provides each dog with the care and attention needed to ensure your dog’s needs are being met from the get-go!
- Is your dog walker insured and legally permitted to walk dogs in Toronto?
If you’re getting ready to hire a Toronto dog walker, one thing you want to be extra sure of is that they are insured and licensed to walk dogs in Toronto. Dog walking permits allow small businesses to walk up to 6 dogs legally in the city of Toronto. Without this permit, your dog walker could be subject to fines.
Accidents happen, so it’s important that your dog walker is insured. Can You Dig it is proudly protected by Profur Insurance for Pet Care Professionals. Make sure your dog walker is reputable and has a proper license in place. Not only will it save you the hassle of paying thousands of dollars in vet bills in the case of an emergency, but it also shows a level of commitment and professionalism, which is always comforting!
Leaving your dog in the hands of someone else can be challenging, however, there are a ton of amazing Toronto dog walkers that are excited to welcome your pup into their program!
Whether you’re looking to schedule semi-private sessions or group walks, Can You Dig It is available! A full-service Toronto dog walker in the St. Clair West, Wychwood, Corso Italia, Earlscourt and Davenport area, we rely on evidence-based, force-free methods to ensure our dogs are happy, confident, and safe
Schedule a complimentary Meet and Greet and join the family by emailing canyoudigitto@gmail.com!
Can You Dig It 