These apps first caught Our interest due to their frequent postings and signs about lost dogs in Brooklyn, New York.
Just this year alone, three were lost by Wag. walkers within one month alone - as well as more since that date; one such walker even lost one near where We used to reside.
Our three dogs range in weight from 10 to 100 pounds, with Our middle dog being an ex-street dog. Because years of training could be undone by encounters with bad dog walkers or care providers, We are very selective in choosing who sees Our pets and provides care services for them.
Security Measures For Dog Walking App
Dog walking apps pair walkers up with you and your pup, thus ensuring that when they come for their midday stroll, your puppy likely meets someone they have never encountered.
"If you use a dog walking app, youre inviting a stranger into your house without doing any background checks. Your four-legged family member with all their unique quirks is being handed off to someone with good intentions - but who may lack the education or training to keep them safe by understanding body language, early warning signs, preventing incidents from occurring and knowing what steps need to be taken should something go amiss.
"Hiring unprofessional dog walkers puts your pup and you at increased risk. We strongly discourage companies that hire unqualified staff as hired workers for dog walking app services.
Should You Avoid Hiring Dog Care Through Apps?
Megan Stanley, CPDT-KSA and CBCC-KA of Dogma Training & Pet Services Inc. and chair of the Association of Professional Pat miller Trainers Board, is advised against canine companion parents placing themselves as guardians to their pups.
She suggests keeping away from them.
If they havent met your pet before, its not a good idea to do this as there wont be enough time for an introduction or interaction to ensure that everyone feels comfortable.With each other or for you to monitor how the handler interacts and treats your canine responsibly," according to Stanley.
Although many companies tout stringent screening processes - few implement any training program and perform basic background checks without offering adequate assurance that your canine will be safe when handled by them - Stanley warns.
Does Hiring Dog Care Through An App Make Sense?
Whoever you hire to care for your pup ultimately lies within your hands; Megan Stanley of Dogma Training & Pet Services Inc.
and chairperson of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers Board advises dog parents against hiring pet sitters themselves.
We recommend against doing this if theyve never met your dog; there wont be enough time for an in-depth introduction that ensures both parties feel at ease around each other or for responsible handling and interaction between dogs and people.
Just as you wouldnt hire strangers in your home and with your children, this practice should not apply to your dog dry food. "Many companies advertise having rigorous screening processes, but these remain inadequate: minimal training, if any, exists at all, and only basic background checks are conducted," Stanley warns.
The risks to your pups well-being are too significant."
At All Costs, Avoid Pack Walks As Much As Possible
Particularly in big cities, many apps and other dog walking app jobs use "pack walks," where several dogs from multiple homes walk together on one walk.
Although such mass dog walks might appear impressive initially, their actual impact could put you and your pup at risk and create unnecessary stress for both of you. According to professional dog walker Veronica Boutelle, responsible, experienced dog walkers strive to maintain smaller groups to provide individual attention and safety for every pup in their care.
Read More: Mastering the Dog Walking Industry: How to Create a Successful App Like Rover and Wag
How Can We Evaluate Dog Walkers Security Correctly?
Unfortunately, dog walking app for individuals remain an unregulated industry that some dog owners and would-be walkers view as unskilled labor.
Yet successfully walking someone elses dog(s) involves extensive training and experience beyond simply owning one yourself or having grown up around one reducing woody; these "qualifications" have often been mentioned by friends interested in becoming dog walkers as they provide easy side work that pays well.
Working with dogs of various sizes and temperaments takes training and experience; therefore, working with dogs is complex.
A walk can quickly turn problematic if an off-leash dog gets images approaches, environmental triggers are encountered that trigger their behavior, children come near, or a dogs blood pressure becomes child-reactive, etc.
Stanley suggests it is essential that you check the credentials and experience of any dog care provider you consider hiring, including walkers.
While many individuals consider themselves canned dog food lovers without formal training to work with animals, this is insufficient when working with animals without prior knowledge such as basic training and canine communication - essential skills necessary to ensure dogs safety without exacerbating its behavior."
First and foremost, when hiring a dog walker, remember they will be responsible for taking care of your canine while youre not there to supervise.
It provides us with an important reminder: the law holds us all liable for the actions of both underage children and dogs alike - even when were not present.
When leaving your dog outside with someone other than yourself for walking purposes, liability risks arise; one way of mitigating these risks would be hiring professional dog walkers who have undertaken high-level education or training related to dog blood behavior, training, the management or behavior modification services and create trustworthy long-term relationships between themselves, clients, their dogs and best dog walking app partners
Question To Asked At Dog Walker Interview
Are There Any Safe Options Available For Walking Our Dog?
Many working professionals who own dogs find the need for professional pet care essential. No one could reasonably expect their pups to spend all day indoors without social interaction and bathroom breaks.
So, it would help to find a qualified, trustworthy walker with whom your canine(s) can form lasting bonds of trust and friendship.
Want More Information About Our Services? Talk to Our Consultants!
Conclusion
These apps signal the increased need for dog walkers. More dog owners are seeking better quality care for their pups as more animals become part of family homes; providing physical exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship for these beloved canines makes this genuinely excellent; the next step should offer dog lovers all the knowledge needed to select quality care providers including their chosen "dog walker."
