Frequently asked Questions | bathurst-dog-walking

Frequently asked questions.

I would like to try and answer some common questions and comments owners have made.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me via the message section by email, call or text via details in the "Contacts" section.

Where do you walk?

Basically I take your Dog around the block.... well, not quite!

Bathurst is lucky to have a very Environmentally friendly council and there are 7 parks designated as dog firendly (1 x designated safety fence enclosed leash-free park). Most residents of Bathurst are also within 2 km of the Macquarie River and all the parks, grounds and open space you could hope for. So we have a great hometown in which to walk our Dogs!

I will be walking from your yard and returning to your yard. So everything will be familiar. I will ask where you usually take your Dog and mimic that at first, But we get a little more adventurous once your Dog gets to know me.

In the first walks we may not cover as much ground as subsequent walks while we get to know each other. Usually the walks (depending on the energy level of your Dog) cover from 2-5 Km. this depends on terrain and walking surface. 3-4km is about average and gives your dog a nice work out. Drink and rest breaks are offered!

How many dogs are walked?

Your Dog gets the special, one to one treatment

Some dog walking businesses will walk your dog with a number of dogs in a "Pack-Walk". I won't be doing this or offering this kind of service at this time. This is mostly due to the fact that combining multiple bookings in one won't be possible for some time.... so Your Dog gets their very own dog walker...all to themselves!

My dog....

Please feel free in letting me know what you think your dog is like...

if, '... is a bit pulley...' = pulls like a train!

If, '... doesn't like other Dog's...' = is aggresive

If, '... is a bit bouncy...' = is out of control...

Then maybe you and your dog could benefit from some training. This will be a great opportunity for some real and regular bonding sessions your Dog desperately needs.

'... Dogs are only as good as the effort you put into them...', says one of my owners. So please remember a Dog walker only augments what you already do... 2 or 3 interactions a week...is not enough...

Can you train my Dog?

Training a dog takes a different kind of effort and requires a different skills set.

I always recommend going to obedience schools, and other training & behaviour specialists. There are a few here in Bathurst, that include veterinarian puppy schools, clubs and individual trainers.

I do prefer that your Dog has some skills in obedience and walking on a lead. Though not necessary. If however your fur-friend is too unruly in public then the owner needs to solve this very intensive need for training.

The Dog walking and Check-in services i offer are more Social for your dog than educational / behavioural. My focus is on getting your Dog out and about and getting enough exercise and environmental stimulus as they can, in a friendly and encouraging manner. Most of the time i acheive this evidenced by the happy tail wags when we return home or the flop on the ground, coz they're pooped!

Sad but true...

What is a Check-in ?

Think of a Check-in as similar to a "Sitter"

I like to use the term Check-in as thats what i actually do. i don't need access to your home. I dont stay over night, nor do i eat any of your food!

The Check-in service takes over the feeding watering and welfare check of your Dog while you are away. I stay for 30 Minutes and feed, play and generally keep your Dog company

I can put your dog to bed, so to speak, in a seperate enclosure, the shed where they sleep or put jackets on in the cold winters and let them out again in the morning....

Whatever is your normal routine. 1 meal a day, or two... locked up at night or not...just let me know and i can sort it out while you are away.

What about special diets...?

Just let me know the amounts and what food they are used to that you normally provide, leave it out in a safe place, and i'll feed them while you are away.

Any medications, or treatments for injuries or ailments, I can administer as well.

1 meal a day, two meals a day or maybe their usual treats.

Can you feed my other pets too?

Sure....!! Why not?

Many Dog owners are "pet people". So if you have a menagerie at your place I can check-in on them too. I have had requests for feeding the Horses, pet calf, the alpacas, pet sheep, goats, blue-tongue lizard and so on...!

If it's just a tin of food to the cat, or open a bale of hay...sure! Anything requiring more than 30 minutes will be charged at the normal hourly rate.

Can you clean up after my Dog?

Sure!

I always carry "Baggies" & gloves with me, & I will dispose of any recent messes that are not hidden away...I'll leave those surprises for you!

Just let me know where to dispose of it all, and your Dog will have a clean backyard too!

How often should I walk my Dog?

I used to vote on this, with the owners in mind...taking into consideration, family responsibilities, work commitments, social engagements and so on...and say once or twice a week...

In my 2200km I get to pass by a lot of very unhappy, aggitated, aggressive and sadly down right depressed Dogs.

This breaks my heart every time I take my team past these penned-up puppies.

I think responsible Dog ownership requires a walk everyday as well as family outings, play time in the backyard, training, socialisation... not to mention vet checks and those emergency calls.

I am lucky to have been contacted by owners who want the very best for their fur-family members and have me simply augment their family members already busy schedules.

Do you know a Dog that could use regular walks and daily interactions?

Sadly, in this day and age we have to have this discussion!

If you wish to have veterinary costs for injury and illness covered, you should take out a personal insurance cover for your pet.

Most litigation is taken up by Insurance companies or another party representing you. Owners understand that Dog walkers and Dog Sitters love their work and are very protective of your Dog, Often though, litigation procedings are initiated by Insurance companies trying to mitigate their own losses.

We all know there is an element of inherent risk in any activity undertaken in the outdoors. When you walk your Dog you will have accepted the level of risk inherent in walking your dog. Appointing a Dog walker accepts the same level of inherent risk

Inherent risks may include, but not limited to:

Traffic, other pedestrians, cyclists
Breaking free of a lead or collar and getting involved in, or causing an accident
Bites from other dogs on the loose. Your walker has little control over other people dogs).

As a Dog walking and check-in service I have taken advantage of an Industry specific (Dog Walking / Pet Sitter) insurance. I do this so that i can provide the best available service to you and your Dog

I do however, suggest that you take out a specific Dog health and Veterinarian treatment policy. These are avilable through your existing health insurance for a small fee. Or you can take out insurance with the RSPCA

That way, between the two of us, your Dog is as covered as best we can.