Tailored Walks
By ‘tailored’ I mean that I try to give every dog the chance to get the most from their walk. With a handful of walks every day I try hard to match dogs up in terms of age, size and energy levels!
Whilst I am insured to take up to 6 dogs I usually stick to about 4 plus my own. At this level I feel under control and everyone has an enjoyable rather than overwhelming experience!
A walk of one hour has become the standard but I can adapt this to better suit both the older and younger dogs if required. Walks are kept varied, fun and safe and care is taken to keep a good distance from roads and busy public areas like parks. We are lucky to have an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways and over the years I have learnt where the best ones are.
I confess that I’m no Social Media buff but I will endeavour to make regular posts to keep you up to date with all the fun we’re having.
It is important that your dog is free to run and enjoy the walk but I will only let your dog off the lead once we have built up a a level of trust and I’m confident of reliable recall. I want you always to trust that your dog is in safe hands.
Extreme weather, especially summer heat, may at times interfere with our walking schedule. Times may need to be adjusted and venues changed. Hot days can usually be managed by walking early or late in the day and heading for the dense woodland and water. If it becomes impossible I can still visit home, let them out and make time for some pampering.
Weekdays
£15 per dog per hour – Additional dogs £12 per dog per hour
Weekends & Bank Holidays
£18 per dog per hour – Additional dogs £15 per dog per hour
Basic Training
I do not pretend to be a certified dog trainer but with a lifetime of experience in training and working English Springer Spaniels I feel I am more than capable of helping your dog to learn the basics of recall, sitting, healing etc. This really is all you need to take the stress out of walks and to get the very best from your relationship.
Training can take place at home if the garden is large enough and distractions minimal. It is usually more productive if I head to a quiet open space or book one of the local fenced paddocks that allow dog train for a reasonable fee.
£30 per dog per half hour – max 2 dogs
Pet Visits
I had an array of pets growing up and like to think I can cope with most of your diverse and sometimes exotic companions. If I feel something is beyond me then I will let you know!
I will always do my best to visit your pet at the desired time but ask you to understand that my core business is the walking and as such this will always come first. There is usually time between walks for a quick visit, or perhaps a longer one either end of the working day.
Rates negotiable depending upon distance, time etc As a rough idea £20 per hour is about the average.
Collection and drop off:
It is important to do this quickly and efficiently and to collect my dog group for each walk in a reasonably tight geographical area. I therefore pool my dogs for each walk by area as best I can. After all your dog wants to get on with the walk and not sit in the back of the van counting catseyes.
If clients are out I can keep a key or come to another arrangement that works for you. I ask that your dog towels are left out for a good rub down and that there is access to a hose pipe for those times you REALLY don’t want your dog back indoors.
The Vehicle:
Careful thought has gone into preparing the vehicle for the optimal welfare of the dogs. Each dog is crated individually with plenty of bedding and a non-spill bowl of water. Ventilation is provided by a tinted side slider window, roof spinner and from the front windows as I have removed the bulkhead to get maximum light and airflow. There is also a powerful fan for hot days as well as air conditioning.
The Boring Bits:
I have one short and simple form to fill out with you at the outset. This gives me the information I need to best handle your dog and to group them with compatible dogs.
Within the form, upon the advice of my insurers, you will also need to indicate your consent for your dog(s) to be let off the lead. If not they will be leashed at all times but hopefully on a long lead for maximum freedom of movement.
For simplicity I generally invoice my regular clients at the end of the month and payment is made by bank transfer.
Others prefer to pay on the day after each walk or perhaps weekly. I can be flexible.