Dogs have long been considered man’s best friend, so it makes sense to spend every day with them. If you own a dog walking business, you’re probably doing something you love very much.
That said, herding excited puppies can be tiring. Those fluffy, drooling angels can be quite a handful! Fortunately, there are a number of tips you can apply to make walking even more enjoyable.
take your time
Although the dogs will undoubtedly jump for joy when you start a walk, there is no rush. No race is won by speed walking around town or to the park on your morning run, so just relax.
Keep a fast but easy pace and enjoy it. This keeps the dogs calm and de-stressed, and gives yourself time to breathe.
Invest in your shoes
All that walking the dog can cause wear and tear on your feet if you’re not dressed accordingly. It is important to wear comfortable shoes that can support your feet for long periods of time.
Wearing sneakers that are too tight or worn out can lead to blisters and, in severe cases, bunions. If you have started developing bunions or bunionettes, consider visiting www.northwestsurgerycenter.com/ for more information on how to heal them properly. You’ll be walking most of your time, so spending a fair amount of money on comfortable and functional shoes is almost a necessity.
Visit dog parks
For your furry companions, going to the dog park is like taking a vacation to Disneyland. It gives them a safe place to roam and burn off some energy, and it can give you a break from struggling to keep multiple dogs together and moving across a sidewalk. Take this time to give them snacks and water and give each one a good scratch behind the ears.
Know your limits
You can love what you do and even be good at it, but everyone has limitations, and knowing what yours are can save you a lot of headaches. Figure out approximately how many dogs you can manage at a time; is it three, four, five? Maybe just two? Knowing how well you can control certain dogs and how long a leash each dog needs can also be helpful, equipping shorter leashes for more control and guidance.
Make sure you stay hydrated and bring a small bowl to give the pups water too!
Closing thoughts
Running a dog walking business can be an amazing and eye-opening experience, but it can also be overwhelming at times. Using these tips will ensure that your business runs as smoothly as possible and that the dogs, their owners and you will be happier for it.