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Updated: May 8th, 2006 - 12:05:42 |
Travel to any city in the world and yes, there are the usual sights to visit and see. However, one sight that has become more frequent over the years is the professional dog walker. He is often found walking at a great pace following a brood of one dog to six, the maximum according to the Professional Dog Walker rules. As they stride down sidewalks and ramble through parks it is often hard to tell exactly who is getting the most out of the walk.
Dog walkers are quickly becoming essential service providers in the lives of busy urban professionals and families. Furthermore, hiring a dog walker is fast becoming the alternative to sending our pets to dog day care centers and kennels. By hiring a dog walker, the dog gets to stay within its own home environment an receives. A dog walker typically charges between $10-15 for a one-hour walk, while a discount is often applied if you have a double dog family.
Dog walkers provide a number of different services, including individual walks, visiting off-leash or leashed dog parks and visiting safe dog run areas. They will even scoop up the poop and give your dog treats (with your permission of course). Some take their jobs so seriously that they might leave you notes or even photographs about how your dogs’ walks went, especially if they walk your dogs more than once a day.
Becoming a professional dog walker requires more than the love of exercise, fresh air and the companionship of dogs. Walkers may, in certain instances, need to be familiar with animal behavior and basic animal care like feeding and administering necessary medication. Associations such as the Professional Dog Walkers Association International have their own set of the guidelines and requirements for potential dog walkers (www.prodogwalker.com). Some examples include:
- Filling out a background form
- Providing two forms of identification
- Numerous interviews
- Training
- Being an animal lover
- Educational background.
- Good communication skills.
Professional dog walking is an industry all its own and the demand for the service is growing more everyday. Diane Eibner's A Face In The Window: A Guide to Professional Dog Walking & Home Boarding (Jog-A-Dog Books) contains valuable information on starting a dog walking business. Ms. Eibner offers her experiences and ideas on how to make a living for those considering dog walking as a profession. Being a professional dog walker can be extremely rewarding so if you are feeling that tug and need a break from the nine-to-five world, why not try being a professional dog walker.
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