The COVID-19 pandemic’s lockdown periods sparked a surge in pet adoption across Britain, with many households welcoming dogs into their homes as a source of comfort during isolation. However, as normalcy returned and people headed back to their workplaces, a new challenge emerged: ensuring their pets received adequate exercise and attention during working hours. This […]
UK Dog Walking Reforms Threaten Small Businesses Read More »
Recently, changes have been announced for Banstead Commons, which will directly impact dog walking services in the area. If you’re a professional in the field, here’s what you need to know and how you can adapt. The New Regulations Starting April 2025, professional dog walkers who wish to use Banstead Commons will be required to
The UK’s Dangerous Dogs Act (DDA) was introduced in 1991 with the primary aim of reducing dog attacks and ensuring public safety. This legislation mandates that all dogs must be kept under control at all times, regardless of breed, imposing strict regulations on owners to prevent incidents involving aggressive or dangerous dogs. Recent events, such
The Importance of Controlling Dogs Under the Dangerous Dogs Act in the UK Read More »
In today’s digital age, leveraging social media platforms can significantly enhance your business’s visibility and client base. TikTok, with its explosive growth and popularity, offers a unique opportunity for businesses to connect with a vast audience. If you’re running a dog walking business, TikTok can be a game-changer. Here’s how to effectively use TikTok to
How to Use TikTok to Build Your Dog Walking Business Read More »
Auckland council are considering imposing limits on the number of dogs anyone can walk at one time following several incidents involving pack walks supervised by professional dog walkers. Most recently, Kippa, a family dog, was mauled to death when set upon by a pack of 14 dogs walked by a pro dog walker. In the
New Zealand is considering dog walking regulations, could the UK follow suit? Read More »
I once found out I was fired from walking a dog when I pulled up to the house as usual and found a ‘for sale’ sign outside. It had slipped their minds completely to tell me they were moving out of the area, and it hadn’t even occurred to them that I might be upset
I’ve been fired! How to cope when clients let you go Read More »
We’ve all been there, we love the dog, the owner is great and everything is going well except one small thing… they keep forgetting to pay you! Let’s take a look at how we can make it as easy for your client to pay you and what to do when it all goes wrong. Options
What’s the best way to deal with cancellations and late payers? Read More »
Surprisingly the answer is yes, but with some very strict guidelines including the fact that the money from all your self-employment income streams must not exceed £1000 per year before expenses. Let’s look at the details. What is the £1000 trading allowance? In the UK we have something in our tax system called a trading
Can I board dogs without a licence (and what’s the £1000 allowance)? Read More »
My personal journey from dog walker to trainer (and eventually behaviourist) all started with a short, affordable online course that ignited a passion in me and spurred me on to learn more and more. So although these courses won’t teach you everything you need to know, they’re a great way to start learning, testing if
The best short courses for professional dog walkers and wanna-be trainers (2024) Read More »
Dog play is based on hunting behaviours so it’s no wonder that it can be tricky for any dog owner or professional dog walker, new or experienced, to try and work out if playtime has suddenly become too rough and if one of them has stopped enjoying it. Luckily for us, there are some reliable
