Dog walking is a great service that makes dogs lives far better if you need to go out to work. This blog post gives you an insight into the life of a dog walker, from the fab Laura Tew of Fun On All Paws dog walking service based in Kensal Green, North West London.

Karen invited me to write about what I am doing with my days since setting up my own dog walking business. So far it mainly consists of walking, writing, planning, advertising, dreaming, shopping and emailing!

Why might you need a dog walker?

It’s so important to understand your dog’s needs and exercise is very high priority. Dogs need mental and physical stimulation on a daily basis with a good amount of sleep afterwards. You could find that you may have a dog with social or attention issues if you are unable to get them outside for at least an hour of daily exercise. Professional Dog Walkers, who genuinely care about the well being of every dog, will understand this most of all.

Walking my own pooch in his favourite places is the highlight of my day. Because my business is so new (3 weeks and counting) I now have 2 other dogs who get to enjoy an afternoon with me on my walks. We tend to favour the hidden secret of Wormwood Scrubs, or “The Scrubs” known to locals, which is a large 200 acre nature reserve located in West London off the main road and hidden behind an expanse of trees. It offers a wide-open grassy field for the dogs to run about and play. There are 2 small copse sections that offer shade in the summer and it is home to a variety of plant and wildlife. It appears to be a secret as every time I go, there are only ever a handful of other walkers there. This makes it mostly very peaceful, uncrowded and safe for dogs to meet each other, sniff, play. It makes a very relaxing hour-long stroll.

What if the dog doesn’t like – or can’t be walked?

My main aim is to ensure each dog gets his or her individual needs met while in my care. Even if your dog is not very mobile then there are a number of stimulating games I play with them to get their brains active! You’ll notice how tired they become afterwards. Even sniffing is exhausting to some dogs, especially to the young ‘uns! Hiding little treats can be a great game for dogs not matter if they can get out or not.

As well as the walking, I have also been drawing up a business plan so I can hopefully find some money to buy a little van. This is so I can spread my services further afield and take more advantage of other parks in London of which there are LOADS! I am already finding it a struggle to walk the dogs on foot especially due to my newest addition, Tyrone, the Rhodesian Ridgeback. He is a friendly giant! Thank goodness for the Halti head collar, that’s all I can say. He is stronger than he knows.

I want the van to be a safe and comfortable space for the dogs to travel in and be happy while I’m collecting other dogs. I also want it to be cosy when it’s time for them to get back in after their walk, so I plan to make sure the floor is padded and fitted with soft blankets and towels. The dogs will have plenty of water and the odd chew to occupy them whilst in transit, and of course, a lovely snooze to look forward to when they get home.

Laura