Your Trusted Dog Walker in North Finchley and Muswell Hill
Hi, I’m Derek, though most people know me as Del. I’m the founder and sole walker behind Finchley Dog Walker, and I’ve been professionally caring for dogs across Finchley and north London since 2011.
This business began with a simple decision. After being made redundant from a previous career, I had a choice: return to an office environment that never quite fitted, or build something meaningful around what had always come naturally to me — caring for animals. I chose the latter, and more than a decade later, I’m still here, still walking the same streets, and still working with dogs in a way that feels calm, steady and purposeful.
Finchley Dog Walker isn’t a franchise or a high-volume operation. It’s me. When you contact the business, you speak directly to me. When your dog goes out for a walk, it’s with me. That consistency matters, especially for the type of dogs I specialise in.
A Lifelong Connection With Animals
I grew up in a household where animals were part of everyday life. We had everything from small pets like hamsters and budgies to larger breeds, including German Shepherds. Caring for them wasn’t a hobby; it was simply part of growing up. Feeding, cleaning, exercising and observing animals became second nature.
What I didn’t realise at the time was that I was also learning to read body language, recognise stress signals, and build trust quietly and patiently. Those early experiences shaped how I see dogs nownot as problems to fix, but as individuals to understand.
My Specialism: Rescue Dogs
All of my own dogs in adulthood have been rescues. That experience has had the biggest influence on the way I work.
Rescue dogs often arrive with a history. Sometimes that history includes uncertainty, fear, over-arousal or a lack of clear boundaries. They may struggle with busy environments, new people, loud noises or other dogs. They don’t always thrive in large group walks or fast-paced settings.
Living with rescue dogs teaches you that progress isn’t linear. It teaches patience, and each small step or small win is a celebration. It also makes you realise that trust is earned through consistency, not force.
Because of this background, I naturally attract clients whose dogs need something a little different. I regularly work with:
• Nervous or anxious dogs who need calm, structured walks
• Newly adopted rescue dogs adjusting to their environment
• Dogs who are reactive or overwhelmed in group settings
• Older dogs who need a slower pace and reassurance
• Dogs who simply do better one-to-one
I specialise in solo dog walking for exactly this reason. No pack walks; all walks are on foot, not sitting in cars, vans, or carts for hours while everyone else is picked up. They are all local familiar walks in a safe place.
I do not conduct large pack walks, and I do not transport dogs in vans to busy parks. I work locally, on foot, within familiar routes. For many rescue dogs, familiarity and predictability are key to feeling safe.
Professional Standards and Experience
Although this work is deeply personal to me, it is also professional.
When I got Roxy, I realised that most dog walkers offered group walks. This is why Finchley Dog Walker started. I undertook formal training in dog walking and pet care, and helped out at Tip Top Dog School under a dog trainer. to further my knowledge (Having had dogs since I was 10)
Today, I still believe in continuing to build my knowledge of dog behaviour, body language, and welfare because this industry should never stand still.
Experience is one of the most valuable things I offer. Over the years, I have worked with hundreds of dogs across Finchley and the surrounding north London areas. I have supported families through puppyhood, adolescence, behavioural challenges and the quieter senior years. I have also supported owners through the difficult final stages of a dog’s life, which you navigate only with trust and compassion.
Reliability is equally important. Many of my clients have been with me for years. They value consistency, communication and the reassurance that their dog is known, understood and respected.
My Approach to Dog Walking in Finchley
My approach is straightforward: calm, consistent and dog-centred.
I believe in clear boundaries, gentle guidance and positive handling. I pay close attention to body language and environmental factors during every walk. If a dog is unsure, I take things slowly at the beginning. Once the dog starts to build confidence, I build on it slowly, one step at a time.
I also believe that not every dog needs high-intensity exercise. Some dogs are happy with sniffing and decompression walks, while others enjoy enrichment and mental stimulation. Understanding the difference is part of responsible dog care.
Working on foot within Finchley and nearby north London areas means dogs are not spending unnecessary time travelling in vehicles. Walks feel like part of their normal environment, not a chaotic outing. For many rescue and sensitive dogs, this makes a significant difference.
Beyond Dog Walking: Supporting the Whole Household
While dog walking is the core of Finchley Dog Walker, I also provide:
• Puppy visits and early routine support
• Cat and small animal pop-in visits
• Holiday and home pet care
• Support for dogs who struggle with being left alone
These services allow me to support the whole household, not just the exercise element. Particularly with rescue dogs, routine and consistency across the day can have a huge impact on well-being.
Involvement in the Local Community
Community matters to me. Finchley isn’t just where I work; it’s where I’ve built relationships over many years.
I am involved with 224 North London Scouts, part of the wider Scout Association. Working with Scouts reflects many of the same values that shape my dog-walking business: responsibility, reliability, patience, and quiet leadership. It’s about showing up consistently and being someone others can depend on.
My involvement with the Scouts has also strengthened my commitment to safeguarding and accountability. I hold an enhanced DBS check through the Scout Association, which provides additional reassurance to clients who invite me into their homes.
As well as scouts, I am part of the East Finchley Festival team, and being active in the local community keeps me grounded. It reinforces that this business isn’t transactional; it’s relational. Many of my clients know me not just as a dog walker, but as someone invested in the area.
Why Choose Finchley Dog Walker?
If your dog thrives on busy group walks with constant stimulation, I may not be the right fit—and that’s fine.
If, however, your dog needs thoughtful, one-to-one care, particularly if they are a rescue, nervous or sensitive, then my approach may suit you well.
Clients choose Finchley Dog Walker because:
• Their dog is walked by the same experienced person every time
• Their dog’s emotional well-being is prioritised alongside exercise
• Communication is clear and honest
• Reliability is consistent
• Care is calm and structured
Most importantly, their dog is treated as an individual.
Arranging a Meet and Greet
Choosing someone to care for your dog is a significant decision, especially if your dog has had a difficult start in life. I offer a free initial meet-and-greet so we can talk through your dog’s background, temperament, and routine.
If you are based in Finchley or the surrounding north London areas and are looking for experienced, one-to-one dog walking, particularly for rescue or sensitive dogs, I would be happy to hear from you.
You can call or message me on 07707 763344 or email info@finchleydogwalker.co.uk to arrange a conversation.
I built Finchley Dog Walker around patience, trust and steady care. If that sounds like what your dog needs, let’s talk.
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