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Originally Posted by gemy  What a wonderful idea. Take a course for the small business owner, is always a good thing. Communications is so key in any business your in, but particularly a people service business.
1. BAck up person should you be ill/unwell,your vacation time etc. First I would suggest if you have not already talked to some "professional dog walkers" that would be a good first start. Try to get to know the business from the inside out as it where. Develop a good list of questions you would like to ask them. And there might be an arrangement you can make with someone. |
How do I go about finding a back-up person, do you think? I don't really want to just find anybody... I'd have to REALLY trust them, and don't really wanna just post an ad on craigslist or anything, haha. Very good idea to talk with someone else who has experience with the business.
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Originally Posted by gemy 2. There are all sorts of things to think about - like will you accept large dogs? How many dogs large n small can you comfortably and securely walk at one time. Maybe you could only once a week a day trip for several dogs whose owners are willing to take the pups swimming (Dad's pool?).
What will be your rules to acccept a dog for walking?
You will need to develop an application form
What will be your hours?
Cancellation charges when customers cancel on you?
Will you want to offer monthly packages? ie - Commit the client to a month's worth of your services?
Liability Issues for sure - what are they? What will the Insurance be?
Will you need to update your car? Or at least buy some protective covering for the back seat. That is if you will be taking dogs in the car with you.
How will your customers pay you? cheque, cash, paypal, charge card? |
OMG awesome things to think about!!! Thank you sooo much for all of these great tips.
I would probably only be comfortable walking 2 dogs at once. I used to bring Jackson w/ me and I had a Black Lab, a Rottweiler, and a Boston Terrier mix that I was walking daily. I did other dogs on occasion, or weekends.
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Originally Posted by gemy 3. This may be old news to you, but it does really work well. Develop a five year, and a 10 year plan. After five years where do you want to be in the business? Income, employees? Ten years down the road? It is not just about , but more qualitative goals.
If you are going to be on your feet a whole lot, look at your shoewear. You will need some good quality shoes, and a couple of pairs of them.
I definitely see you involved in training. Maybe that can also be something to look into - get certified by what-ever is a good reputable agency in your state.
Oh I am so excited for you. You go girl! |
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Originally Posted by gemy Oh I forgot to add, that I paid $60 an hour, for a very experienced person to walk Magic. I needed some-one with a working dog training background, who would always keep him under control, and work his obedience commands during the walks.
From the consumer side of things: I wanted him insured. I did go out with him on two walks to see how he handled Magic. Which by the way I paid for,and was glad to do. He was also assessed by my trainer, and coached in how to handle this big boy. BTW if my trainer said, umm no, not experienced enough, or competent enough, he wouldn't be walking my boy.
I would expect the person to show up on time, and to give a full hour's worth of exercise. If the person was going to be "late", I would expect a phone message or a text message to let me know.
I also expected and "paid" for Magic to be walked alone. That is only him on the lead with the walker. After a time, when I became very confident with the person, he was allowed to take Magic to our leashfree Cherry Beach for swimming. On those days this happened I paid for more than 1hr-travel time to and fro the beach.
I provided the vet phone number and address. Also the location of all "vet emergency hospitals" in our area. Clear instructions on what to do. Don't wait to reach me; just get to closest emergency hospital or my vet.
I expected to be told, if Magic had diarehea or anything unusual with his elimination.
In summer, I expected the dog walker to carry water, and always an extra lead and collar.
At any time of year, I expected Magic's pads to be checked. Heavy dogs, chasing toys, can often literally sheer off the skin of the pad. Also he was walking in parks and conservation areas so burrs can attach to the paw and hair on the foot.
Anyhow these were some of the things I expected. |
Thank you SOOO much for all of this.
I learned so much when walking/helping to raise the Rottweiler I walked. He had a few issues - he was somewhat reactive on leash, and had resource guarding issues. So I definitely had to know how to handle him, and I think I did it quite well.
I used to take him to the dog park until I told the owner I became too uncomfortable with it, because he began to not like certain dogs getting in his face.
All great points!!!