How would you feel handing your dog to someone you don’t know? For pet parents, this is an anxious moment. If you’re a busy parent, you may need to hire a professional dog walker to help your dog stay healthy. Before the dog walker takes your dog out, set up a meet-and-greet between your dog and the professional walker.
If you’re looking for a dog walker in Reading, hire a professional and arrange an initial meeting so your dog can meet and get acquainted with an unfamiliar face.
What happens during a dog-walking meet-and-greet?
A meet-and-greet gives the walker and owner time to discuss the dog’s needs. It also lets the walker meet the dog. They ask about the dog’s personality, habits, behavioural issues, and requirements before starting their journey with the dog.
Discuss the dog’s routine
Every dog has a daily routine. During the meeting, the pet parent will explain the routine, including the feeding schedule, recall ability, and behaviour around other dogs, to the walker. If your dog has special concerns like pulling on the lead, nervousness, or a prey drive, mention them to the walker so they can handle the task smoothly.
Look for a positive connection
A professional dog walker will spend considerable time with the dog. Hence, a positive connection between them is essential. The dog needs to feel comfortable around the walker. Introduce the walker to the dog and pay attention to how the walker communicates and approaches the dog. This is particularly useful for dogs that are nervous around unfamiliar people.
Discuss walking environment
Since your dog will be walking with other dogs, ask during the meet-and-greet session about the environment the walker will use to walk your dog. Some professional walkers offer on-lead walks, while others offer secured walking in off-lead environments.
Does your dog have a strong prey drive? Then mention the same to the walker and let them plan accordingly.
Build confidence before the first walk
A meet-and-greet session is important for the owner and the walker. Here, the walker gets to discuss the owner’s expectations. The walker can learn about the dog’s unique qualities. Most importantly, the dog gets the opportunity to meet the walker. The walker and the dog can spend time together to get comfortable in the owner’s presence. This first step is important before booking regular walking services.
If you’re looking for experienced dog walkers, your search ends with Buddy’s Pet Care. Just give us a call; we’re always happy to help. We’re Kevin and Cristal, and along with our four-legged best friend, Buddy, we own and run Buddy’s Pet Care. Established in 2017, we are fully insured, Canine First Aid trained, and Police Checked. We aim to give your pets care and attention whenever you’re away.
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