Looking for a "Professional Dog Walking Service" then please read the following before you decide who to intrust your dog with. Don't be afraid to ask for a copy of their insurance, references and about their experience in dog handling/training skills. Your dog is your family member, you wouldn't let your child go to just anyone..... don't do it to your dog. Park Rangers, Park Wardens, Dog Owners and the general public are becoming alarmed at some of these "so called" professional dog walkers. Too many times we are seeing the back of a van being opened up and 8-12 dogs flying out and running all over the place. The walkers are not able to control the pack and many times they are not able get the dog back when called on recalls. Dogs are running around worrying cattle, sheep, horses. ground nesting birds, being a nuisance to other dog owners, people/children, dogs are running out onto roads, all of which is causing minor to major concerns for all involved. Many of these "so called" professional walkers have little-to-no experience in dog handling and training skills. It is being noted that Dog Fouling is increasing in our Regional Country Parks, City Parks and Beaches. Many times it has been noted that these "so called" professionals dog walking services are not picking up after the pack but then again how does anyone keep and eye on so many dogs running freely, and running out of sight? This is unacceptable by Responsible Dog Owners/Walkers/General public and Pawsitive Action is bringing educational awareness to this serious issue: Pawsitive Action Encouraging and
Supporting Positive Action: Responsible Dog Walking Services o Are responsible to control dogs under their care. o Are responsible to be able to recall dog(s) when playing freely. o Are responsible for picking up after the dog(s) that are in their care. o They should be able to provide the means to secure each dog individually (cage/harness) when travelling in a vehicle and controlled when the doors are opened. o The handler should have dog handling/dog training skills. o The handler has a Canine First Aid and CPR Certificate. o Insurance Companies will insure up to 6 dogs only.  About Dog Walkers By Karen Ellis. A dog
walker takes dogs outside, providing exercise
and companionship to the animals. She then is paid by the dogs' owners for the
service. In some locations, dog walkers are required to have a license and an animal first-aid
certificate. (USA) 1. Considerations o As a professional dog walker, a person must behave in a business-like manner toward their clients and in every aspect of their work. Aside from being personable to clients and friendly to the dogs, he must have an accounting system in place and obtain all of the licenses or other legal necessities. Function o The dog walker's function is to
relieve the owner of some of the responsibilities that are required to keep his
pet healthy and happy. Many times a pet owner works long hours or has other
obligations, keeping the dog inside or crated for long hours. Dogs must have
exercise, fresh air and companionship. The professional dog walker can step in
and handle these responsibilities for the owner. Expert Insight o Knowing dog breeds, their attributes, personality traits and health problems is important. The professional dog walker needs to be able to talk intelligently with the owner about the pet. He needs to be educated in how to walk dogs properly and know about different kinds of collars and leashes required. He will need to know how to handle more aggressive dogs and others that are introverted in nature. The dog walker needs to be trained in animal CPR and first aid. In effect, he needs training in many areas so that he can call himself an expert. Time Frame o The professional dog walker should have rates set for different walking time frames. Many dogs are happy to walk around the block a few times with other dogs. However, there are also quite a few dogs that require special services. Perhaps a dog must walk alone. Another dog may need one-on-one play, during which the walker will throw the pet's ball in the backyard. Some parts of the service may vary from just walking dogs. The business owner must charge fees according to the services rendered. He must be fair to both the client and his business. As the saying goes, "time is money." Warning o It can be a big misconception that a dog walker's job is simple and anyone can do it. However, the dog walker must take the time to learn his craft and then charge accordingly. This is not a job for a child to make some extra money, but a serious business. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ What is a
Dog Control Notice? A DCN will be served in Scotland by an authorised officer (officer appointed by the local authority-i.e. a dog warden) if a dog has, on at least one occasion, been out of control. The written notice will require that the person brings and keeps the dog under control. A dog is out of control if -
(i)
alarm, or On the part of any individual, and c) the individual’s alarm or apprehensive is, in all the circumstances, reasonable. The new law adds further meaning to the ‘apprehensiveness’ and states that this may be as to-
One DCN is served per dog i.e., rather than a notice covering the owner or two dogs. The DCN will also require that the owner notify any change of name or address and within 14 days after the effective date either has the dog microchipped or satisfies the local authority that the dog is already microchipped. The dog’s owner or an entrusted person (must be over 16yrs, be aware of the DCN & be willing and able to comply) must be in charge of the dog whenever it is in a place where the public have access. The DCN may also specify other steps if the authorised officer believes they are needed to bring and keep the dog under control or would be conductive to do this, the notice would give a date by which these steps are to be taken. These steps may include;
The DCN will include this information along with the owner’s and dog’s details, the date on which it is served along with the reason why; which will include a description of the circumstances on which the opinion has been reached. Section 3 of the new Act provides for an appeal against a dog control notice or term of a notice. A summary application appeal can be made to the sheriff within 21 days from the date of issue. The decision of the sheriff is final. It is a criminal offence to fail to comply with a DCN and this offence is liable on summary conviction to a level 3 fine which is currently up to £1,000. If a dog’s owner is convicted of an offence for failure to comply with the DCN the court may make an order disqualifying the owner from owning or keeping a dog for a period of time and/or may make an order for the dog’s destruction if the court considers that the dog is dangerous. The dog’s owner can apply to the local authority which has issued the DCN to discharge or change the DCN, there are several reasons for this set out under the law, for example, if the dog has died or is no longer out of control. Section 9 refers to dangerous or unresponsive dogs. If an authorised officer believes that serving a DCN would be inappropriate, the local authority may apply to the court for an order for the dog’s destruction. The court can order destruction or remit the case to the local authority for a dog control notice to be served. We support : We believe that those listed below follow the guidelines set out on this page and offer the public a first class service.  "All About Dogs" is run by Aunt Lou with help from Uncle Ian and offers a responsible and professional dog walking service covering the Renrew Area. As I only cover a small area, I am able to offer a more personal and responsible service. Your pet will be walked in an area it is familiar with and transport time will be minimal between home and park. I work closely with a volunteer group called "Pawsitive Action" who offer training and advice on responsible dog ownership. I normally have only 3 dogs at any one time, occasionally 4, if Uncle Ian is able to help. This is to ensure your pets safety and allow me to spend time with each dog. Both Uncle Ian and I have recently completed our Canine First Aid course and a First Aid Kit is carried at all time. |