We all know dog walkers provide a tremendous service, and they are becoming more and more important in our modern world. As the world becomes more and more urbanized, and more of us lead busy professional lives, we may find we have less and less time to devote to our beloved dogs. Of course everybody loves the idea of taking long, rambling strolls with their dogs, but really, who has the time?
That is why dog walkers exist, to fulfill this essential need.The Average Price
The average dog walker cost can vary hugely depending on a number of factors such as location, experience, time spent with dogs etc. In fact dog walker prices can range from as little as £5 per hour to more than £25 per hour at the premium end of the market. There are a number of things which impact how much it will cost you specifically.
First, are you willing to let your dog be walked at the same time as other dogs? This can be a major factor in the cost. Obviously, if you allow your dog to be walked along with other dogs, then this lowers the price significantly. However, there are some things you should consider. First, consider how sociable your dog is. Are they likely to be fearful or intimidated by other dogs, or do they just love playing and thrive in the company of other dogs? Obviously if your dog is timid, then a long walk with other dogs is likely to be a very stressful experience for them, which could actually have more negative than positive effects on their health. In that case, it might be worthwhile investing more to make sure you dog gets a one on one experience. What’s more, if your dog has a lot of social problems, then it might also be worthwhile having your chosen dog walker come to your house beforehand, to introduce themselves to the dog. This can allow the dog to become more familiar and trusting of this new stranger. Obviously this is a premium option you will have to pay a bit more for.Experience is Key
The cost of a good dog walker also varies with the amount of experience they have. At this point you should do a bit of research, to find out a bit about this person who you will be entrusting your precious dog to. I mean, you wouldn’t just hand over your child to a complete stranger, would you?
You should use social media, look up their website and get in contact with some of their previous clients if possible. Some dog walkers come with years of experience at handling dogs, while others are relative novices. Obviously this is more important if you have a dog who may be hard to handle, wither because they are very large, very active or a little bit aggressive. Sometimes it is worth paying a bit extra to hire someone with years of experience. This will give you that all important peace of mind, that your pride and joy, your dog, is in the very best of hands.Good Dog Walker Traits
Overall, whatever price you pay, you should ensure that the person you hire is patient, responsible and attentive to the needs of your dog. After all. you are trusting them with a big part of your life!