Photo courtesy of Ed Yourdon on Flickr
One of the most basic but important responsibilities of owning a dog is making sure it gets enough exercise, including time outdoors. For dog owners who work during the day, it can be a challenge to provide the amount of walking time that dogs need. Being walked, with or without a leash, provides a dog with both exercise and the discipline to respect its boundaries. A professional dog walker is an excellent option for a pet whose owner who is pressed for time.
It may not seem necessary to hire a dog walker if you have a yard, but a dog can get more exercise on a walk than in a confined space, no matter how big it is. A good walker will cover an established route so the dogs will feel comfortable with a routine. Many walkers and dog walking services can come to your house and walk the dog in its own neighborhood as well. A good walker will also be familiar with the local leash laws and safe area.
Cost-wise, a dog walker is not a very big expense. Because they don’t need to provide food or boarding space, they are considerably cheaper than a kennel, and using a dog walker will spare your dog the discomfort of sleeping and eating in an unfamiliar setting. Dog walkers typically charge by the hour (or per walk), and many will provide discounts if you own more than dog that needs to be walked. Some walkers can provide additional pet-sitting care if needed, depending on the time of care required and the walker’s resources.
If you’re looking to hire a dog walker, there are several resources available. Your vet can most likely recommend a reliable walker. Your local shelter or pet store may know of walkers they can recommend as well; some pet stores or vets may even offer walking as a service themselves. You can also find one on a directory website like DogWalker.com. With a little shopping around, you can provide your dog with the quality exercise routine it deserves.
