A warm welcome to a new member

by | Jun 14, 2011 | 8 comments

Here is Sasha a collie cross and she is our newest member and a real sweetie from Renfrew. Today was the second time I have taken her out, both times with her local buddy and fellow Renfrew dog and bad-boy Jay. Every dog is different and some can even be hard work, but Sasha makes dog walking easy; she stays close, has a good recall, has no aggression, very friendly with other dogs and people and just wants to play ball.

I’ve known Sasha for quite a few months now as her owner along with other dog owners and myself all meet up to let the dogs play together and run around. So when I was asked if I could walk her I was more than delighted to.

More pics of Sasha can be found here.

Share this with friends

raw pig ears

By Jamie Shanks

BDWS is owned and run by me, Jamie Shanks. I’ve been a professional dog walker since 2010. When I’m not walking dogs, I’m usually at home entertaining my three dogs and attending to five hens and my vegetable garden. 

8 Comments

  1. Hi Jamie brilliant article very informative. Just starting my business officially (been doing it part-time working for a charity to see if I could do it). Love the work! I find the hardest part is trying to assume control over dogs that I may only see two or three times a week. My first ever dog was a springer spaniel, mental as they come! runs around constantly, pulls like hell on the lead (thankfully I can let him off). Still walk him only 2 days a week, he responds to treats and is submisive with other dogs thank goodness. I’d love to give him a hug but he don’t stand still long enough!. I do wonder how his owner a frail little old man ever managed to walk him by himself Lol!

    Reply
    • Hey, yeah that’s spaniels for you. I walk loads and none can walk on lead, it’s just not their nature. You just have to find out what motivates a dog, a dog needs to know it’s more fun to be with you than away from you, that way they stay close. Might be a ball, a treat, other doggy pals, but most dogs have a motivation of some kind.

  2. Hi Jamie,

    I love your article, it’s very thorough! I run a dog walking/grooming business. One problem I can’t seem to solve is that when I travel round collecting dogs from customers houses I have to leave dogs I have already collected in the car for 5 minutes (it is always 5 minutes as I time myself) while I get another dog. The other day it was hot but I left the window open and they had water while I went to get another dog for 5 minutes, when I returned 3 women were waiting by my car saying that they were concerned about the dogs as it was hot. One of them even photographed my car. I explained I had only been 5 minutes and they said oh well they are panting and it’s concerning. I always make sure my dogs have plenty of water and aren’t too hot so it was upsetting. I know the rspca campaign says you should never leave a dog in a car on a hot day but if I can’t run in and get another dog then I can’t really be a dog walker.. I’ve tried to think of a way to solve this but I can’t think of anything. I can hardly take 3 dogs into someone’s house while I collect another dog, that’d be a nightmare! I’ve thought of trying to put a portable air conditioning unit in my car but then that could be a fire hazard. I’m not sure what other dog walkers do, any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much

    Reply
    • Hey Amy, I recommend dog walkers that use cars get their windows tinted. I’ve got mine (berlingo) tinted limo black, you can still see out but no one can see in and it just costs about £100 for a pro job. Think that would solve things? Dogs are ok for 5 mins so dont worry. Also you can get fans that plug into cigarette lighter so that might help cool them off while you are getting other dogs.

    • Hi Jamie, Yes that’s a good idea, thanks very much, really appreciate your help!

  3. Hi Jamie would like to start a dog walking service, do you have to registar your business,and do you have to fill a self assessment form,or does this only apply if you earn a certain amount a year.
    Thanks JENNY

    Reply
    • You need to register regardless how much you earn or think you will earn. You pay tax if you earn over £10k a year. You may be entitled to working tax credits also.

  4. Hi Jamie,

    I have really enjoyed reading your dog walking article. I am thinking of starting up dog walking as I am being made redundant in August! The information you supply is so helpful and has inspired me to look more closely into dog walking. Thank you so much.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *