A well-loved family member, a trusted companion, your four-legged best friend — your dog is a special part of your day-to-day life. However, with the hustle and bustle of each day, there may be times you need to leave your pet alone, whether for work or a vacation. In these cases, you may have considered hiring a dog walker.
Dog walkers can be an invaluable help when caring for your pup, especially if you need to be away from home for an extended amount of time. However, not all dog walkers may be the best fit for you and your dog.
Choosing the right dog walker for your dog’s needs and lifestyle is essential to ensuring your dog’s safety, comfort, and happiness while you’re away. Below, discover tips for selecting a dog walker you can trust in Washington, DC — including skills and qualifications you should look for.
Assessing Qualifications
Not all dog walkers have the same qualifications, training, and experience. Before you choose someone to care for your pup while you’re away, assessing their background and ensuring they have the right skills to care for your pet’s unique needs are important.
Experience and Training
Experience matters when it comes to picking the best dog walker for you. A seasoned dog walker is likely familiar with various breeds, behaviors, energy levels, and temperaments.
Although a beginner dog walker can be good, it’s often best to choose someone who has not only worked with dogs before but has also worked with dogs similar to yours.
Finding an experienced dog trainer with professional training is also beneficial. Dog walkers can receive various professional certifications showcasing their skills in pet care.
Knowledge of Dog Behavior
Just like humans, dogs communicate with one another and with us. Dogs can let us know how they’re feeling using different sounds, expressions, and body language. As a result, it’s important to choose a dog walker who understands canine behavior and body language, including signs of anxiety or stress.
Evaluating Services
Many dog walkers offer different services, from quick walks in the morning and afternoon for bathroom purposes to longer walks focused on exercise. When looking for the best dog walker for your pet, consider the types of services you may need.
Range of Services Offered
Many dog walkers offer a variety of services, sometimes even beyond walking. They may offer walks of different lengths and frequencies, as well as additional services like pet sitting or basic training. You may even be able to choose a dog walker who offers group walks if your dog enjoys socialization!
If your dog needs more than bathroom breaks throughout the day, you may wish to find a dog walker that offers extra services geared toward training or companionship.
Emergency Procedures
Accidents can happen, even with the most skilled, careful dog walkers. A reliable, professional dog walker should have a plan for handling emergencies, such as if your dog becomes injured during a walk.
When you first meet a dog walker for a consultation, ask about their emergency procedures. Some dog walkers are also certified in pet first aid or CPR, which are invaluable skills for your pet’s safety while you’re away.
Checking References and Reviews
As with any business, reviews are a great way to learn about others’ experiences with a dog walker. Before picking a dog walker for your pet, take the time to hear what others, especially those who have worked with them previously, have to say.
Client Testimonials
Client testimonials allow you to hear what other dog parents have to say about a particular dog walker. Along with reviews, testimonials help you understand the good and bad aspects of a dog walker, helping you make an informed decision.
Personal Recommendations
Many people in Washington, DC, use dog walkers – possibly even your friends, family, and coworkers. If you know someone who uses a dog walking service, contact them for their opinions. They can tell you about some of their personal recommendations, especially if they have a dog with similar needs to yours.
Conducting a Trial Walk
After you find a dog walker that checks the boxes for you and your dog’s needs, there is one more step you can take before committing: a trial walk. A trial walk lets you see the walker’s skills and how your pet responds.
Observing Interactions
Pay attention to how the walker interacts with your dog during a trial walk. Assess their personality and tone toward your dog, how they handle distractions or interruptions, and, most importantly, how they respond to your dog’s body language.
Do they notice if your dog is uncomfortable and provide reassurance? Do they take the time during the first meeting to make your dog comfortable?
A trustworthy dog walker establishes a positive relationship with you and your dog right from the start.
Assessing Your Dog’s Comfort
Your dog’s reactions are the best indicator of whether or not a walker is the right fit. Along with safety, it’s essential to prioritize your dog’s comfort and happiness with its walker—after all, for most dogs, walks are an activity they should look forward to.
Observe your dog’s behavior before, during, and even after the trial walk. Look for any signs that your dog may be unhappy or stressed. If your dog seems happy and excited overall, that can be a great sign that you may have found the perfect fit.
Metro Mutts – Choose the Best Dog Walkers in DC
Finding the best dog walker is essential, not only for your pet’s safety but also for their well-being. The right dog walker for you and your pet’s needs and lifestyle ensures they receive the exercise, companionship, and care they need while you’re away.
With many DC professionals transitioning back to in-office work, your canine companion may need extra attention during the day. This will help prevent boredom and separation anxiety. And don’t forget that essential potty and treat break!
At Metro Mutts, we understand how important your pet is to you. That’s why we provide trusted, reliable, and professional dog walking services, giving you peace of mind while you focus on work. Our experienced team prioritizes your pet’s safety, comfort, and happiness. We offer flexible scheduling, personalized care, and even real-time updates, helping you stay in touch with your pet while away. Whether you need daily walks, occasional check-ins, or specialized care tailored to your needs, we’re here to help.
Are you returning to the office? Let us keep your pup happy and active while you’re at work! Contact us today to schedule your first dog walk and experience the Metro Mutts difference.
