thoughts on dog walkers -- Im in NY but will appreciate any input

I love my dog walker.  She's just amazing with Chase and she and I have become friends.  It is my opinion that a dog walker can most likely be trusted.  Why on earth would they do anything to endanger their career? 
 
When we first started using our dog walker, she came over for a visit to meet with the pup and so that we could check each other out.  I don't regret it for a second!

I love my dog walker.

 
Thanks for the reply!
This makes me feel better...
Where are you located?  What kind of dog is Chase?
 
I don't know why I am wary, but I guess in New York you have to be.  I am definitely going to look into it if everything pans out with the Boston (its still very much up in the air, but we will see what happens!)
 
If anyone else has any thoughts or input, please share!

I live in NYC too but I don't have a dog walker.  But if your gone for hours with a puppy at home, I think it's best to have someone around to go for a walk and give them some attention.  Just find a reliable person, doggie daycare or a friend.  (hehe)

that pup in your avatar fureverjen is extremely cute!  what kind of dog is it?
 

Well, I have my own pet sitting company.  Anyone who is a member of NAPPS and is insured and bonded should be OK.  I also give references if my clients want them, usually a vet or groomer who knows me.  But, I will also give client references if they ask too. 
 
My clients are all a little nervous at first.  But, once they get to know me and know they can call and check in at any time and that I leave little notes and/or take pictures, they feel much better.
 
Any other questions, I'd be happy to answer.  []

Any other questions, I'd be happy to answer.

 
Thanks!

I'm in British Columbia.  Chase is a chesapeake bay retriever who started being walked by the walker at 4 months old.  She's very good about requiring proper leash manners, so Chase got some loving, some play-time and exercise, a pee break and some extra training.
 
Chase is now a year and a half.  When he's going to be left alone for consecutive 8-hour days, I have the dog walker come in midway through the day.
 
If you're nervous, call the person's references.  No matter what, you'll have the chance to meet them before you give them your keys, so you'll be able to feel them out.

I also own a dog walking business.  Definitely make sure that the walker is insured and probably bonded as well.  As WillowChow mentioned, NAPPS is one group to look for, PSI is another.  Both are national pet sitting organizations that don't necessarily ensure quality, but if a person takes the time to join a professional group, they're probably more serious than not about their job.  There are good professionals who belong to neither group, though.

Don't be afraid to shop around and make sure that your walker listens to you.  Someone on another board told us about her dogwalker who let her pitbull off leash in a city with very strict leash laws for pitbulls - even though the walker had specifically been told NOT to let the dog off leash.

IMO a good walker is worth his/her weight in gold.  I know of several in my area of Wisconsin that I'd trust my own dog with and several that I wouldn't.  If you go this route, I'd contact vets, groomers and/or boarding kennels for names.

We love our walker too...  She walks and playgroups Wesley (he is high energy so just walks are probably not enough for him).  I am in Boston, so I have no one to refer you to, but when looking for a good walker, before we got Wesley, I hung around the dog parks in the area and asked the owners who came often who they use (thinking that anyone who spends 45 minutes a day with their dog in the park was probably concerned with the dog's wellbeing etc.).  I also asked the vet I intended to use.  I got a few names, talked to all and then picked one.  It has been great - and Wesley is no easy camper.  She is always available (if we get stuck at work or there is a last minute change of schedule, she is flexible) and she loves Wes and he loves her.  I highly recommend a walker if you can find a good one...

Dog walkers in general are a GREAT idea if you don't have the time.  I wish all of my clients had the resources to afford a good one. 

Well I don't know much for dog walkers.But BT are very needed they want too be part of the family at every point that you can think of!  They like toio be the center of attention and they will get it at no cost. But I think if you can get a dog waler that is good and that you can trust then  go for it! I have never hade too hire a dog walker for  myself. But if I  had too I would for sure do it!!  Just look for the best one that YOU feel comftable with!!!!

Hi, I'm in NYC and have used dog walkers here for 15 years.  I consider it an absolute must for anyone who lives here and works outside their apartment.  
 
Basically, you have two types of dog walkers here: 
-  Those that are insured and bonded and pay taxes.  These are usually companies that employ walkers.  They run the background checks on the walkers and handle scheduling, etc.  This type of walker costs more (avg is $25/hour)
- Independent walkers.  This can be the college student that lives in your building or the guy advertising on Craig's List, etc.  This is a less expensive route, but higher risk.  Usually you're paying this person in cash and they are not insured or bonded, you're just trusting them. 
 
Over the years, I've used both types of walkers, but for a puppy, I would absolutely recommend option #1.   
 
When Slick was a baby (from 8 weeks - 16 weeks) I had a "puppy care" service where they came twice a day for 1/2 hour each visit.  They played with him, fed him, etc.  At 4 months, I switched to a 1 hour/day walker that also does training reinforcement. 
 
If you want to PM me, I can give you specific recommendations based on your neighborhood.