How to Be Every Dog’s Favourite Dog Walker:
Simple Tips for Happy Walks!

A dog’s favourite part is when it is having a walk. And to make its walk the best, every dog walker needs to try some simple tips.
Dog walking isn’t just about getting a dog from point A to B—it’s about making each walk enjoyable, safe, and beneficial.
A professional dog walker or love spending time with dogs doesn’t matter which one you are. These simple yet important tips will help you become a dog’s favourite Dog walker.

1. Use the Right Dog Walking Gear:

The most important step! Having the proper gear makes a big difference in your dog walking experience. Dogs will love you if you provide them with comfortable accessories and safety. This is as simple as it sounds, yet we create some confusion between us! Just remember the following-

Comfortable Harness: Choose a well-fitted, no-pull harness to prevent choking or discomfort.
Durable Leash: A 4 to 6-foot leash provides control while allowing freedom to explore.
Dog Walking Bag: Carry treats, waste bags, and a collapsible water bowl for hydration.
Weather-appropriate Gear: For night walks, Use a reflective leash or LED collar, and for cold weather, wear a dog coat.

2. Establish a Routine:

Dogs thrive on consistency. Set regular walking times to help them feel secure and excited for their outings. A well-structured dog walking routine helps with behaviour, fitness, and bonding. Here’s a step-by-step approach to building a consistent schedule in a week or month.

2.1: Weekly Plan: Quick Adjustment for Fast Learners

Day 1-2: Set fixed walk times (morning, afternoon, evening) and stick to them. Keep walks short (10-15 mins) for adjustment.

Day 3-4: Introduce basic leash training; reward good behaviour. Let them sniff but keep control.

Day 5-6: Increase walk duration gradually (20-30 mins). Vary the route for mental stimulation.

Day 7: Evaluate progress, ensure consistency, and reinforce positive habits.

2.2: Monthly Plan: Gradual Routine for Lasting Habits

Week 1: Establish fixed walking times. Keep it short and consistent.
Week 2: Introduce structured walking, teaching commands like “heel” and “stop.”
Week 3: Increase the duration and introduce socialisation with other dogs.
Week 4: Add variety (hiking, park visits) while maintaining consistency in routine.

Tip: Stick to the same time every day, reward good behaviour, and adapt to your dog’s energy level for a happy and healthy routine!

3. Encourage Good Leash Behaviour

One of the important steps. Teaching a dog to walk on a loose leash makes walks more enjoyable for both of you. Follow these simple tips

Reward them for walking beside you.

Stop walking if they pull and resume when they relax.

Use verbal cues like “heel” to reinforce proper walking habits.

4. Let Them Sniff and Explore

Dogs usually give you a happy walking experience when they have a happy exploration of their walking surroundings. Dogs experience the world through their noses. While it’s important to maintain control, allowing some sniffing time keeps their minds stimulated and reduces stress.

4.1: General Rule

Allow at least 5-10 minutes of sniffing per 30-minute walk.

4.2: Structured Walks

Let them sniff in designated areas but keep moving steadily.

4.3: Free Walks

Give them more freedom on longer walks (45+ minutes) or nature trails.

4.4: Sniff Breaks

Instead of stopping constantly, pause at intervals (every 5-10 minutes) to let them explore.

💡 Tip: Sniffing isn’t just fun – it reduces stress and boosts their cognitive health. Letting your dog explore within limits keeps them happy and engaged!

5. Be Aware of Weather Conditions

Extreme temperatures can be harmful to dogs.
Hot Weather: Avoid midday walks, stick to shaded areas, and check pavement heat with your hand.
Cold Weather: Shorten walks in freezing temperatures and consider dog boots for sensitive paws.

6. Keep Walks Fun and Varied

Change up your walking routes to keep things interesting. Exploring different parks, trails, or neighbourhoods provides new sights and smells, making the experience more engaging for the dog.

7. Prioritise Safety at All Times

Use Reflective Gear: If walking early in the morning or at night, wear reflective clothing and use a light-up collar.
Stay Alert: Watch for traffic, cyclists, and other dogs to avoid unwanted confrontations.
Know the Dog’s Limits: Some breeds need long walks, while others prefer shorter strolls. Pay attention to their energy levels.

8. Offer Positive Reinforcement

Dogs respond well to encouragement. Bring treats and praise them for good behaviour, making them associate walking with a positive experience.

8.1: How Often Should You Give a Dog Treats?

Treats are a great way to encourage good behaviour, but they should be used wisely. Here’s how to balance rewards during walks:

Training Walks: Give a treat every time they respond correctly to a command (“heel,” “stay”). Gradually reduce treatment frequency as they improve.

Regular Walks: Offer a treat every 5-10 minutes for maintaining good behaviour, such as walking calmly on a leash.

Sniff Breaks: Reward them after a designated sniffing period to reinforce recall and focus.

Healthy Limit: Treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake—use kibble or low-calorie treats for frequent rewards.

Tip: Use verbal praise and petting alongside treats to keep them motivated without overfeeding!

9. Socialise, But Respect Boundaries

Meeting other dogs can be exciting, but not all dogs are friendly. Always ask the owner before allowing dogs to interact and observe their body language for signs of discomfort.

10. Always Clean Up After Your Dog

Responsible dog walkers always carry waste bags and clean up after their dogs. Keeping the environment clean is part of being a professional and respectful pet lover.

Conclusion

Whether you’re offering dog walking services or just enjoy taking your furry friend out, following these simple tips can turn you into a dog’s favourite walker. Prioritising safety, engagement, and routine will make every walk enjoyable, strengthening the bond between you and your four-legged companion. Happy walking!

Some Important Q & A

How to Gain Experience in Dog Walking?

– Start with Friends & Family – Offer to walk their dogs for free to build confidence.
– Volunteer at Shelters – Many animal shelters need dog walkers.
– Join Dog Walking Apps – Platforms like Rover or Wag connect beginners with pet owners.
– Learn Basic Training Skills – Understanding leash control and commands makes you more reliable. You can try our courses as a beginner.
– Offer Free or Discounted Walks – Attract initial clients to gain hands-on experience.

💡 Tip: Take an online pet care course or get pet first aid certified to stand out!

What Do Dog Owners Look for in a Dog Walker?

– Reliability & Punctuality – Show up on time and stick to the schedule.
– Experience with Dogs – Handling different breeds and behaviours is a plus. Increase your acceptance to the pet owners or pet walking platforms with our CPD-accredited courses!
– Good Communication – Provide updates, photos, and reports on the walk.
– Trustworthiness – Background checks and references help build confidence.
– Patience & Calmness – Dogs respond best to walkers who are patient and composed.
– Knowledge of Safety & First Aid – Understanding pet emergencies and basic first aid is a major advantage. Try one of the best dog first aid courses which has thousands of learners and increasing!

💡 Tip: A trial walk with the owner present can help build trust and secure long-term clients!

What Are Some Alternatives to Traditional Dog Sitters?

If a traditional pet sitter isn’t an option, consider these alternatives:

1. Dog Walking Services – Ideal for owners needing short visits instead of full-time care.
2. Doggy Daycare – Provides socialisation, playtime, and supervision during the day.
3. Pet Boarding Facilities – Professional care with trained staff for overnight stays.
4. In-Home Pet Boarding – Pet stays in a sitter’s home for a more personal experience.
5. Drop-In Visits – A pet sitter visits for feeding, play, and potty breaks instead of staying full-time.
6. Trusted Friends or Family – A familiar environment can reduce stress for the dog.
7. Pet-Friendly Hotels – Some hotels allow dogs, making travel easier for pet owners.
8. Online Pet Sitting Networks – Apps like Rover or Wag connect owners with vetted caregivers.

💡 Tip: Choose the option that best fits your dog’s needs, personality, and comfort level!

How to Successfully Become a Dog Walker and Pet Sitter

1. Gain Experience with Animals
– Volunteer at shelters or offer free walks to friends and family.
– Learn basic training commands and pet-handling techniques.

2. Build Your Skills & Knowledge
– Take an online pet first aid or pet care course.
– Understand dog behaviour, leash training, and safety measures.

3. Set Up Your Services
– Decide on pricing, availability, and the types of pets you’ll care for.
– Offer both dog walking and pet sitting for more opportunities.

4. Join Pet Care Platforms
– Sign up on apps like Rover, Wag, or local pet care directories.
– Create a strong profile with reviews, photos, and client testimonials.

5. Market Yourself Locally
– Print flyers and share them in pet stores, vet clinics, and parks.
– Use social media to promote your services and engage with pet owners.

6. Provide Excellent Customer Service
– Be reliable, communicate with pet owners, and send updates/photos.
– Ensure dogs are safe, happy, and well-exercised during walks and sittings.

7. Get Licensed & Insured (If Needed
– Some areas require a pet business license or liability insurance.
– Having coverage builds trust with potential clients.

Tip: Word-of-mouth referrals are powerful—deliver great service, and happy pet owners will recommend you!

Is Being a Dog Walker a Good Job?

Yes! Being a dog walker can be a great job depending on your lifestyle and goals. Here’s why:

✅ Pros:
– Flexible Schedule – Choose your hours and clients.
– Good Physical Activity – Stay active while working outdoors.
– Low Startup Costs – Minimal investment needed (leash, waste bags, treats).
– High Demand – Many pet owners need reliable dog walkers.
– Emotional Benefits – Spending time with dogs can reduce stress and boost happiness.

❌ Cons:
– Weather Challenges– Rain, snow, or extreme heat can make walks tough.
– Inconsistent Income – Clients may change schedules or cancel last minute.
– Physical Demands– Handling strong dogs requires strength and control.
– Liability Risks – Injuries, lost pets, or aggressive encounters can happen.

💡 Tip: If you love animals, enjoy being active, and can handle responsibility, dog walking is a rewarding and profitable career!