Dog Community

Hiring a Dog Walker

Posted : 10/9/2006 9:18:32 PM

I really hate having to ask about this - please don't bash me for doing so. I am having a very difficult pregnancy and just don't have the energy after work to walk my dogs. Unfortunately, my husband is currently disabled (work injury) and isn't allowed to do anything.

Our dogs are suffering. They haven't been walked in 2 weeks, and running and playing in the backyard just isn't enough. They're acting out and not obeying well, and I think it's mostly because they have too much energy to burn. I have reached the conclusion that I need someone to get them out of the house on a daily basis. So, how would I go about hiring a dog walker? How do I find someone I can trust? How much generally (for Los Angeles, CA) does it cost? Suggestions, please.

inne

Posted : 10/9/2006 10:05:56 PM

Why would anyone bash you for getting a dog walker? They can be fantastic and greatly benefit your dog.

I would try to get recommendations from people you know who have dogs. Otherwise, you can do a search online or take a look at this list:

http://www.phsspca.org/PetOwnersGuide/daycare.htm

When I was looking for a dog walker, I asked about their training philosophy, experience, how they handle different situations, what the route is, etc. and I asked for referrals. The most important part was seeing how they interact with my dog; one walker was great on paper, but my dog didn't like her and after observing them together, I could see why. You should also look for someone who will ask a lot of questions about your dog. Walks usually range from $15-25/hour and the price depends on whether you do individual or group walks and if you buy a package or singles.

ColleenC

Posted : 10/9/2006 10:13:17 PM

I don't want to bash you, but...I think its GREAT! Most people would put the dogs on the back burner in your situation. I think its great that you realize there is a problem and are going to fix it! Good luck with finding a great dog walker!

olinda

Posted : 10/10/2006 12:33:31 AM

Gees louise, why would anyone bash you? you are pregnant for crying out loud and your husband is injured!!!

I am in Texas, wish I could help. But is great of you to think about your four legged kids. Good luck.

Congratulations on the human baby [

]

Eric Mies

Posted : 10/10/2006 7:37:08 AM

Doggy day care might be another option. In the 6 months of being owned by a dog I have realized that nothing can subsitute dog's playing together for excersise. I would have to walk Presley 10 miles to tucker her out like when I pick her up from day-care. Plus the interaction with other dogs is good for socializing...

Wich ever way you choose to go, I would call your vet and ask if they recomend anyone. Many times the vet tech's will do this type of thing on the side. We are lucky enough that our vet's office also has a kennel and offers day-care for $11 day - it's great! Actually it went up to $17 but since we have been bringin her for a few months they only bumped it up to $11 (was $9.50)...

Good luck!

gradyupmybutt

Posted : 10/10/2006 7:49:42 AM

Why would we bash you? You are looking for something to HELP your doggies & by extension, you. Kudos to you.

Pwca

Posted : 10/10/2006 10:15:45 AM

I second looking at doggy day care- if the dogs are sociable types, it'd get them out of your hair longer

and probably be more economical than a walker.

Scout in Canada

Posted : 10/10/2006 10:22:32 AM

I think that's a great idea. I would look in your local newspaper, and just ask the right questions. Ask what type of training they use (+ reinforcement)... etc.

Also if they like other dogs consider sending them to doggy daycare for just 3 or 4 hours a day. This would tire them out, be fun for them, and give you some quality time with the baby without worrying about the dogs at the same time.

fuzzy_dogs_mom

Posted : 10/10/2006 11:25:20 AM

Do you know anyone who walks every day just for exercise? If so, they might be willing to take a pup or two along with them.

Joyce

schleide

Posted : 10/10/2006 1:47:43 PM

I think it is great that you are looking for help exercising your pooches! Dog walker are a lifesaver for many (including me)... We found ours using word of mouth referals. I hung out at local dog parks and asked the regulars who they used. I found 2 or 3 names that came up consistently and then interviewed them all and had Wesley meet them. Once clicked for us. I asked her questions including how she handles fights, where she leaves the dogs when she is picking up another dog, what she does in emergencies etc. It works really well for us. I would definitely also look into doggy daycare. For around the same price as an hour walk, they can go to "camp" for the day, play with the other dogs and come home zonked out! If you do this and/or walks at least a few days a week I am sure you will see a noticable change!

a_ryan

Posted : 10/10/2006 2:16:52 PM

I was afraid of being bashed because I asked a trainer about this and was totally ripped apart - apparently the trainer finds dog-walkers and doggy daycare extremely offensive.

Thanks for the suggestions. I had looked into doggy daycare, but it's prohibitively expensive in my area ($30 a day/dog). I'm also concerned because my dogs are little and are not as social as they should be - they're little and feel the need to be the biggest dog around, which has been a problem.

I will call my vet later today and see if she has any suggestions for anyone. And I'm going to check with the teenage girls across the street- they walk often and even if it wasn't EVERY day, 4 days a week would be better than nothing. And what teenager turns down money for something they're going to do anyway?

I will see how things go and update later. Thanks.

Deb

Posted : 10/10/2006 2:43:02 PM

I know it's just walking a dog, but because your dogs are not as social as you might like and because you do seem to really need this kid's services, I would have a backup plan.

When I was a teenager, the easier something was for me to just do, the more I would put it off, and when I wasn't being supervised, I generally did whatever I wanted and did not do a good job. Not that all teenagers are as awful as I was... but it might not be worth the wondering or worrying.

erl

Posted : 10/10/2006 3:57:02 PM

A summer ago (I was 14) my neighbor hired me to walk her yorkie while she was at work and her son was gone. It was really fun and easy. Except in the beginning when he was terrified of me and kept running away, but when I learned that saying walk would get him to follow, it was great. I did this five times a week and was paid $20 a week (which for that little guy, I think was more than I needed)
I also trained him to stay right by me, to quit marking everything, and the quiter he is the sooner we leave. But then again, I'm not your typical teenager. If you trust your neighbors, let them. You can tell if they didn't get walked if they're bouncing off the walls.
Btw, Congrats on the baby to be!

Deb

Posted : 10/10/2006 3:59:41 PM

erl, I was a much more typical teenager. Good for you! You sound really responsible.

Scout in Canada

Posted : 10/11/2006 6:46:31 AM

The teenager thing - haha.... there are some great ones and some awful ones!! When I was 12-19 I walked a couple dogs for money and took it very seriously. I've always been a dog lover.

However I can think of a million teens that I would never trust to handle my dog.... I suppose it all depends what they are like.