Dog Wants Owner When Walking

 I don't have a pulling issue. They are already trained. I just don't want anyone but me to give commands, and if anyone but me is walking them, they will be on harnesses. If the walker had an issue with that, yes, I'd send him on his merry way. I have no issue with that.

For what it's worth, the combined total weight of my dogs is under 30 lbs. They do not lunge, and are not aggressive in any way. They're a very easy walk, regardless of where they're walking. As a 125 lbs woman, I can walk two lunging Standard Poodles, by myself. Most people do not teach their dogs to walk properly, and I wouldn't expect that they'd walk properly for a stranger, even if they were taught.

I did both pet sitting and dog walking.  I had my regulars that I walked daily or so many times per week.  And, I had clients that went away and I took care of the dogs then. 

I agree it certainly wouldn't be safe to walk a large group that pulled.  I've never walked more than three dogs at once.  And, wouldn't.  But, I'm not in NY where I know that it common.  If that's were you are and you are starting out I'd definately get some advice from someone with that type of experience because it is different. 

If you aren't in NY then you are sort of comparing apples to oranges. 

I'll just say again, I would have NEVER put myself in a position where they could start comparing me to a trainer.  Because people are stupid and they will--that's what I was trying to say--probably badly up above--that they will go around telling everyone whatever error they think you made "training" and hurt your walking business.  And, believe it or not people do talk, once I got one dog on a street I usually got a neighbor or two out of it.  Or, I'd walk a guys dog for him and next thing I've got his girlfriends two, you know that sort of thing. 

And, trying to train on the street is very difficult.  They have all sorts of distractions going on--just you being with them will have them all excited. The owner needs to be working on this at home and then tell you what you should do to practice and keep up what they are doing on walks--not just you teach the dog alone. 

Whatever happens I wish you the best.  I had a really good time with it.  But, at a point I had to give it up.  But, I took Willow every day and it was wonderful. 

ShelterDogs

if I'm reading you correctly, at this point you would throw the dog walker out of the house and shut the door on his face.

Don't be so surprised--you are going to find many people who would do this for a lot less!!!  You will see as you get into it.

jennie_c_d

I don't have a pulling issue. They are already trained. I just don't want anyone but me to give commands, and if anyone but me is walking them, they will be on harnesses. If the walker had an issue with that, yes, I'd send him on his merry way. I have no issue with that.

Okay, but not everyone is going to be like YOU. Not everyone is going to have dogs that are already trained. I thought you understood that I meant "IF" [your dogs pulled]. I also never said anything about having "issues" with you or using your "commands."

 You said you didn't want to walk dogs who pulled you. My dogs, and 99% of the canine population, WILL. I don't have a pulling problem. I don't mind it, one bit. When they're not working, they can do whatever they please.

Most people don't mind their dogs' pulling. If they did, they'd do something about it.

willowchow

I'll just say again, I would have NEVER put myself in a position where they could start comparing me to a trainer.  Because people are stupid and they will--that's what I was trying to say--probably badly up above--that they will go around telling everyone whatever error they think you made "training" and hurt your walking business.  And, believe it or not people do talk, once I got one dog on a street I usually got a neighbor or two out of it.  Or, I'd walk a guys dog for him and next thing I've got his girlfriends two, you know that sort of thing. 

And, trying to train on the street is very difficult.  They have all sorts of distractions going on--just you being with them will have them all excited. The owner needs to be working on this at home and then tell you what you should do to practice and keep up what they are doing on walks--not just you teach the dog alone. 

Whatever happens I wish you the best.  I had a really good time with it.  But, at a point I had to give it up.  But, I took Willow every day and it was wonderful. 

Thanks for the well wishes, willow. I certainly do have to reevaluate this. My end goal is to be a dog trainer, BTW. I'm coming directly from trainer's point of view. Starting a dog walking business is a stepping stone to the larger goal. Just out of curiosity, why did you decide to "give it up"? Decided it wasn't for you, get a good job offer, what?

Also, you are right about the street training have too many distractions. We had to do that at the shelter, though. We didn't have much choice. There would be cars and even other volunteers out walking the dogs. It may take a little longer, but it can be done. Not entirely ideal. I know low distraction is the way to start any training. Again, I'm now very curious to see what the author will have to say about this. If I get a response, I will post it back here.

jennie_c_d

Most people don't mind their dogs' pulling. If they did, they'd do something about it.

People are much less inclined to take their dogs for a walk when they pull. That is a fact.  If the dog didn't pull, they'd most likely take the dog out more or go for longer periods. I know two people who've had their shoulders pulled out requring surgery because of their dogs who pulled. My own sister stopped walking her two dogs when she had a baby. She said it was difficult to do it with the baby carriage. If the dogs didn't pull, I think she could have at least walked one of them along with the carriage. I know for me personally, it was quite a game changer when I taught my own dog to walk on a loose leash. Before when he pulled, it felt like a chore to walk him. Now it is actually enjoyable. Here, if you don't believe me check this recent article from APDT out. I think you are greatly underestimating the negative affect pulling can have on the owner. All these examples are from just my own little circle of friends and family. I witness it in my neighbors, too.

ShelterDogs

People are much less inclined to take their dogs for a walk when they pull. That is a fact.  If the dog didn't pull, they'd most likely take the dog out more or go for longer periods.

It's a vicious cycle, I know. But how is charging extra for pulling, or training them yourself (when the owner isn't home, so the owner is still clueless and allowing the dog to pull) helping anything?

There may not be ANYTHING you can do. Bianica  will not listen to or walk with anyone if they aren't me. You can tell her something and she'll look at you like your speaking jibberish and yet if I tell her she instantly follows my commands and if were out walking and I hand someone else the leash thats fine she'll just stay on my left side, next to me, walking at my pace no matter how the other person is walking or trying to give her a correction.

ShelterDogs

BTW. I'm coming directly from trainer's point of view. Starting a dog walking business is a stepping stone to the larger goal. Just out of curiosity, why did you decide to "give it up"? Decided it wasn't for you, get a good job offer, what?

I think that's where you are making your mistake.  You can't come at this from a trainers point of view because that's not what you are and not what you are getting paid for.  Again, I'm not trying to discourage you from either or but realistically it's very different.  You've got to come at this as a dog walker--how can I walk these dogs, get them to do what they've got to do, get a little exericise and get them home safely.  That's it.

I gave it up for many reasons.  I did really like all the dogs and being out with Willow all day.  But, also I needed a set schedule. Or, at least some time to do things for me.  I would just be getting my morning stops done and need to go back out for the afternoon ones.  And, come dinner same thing.  I'd be going non stop from 6:30 to 10pm sometimes.  And, I worked all the time--weekdays, nights, weekends, holidays--dog sitting is busiest on holidays, long weekends--all the prime times people take off.  Also, gas prices got to a point where I couldn't charge enough to make up for that.  Again, you've got to stay competitive with others in your area. 

And, honestly I never even planned to do it as long as I did.  But, I needed a break from medical office work and it was a nice change.  I still do it for a few people every so often but nothing like I did. 

willowchow

I think that's where you are making your mistake.  You can't come at this from a trainers point of view because that's not what you are and not what you are getting paid for.  Again, I'm not trying to discourage you from either or but realistically it's very different.  You've got to come at this as a dog walker--how can I walk these dogs, get them to do what they've got to do, get a little exericise and get them home safely.  That's it.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but many a great dog trainer started off as a dog walker. It would certainly be nice if we could all start off as professional dog trainers, but that isn't how it works. When walking dogs you learn something each time you take them out--just simply by observing their every move. 

The Dog Walking Academy in San Francisco (founded by Veronica Boutelle--dogTEC) teaches basic obedience to its dog walking students. dogTEC is the leader in dog business consulting. I don't think that they would be teaching leash manners and other basic commands in their curriculum if they didn't think it was important for their students to know and use. Boutelle herself started out as a dog walker before becoming a trainer and then a consultant.

I honestly have no idea if many dog trainers walked dogs first.   

Yes, having good handling skills and overall knowledge of dogs is important.  But, it's information to help you walk the dogs and get the job done competently.  

Walking dogs for a shelter helped me learn that I really don't want to be a dog trainer, groomer, or dog walker.  Don't get me wrong, I can spend hours a day grooming and training and just hanging out with my OWN dogs, but it did teach me a lot about dog behavior - mostly what happens when a dog has had no training, no socialization, no structure or discipline.  I learned that as much as I love my dogs, I'm not much of a "dog person".  I don't have the patience for the owners and how the dogs behave as a result.

ShelterDogs

jennie_c_d

 My point was, if you told me you wanted them to walk on a loose leash, I just wouldn't use you. I don't ask them to do that for other people, period. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that way.

Okay, let me get this straight. So you like what you see about this potential dog walker. You see that he/she has good references, experience, a professional website... you've made the call and appointment for the client interview. Potential dog walker comes over to your house, is very professional, has a welcome packet to hand you that he goes over. He then asks how the dog is out on walks. You tell him about the pulling issue... and he offers give your dog loose leash training.

That said... if I'm reading you correctly, at this point you would throw the dog walker out of the house and shut the door on his face.

I don't know if I'd throw you out, but I definitely wouldn't be paying you to train my dog.  Why?  Because you are not a trainer, you're a dog walker.  I mean no offense by that but it's not what I'm paying you for.  When I boarded my horse I wouldn't have paid extra for the staff to give ground manner lessons either, because that's not what they are there for.  In addition, I'm not a huge fan of someone training my dog when I'm not around to watch.  

Jack is not a huge puller unless excited but I've never had him walked by anyone other than us.  So, I'd probably have you take him out once or twice, and if you tried to charge me for the pulling I'd just find someone else.

sillysally

Jack is not a huge puller unless excited but I've never had him walked by anyone other than us.  So, I'd probably have you take him out once or twice, and if you tried to charge me for the pulling I'd just find someone else.

I would do exactly the same thing. If someone were hired to walk my dog and they secretly tried to start charging me for something I never signed up for I'd find someone else too.