Would you let a stranger walk your dog?

[EvianBaby]

I'd love a dog but it's just not really an option at the moment so I was thinking of doing some dog walking. I've googled around my area and there are lots of companies that offer it (at a charge) but I can't find any charities looking for dog walkers.

I was thinking I could put an ad on Gumtree or Freecycle offering dog walking in the evenings and weekends but as it's more just a reason for me to get out and get a bit of exercise I wouldn't be asking for any money for it.

But, I wonder if people would be put off. Do you think people would be happy for a stranger to just show up and take their dog out for a couple of hours?

[rockyracoon]

My friends does this, she walks a little King Charles for an elderly couple, takes it away on little holidays etc. She'd love her own dog but she works full time. I reckon older folk might be grateful, Age Concern might be able to help.

[tastymorsel]

You can come for mine any time.He is impossible to tire out

[treetops1]

yes, there are probably a lot of older people who still have a dog but can't manage to walk them. I would try the Library or shop windows as a few people don't have internet access.

[ladybirder]

I think there would be lots of people and lots of poor dogs that are shut up all day who would be delighted. Of course they would have to get to know you and where you live (so they know where to come when you run off with the family silver). Do you want to do it on a regular basis or just when you feel like it? Would you commit to certain hours? I do it myself for nothing s I don't want to commit, therefore they can't complain.

[EvianBaby]

Oh good. I was sort of expecting no's for a few reasons.

That's the same as me Rocky. Work full time so it would be unfair on a dog to just leave it on it's own all day (I have broached the subject of an office dog 'for my protection' but they were having none of it).

Before I start putting it out there, is anything I really need to consider? Other than keeping a supply of poop bags. Been years since we had dogs.

Wonder if I could specify 'no little yappy things'. Lol.

[Boto]

Why not join the Cinnamon Trust? It's a charity which helps elderly/infirm people with dog walking.

[EvianBaby]

I wouldn't reallt want strict hours, like it were a job Lady but as you say that's the bonus of not charging people for it. But I would be happy to do most evenings and weekends. I don't often have other plans.

[ummmm]

Absolutely...

My dog (dead now :0() was a lovely dog...but maaaaaan did he have energy. Most dogs need two outings a day. Mine could have done with 3 or 4.

[EvianBaby]

That's a good point Ummmm. Dogs that just need to get out alot.

Might start wording an ad now. If it's ok with you lot I might run it past you to see if you would be enticed. lol.

[paddywak]

I don't have a dog now but Max wouldn't have been happy If he didn't know them. Even with my nephews and nieces he'd walk to the end of the drive then sit down and wait for Trish or myself, we'd have to go with them for a couple of walks then he'd ok. Mind you when you read these stories about dogs being stolen I think I'd be very carefull who I left in charge of my pet

[smilingcrow]

I would consider getting a CRB check done first. You dont really know what sort of strange people are out there these days.

[EvianBaby]

That was one of my thoughts actually Paddy, that people would think I was some sort of mental dog napper, especially as I won't be charging them.

[woofgang]

well It wouldn't matter what i would do, my dogs wouldn't have a bar of it!
If you are going to do it for folk you have never met, as opposed to neighbours and friends, I would suggest some kind of insurance.
Companies that charge have liability insurance and may also do CRB checks and have care or behavioural qualifications.
With respect and personally whatever my dogs thought, i wouldn't take someone off gumtree unless they came with references or were known to e.g. my vet.

[EvianBaby]

A CRB? What, on myself? I'm not sure how that would be beneficial. Also, wouldn't I need to get one done for every new dog owner I was 'working' for?

[EvianBaby]

That was another thought Woof, about insurance. Whilst I'd be happy to do it for free I would not want it to end up costing me anything.

[maggiebee]

There's a charity called Dog Walkers in a small town called Kirriemuir which is near Dundee. They walk dogs for the elderly and infirm and working owners. I think they also raise money for animal charities.

[smilingcrow]

I think you can get one for yourself and then show it to all the peoples dogs you walk. My friend got one to become a teacher. But you will need the keys to their house etc so may be worth while

[RATTER15]

No I don't think so, however im not against the idea.

I don't think we would trust anybody with our dogs unless we knew them very well and were very knowledgeable about our dogs.

[woofgang]

CRB would be beneficial because then the folk entrusting you with their dog would know that you haven't got a criminal record!

[EvianBaby]

Hhhmm, I guess that's something to think about. I have nothing that would appear on a CRB so I'm not bothered about that but not all that happy about forking out for one. It's not like I could use it in the future on anything else.

It's seems a bit of a shame that something fairly simple could easily get very complicated.