Dog walking is a little known career, but one that can have
enormous benefits, if handled correctly. Dogs are often
unpredictable, especially in large groups, which is the only
way dog walking really pays. However, especially for someone
who loves dogs and loves to be around them, it is a
tremendously fun and rewarding experience. Dog walking pays
well, especially when you can manage several different dogs at
once. And, of course, it's good exercise for you, since you get
exercise just as all the dogs do. But there are a few things to
keep in mind if you're looking at a career in dog walking.
The first thing to keep in mind is, quite frankly, your size. A
beefy, husky man with strong muscles is going to be able to
stay in control even of large groups of heavy dogs. A slight,
skinny woman, on the other hand, won't be able to hold in six
or seven eighty pound dogs, no matter how devoted or dedicated
she is. Dogs will be dogs, and even the best behaved dogs can
sometimes get distracted and want to bound out into the street
after a squirrel. If you've a small person and you've ever
walked an energetic redbone hound, you know how hard it can be
to keep just one dog in their place. Now imagine eight or ten
dogs on leashes, and you can see why, if you're a small person,
it's important to keep most of your dogs small, as well.
The second thing to keep in mind is not to try to do too much,
too soon. Build your client base slowly, until you have an idea
of how different dogs react to being walked together. You may
have to walk your dogs in two segments if you find that you
have a couple of dogs who can't seem to get along. Don't try to
rush anything with dog walking. Start slowly, and build your
way up.
