{"id":27359,"date":"2021-05-21T15:54:18","date_gmt":"2021-05-21T14:54:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net\/?p=27359"},"modified":"2021-05-21T15:54:20","modified_gmt":"2021-05-21T14:54:20","slug":"how-to-start-a-dog-walking-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/animal-care\/how-to-start-a-dog-walking-business\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start a Dog Walking Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Exercise is an essential element of dog care. It helps keep canines stimulated, maintains their weight and can improve their overall health. But with increasingly busy schedules, pet guardians don\u2019t always have the time for it. In fact, 57% of dog guardians<\/strong><\/a> admit to skipping walks each week. Which unsurprisingly has seen a rise in the number of people starting a profitable dog walking business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs especially need to be exercised, often more than once a day to stay healthy and avoid stress. Many pet owners have faced the consequences of a bored dog with pent up energy. Which isn\u2019t usually a happy ending for their personal belongings or home furnishings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s estimated that of the pet population in the UK, 5 million of these are dogs. And spend on pets is at an all-time high. This means many people are willing to pay for someone else to take this daily task off their hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you\u2019re looking for a career that combines contact with animals, the outdoors and the ability to be your own boss, dog walking may just be the answer. The average cost of walks sits at around \u00a320 per dog. With the option to walk multiple dogs at once and few investment costs, you could start a profitable business quite quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find out more about what it\u2019s like to be a dog walker and the skills you\u2019ll need. Plus, the path you can follow to start a dog walking business below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Stonebridge<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Is Dog Walking for me?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it may be stating the obvious, dog walking involves lots of exercise. You\u2019ll need to have a certain degree of fitness and stamina to do this as a job day-in-day-out. Especially since some dog breeds require lengthy walks to meet their recommended level of exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not seasonal work either since dogs need walking all year round. So you also need to be prepared to work in the cold, wind and rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each of the dogs you\u2019ll work with will have their own unique personalities and behavioural traits. Some may be fearful around other dogs, others may be difficult to control on a lead or scared of people. You\u2019ll need to be comfortable and confident handling them all. So you can avoid incidence and keep them, you and other people or animals you come into contact with safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This extends further if you plan on walking multiple dogs at once. Some dog walkers make this look incredibly easy, but it takes a skilled walker to keep each dog calm, relaxed and happy.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You also need to be able to read the mood and the behaviours of the dogs you work with. Knowing when they\u2019re comfortable, nervous, feel threatened or when they\u2019ve had enough exercise and are ready for home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those with an adoration and affinity with dogs, it\u2019s a career that keeps both you and your animal clients exercised, stimulated and fulfilled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The skills you\u2019ll need:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n