Saturday, August 21, 2010

Hi, I am 15 and I am going to be a dogwalker, any tips and advice?

I never dogwalked before, I am scared of dogs (scared they will bite me or scratch me) however, I am not going to admit that to the dog owner, since I really want to help out my parents on paying bills (They are so exhausted, it's really sad). So any advice, tips? What to do to the dog? How to walk it? Thanks!Hi, I am 15 and I am going to be a dogwalker, any tips and advice?
If you don't like dogs then don't work with them


Do you like kids? Babies? Toddlers? Work with them :)Hi, I am 15 and I am going to be a dogwalker, any tips and advice?
Do Not let the dog walk you.


If the dog is trying to pull you start running with it.


And bring treats. Try to get the dog on your good side.


I would start out walking a smaller dog opposed to a big dog.


Then you can work yourself up.
Well how did you get roped in to that job. Here are so hints. Be relax. Don't walk doberman pincher's. (only if they haven't been raise with other dog's.) Have fun dog's like to walk and run. So be running to jog and get some leather leashes and make sure you buy those connects that you can hook to dog's less leash you have the better.
Sounds like thats not the job for you then lol
Go to a web site for dog training. Train the dog to walk on a leash right....but you really should not walk dogs. I know its tuff times but you shouldn't help you parents they wanted you they will Support you
you have to be in control of it you lead not it get a dog whistle not essential but helps for not a lot of dogs but do get treat to reward it if he stays the same and bags from grocery stores to pick up poop
It's quite easy, just make sure it does'nt bite you!
My friend and I were going to walk dogs too, but it's a lot of work.


You have to let the owners really trust you and prove you're responsible. Dog owners don't want to just hand their dogs to some random 15 year old that could lose their dogs. Dog walking is complicated, from keeping the dogs hydrated to making sure you don't actually lose the dog. This isn't the best job for you if you really don't like dogs and have never walked one. Being a dog walker means you have to walk all kinds of dogs. Big ones, little ones, hyper ones, and stubborn ones. If you really want to make money try choosing a different job. Grocery stores, AMC theaters, and a lot of other places hire at 14-15 try looking for actual jobs. That way you won't get bit or dragged around by an animal you're scared of. Oh, and trust me. Dog owners know when you're scared of a dog.
wear the leashes around your wrists because you don't want the dogs running away from you.


also put up flyers telling people a phone number to call and the perks your business has.


keep little doggie treats in your pocket for before and after the walk so they will get accustomed to being rewarded if they are good.


try walking only in suburban areas and on sidewalks. ( if there aren't any side walks try to walk on wide wide streets ) because you don't want the dogs to be a) scared b) run out into the street and c) there will be to many people in the urban areas of your town.


also don't just walk onto peoples lawns. if the dog goes number 2 on someones lawn make sure you have baggies in your pocket or bag to pick it up immediately. do not leave it for them to find later!


when you pick up the dog ask the owner how long they would like their dog walked for and don't ask for too much money for little walks because they wont repeat business.





hope this helps!!
Well, if you are nervous around dogs, dog walking may not be the way to go. The dogs will sense your mood, and if you are nervous they will have a higher chance of acting out against you. Either be confident, or don't take the chance. I am 16 and have been walking dogs for 2 years now and am very comfortable around all dogs. Even the ones that give their owners a hard time behave around me because they know I am not scared of them.





There are many other jobs you can take around the neighborhood.


House sitting pays well for people who go out on vacation -- taking care of their cat, bringing in the mail, etc.





And there is always babysitting, tutoring, a paper route and working in a store.





Look at your options before going into something that may not turn out as well as you hoped.





PS: Many owners will go on a walk with you the first time you meet the dog and if you have the leash and the dog is not behaving --- they will not give you the job!
DONT ever ever ever take away a bone or food from it while it is playing with it or eating it. i learned the hard way and got bit on the cheek.....ow. and just let them do their thing when they go pee. also if your planning on like riding a bike with them, keep in mind that they are smaller creatures and require more steps and energy for shorter distances than a bike will do. dont feed them chocolate, but walking them is the easiest part. oh yea and pick up their **** in a bag unless they do it in someones lawn that you dont like. have fun.
You'll need a business license and you'll need to be bonded and have liability insurance as well as references.
Even if you are scared of dogs, don't act like it around the dogs. Dogs know when you're scared and will sometimes take advantage. Just don't act afraid and if they start acting up, you need to let them know that you are the ';dominate';. Don't be harsh, but don't let them get away with things that they shouldn't get away with. Also, before you walk the dog, ask the owner if there's anything you should know about the dog. That could be anything from they like to chase other animals to one of their legs have been bothering them and if you touch it they wont like it. The owner should know what you can and can't do with their dog, just ask. You'll be fine! Don't worry bout a thing!
If you're scared of dogs don't walk them. They'll pick up on that in an instant and try to dominate you. :/ However, if you still wish to do it, then be assertive. Don't let them pull you. The moment they start to pull you, is the moment they become the pack leader. If they start to pull, turn around and walk the other way. Every time they pull do this. It will teach them that YOU are the leader, and that they have to do as you say.





Good luck!
just don't be scared. it makes it worse. if you just pretend like you know what you are doing, the dog will behave and you will be fine. if you are worried about being injured, take some band aids with you! if you do get a minor scratch or something that barely breaks the skin, just wash the area with soap and water and put neosporin on it. you'll be fine, don't worry!
Ask the owner how they are on the leash. like how they react to other dogs, if they pull, or if they are tempted to go on there own or stop at every single tree. Make sure u bring a bag of treats so you can destact them when another dog comes. everydog is diffrent. You cant allways know what there going to do.
Yes just give up now.





People want dogwalkers that are experienced with dogs, and would know how to respond to an emergency or to particular behaviours.





Dog walkers should also have liability insurance and business insurance, which you cannot get at 15 yrs old.
If it's okay with the owners I would recommend a prong collar. I was totally against them until the vet and dog obedience class finally made me get one. They are alot better on pulling dogs because my boxer use to choke himself out and throw up but with the prong collar he stopped.


Also if you walk puppies some of them may be heel biters but that's just playing! Try not to let them do it though.


Backpacks with water bottles in them to weigh larger dogs down help alot! And be sure you are in control on the dog. Don't let it in front of you!


It's great you want to help out your parents and once you get use to this job I think it will be a really fun one for you!


Also, don't forget the poop bags! :)

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