Discussions

Looking towards community members here in Brandon and area to see if there is an interest in dog walking services. According to my research, there isn't anyone offering this service in Brandon, besides some doggy day cares or kennels offering this service with their pet-sitting fees. I think that a dog walking service could be especially useful for people that are injured, elderly, in emergency situations (such as their loved ones being in the hospital) or would like to tend to other activities other than their dog(s) being walked. Does anyone else think that a dog walking service would be useful, or are interested in having someone walk their dog(s) on a regular basis? Opinions, suggestions and other feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I was a full time dog walker and pet sitter for over 2 years. I unfortunately had to quit to further my schooling. But when I was doing it I had a lot of clients and I actually had to turn people down because I was already walking 15km a day.  
I also did overnight pet sitting in the clients home so the animals were more comfortable. Last summer I was so busy pet sitting there were 6 weeks straight when I wasn't sleeping in my own house.  
It is a very rewarding profession but it takes while to build up a client base.  
You will need to make a daily plan of who your walking and where you're going. Some clients are alright with you walking multiple different dogs at once (if you can handle it). Where as others only want you taking out their dogs and aren't comfortable with the risks involved in introducing strange dogs to one another. I had a group of dogs that became best friends and if I would walk one without the others they were kinda disappointed they didn't get to see their friends. Haha

Thanks for the information. If you know any past clients that are in dire need of a service like this, if you could pm me with the information. I am only looking for a couple of clients to help fill my time as well as fulfill my desire of spending time with dogs. Having my own dog as a pet is not possible at this stage of my life, but I really enjoy spending time with them. Might as well make a few dollars while I'm at it!

I just launched my own dog walking business here in Brandon last week. Please check out my website: www.walkthewalk.ca. Send me a message via the contact page if you would like more information about how I started Walk the Walk.

It's great to hear that your new business was started. So glad that this service is being offered. What an appropriate discussion to start then!

Thank-you so much! I am happy to offer dog walking services to people who need someone to help take care of their family dog. Walk the Walk will grow over time and offer more services with more people involved. If you are interested in getting certified and learning basic training as I did then I would be glad to give you any helpful advice that I can.