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Surprisingly, the dog walking industry is largely unregulated. With an increasing number of school leavers offering to walk dogs, especially during certain times of the year, dog owners must exercise caution. While it might seem harmless to allow a young individual to walk your beloved pet, ensuring they have the proper experience and qualifications can make a significant difference in the safety and well-being of your dog.
Experience and Knowledge
First and foremost, the individual walking your dog should have adequate experience handling pets. Dogs, regardless of breed, have unique temperaments and behaviours that an inexperienced person may not understand or know how to manage. An experienced dog walker will be vigilant and can interpret a dog’s body language to avoid potential conflicts with other dogs or hazards in the environment.
Understanding Dog Laws
It is also essential for the dog walker to be aware of local dog-related laws. In most areas, the person responsible for the dog at any given time is legally accountable for the dog’s actions. This includes adhering to leash laws, picking up after the dog, and ensuring the dog does not cause harm to people, other animals, or property.
A knowledgeable dog walker who understands and abides by these laws can prevent legal troubles for the pet owner. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of selecting someone reliable and responsible for this role.
Insurance
Another critical aspect to consider is whether the dog walker has insurance. Dog walking can involve unforeseen incidents, and having an insured walker can provide peace of mind. Insurance coverage can protect against various scenarios, such as injuries caused to or by the dog, accidents, or even loss of the pet.
Knowing that the walker is insured adds a layer of security for the dog and the owner. It shows that the walker is professional and prepared for potential risks that could occur during the walk.
First Aid Knowledge
In addition to experience, knowledge of dog laws, and insurance, having a walker trained in pet first aid is highly recommended. Dogs can encounter unforeseen situations during a walk, such as ingesting something harmful, encountering an aggressive animal, or suffering heat exhaustion. A dog walker skilled in first aid can address these emergencies promptly, potentially saving the dog from severe injury or worse.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, while hiring a local school leaver or an amateur dog walker can be convenient, verifying their qualifications and ensuring they are fully prepared to take responsibility for your pet is imperative. This means confirming they have the necessary experience, understand dog laws, are insured, and possess first aid skills.
Taking these precautions will ensure that your dog is in safe hands and enjoys their walks, providing you with peace of mind. After all, our pets are not just animals; they are cherished family members who deserve the best care possible.
Here at Finchley Dog Walker, we understand dog law and have invested hours to ensure we are first aid trained, understand dog body language and more.
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