The Dog House

Dogs are always learning. Not just during formal training, but all the time—through what they see, hear, and experience, and how humans react to them. Sometimes, they pick up habits we don’t want, like counter-surfing, jumping on people, or running up to other dogs on walks. As a dog walker, it’s important to understand why these behaviours happen and how to prevent and stop...

New Dog Walker? Stop Waiting for Clients to Find You – Make Money NOW! Most new dog walkers focus only on walks and leave money on the …

Learn how dog walkers can plan holidays without disrupting their business — from backup walkers and clear client communication to managing schedules and expectations.

one of the most complex, responsibility‑heavy roles in the dog care industry. You are caring for a living, feeling animal and occupying someone’s private home, often for days or weeks at a time.

Running a dog walking business with employees requires a solid insurance foundation to ensure you're protected from all potential risks. The right mix of employers’ liability, public liability, vehicle insurance, and other specialised coverage will protect your business and employees from accidents, claims, and other unforeseen events. Ensure you work with a reputable insurance provider who understands the unique risks of the dog walking industry. With the right insurance

Get a sneak peek at The Dog House mentoring hub for dog walkers — monthly calls, webinars, templates, and a supportive community designed to help your business thrive.

This checklist covers the minimum legal and regulatory standards required to operate professionally in the UK, alongside best-practice measures that materially reduce legal exposure.

Learn how to grow your dog walking business by offering additional services like pet sitting, training, grooming, and more — boost income and client satisfaction.

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A well-structured group not only provides physical exercise and mental stimulation for the dogs but also keeps everyone safe and happy—your clients’ dogs, you, and the dogs in the group itself. One of the most important factors in making group walks successful is ensuring the dogs are compatible with each other, which can sometimes feel like a juggling act....

Learn how to handle client feedback and complaints professionally as a dog walker, build trust, resolve issues, and improve your services.

If you have ever returned from a walk feeling shaken, unsettled, or quietly replaying events in your head, it is important to say this …

Long before your dog reacts, there is a moment where their nervous system shifts.

With professional Dog Walkers, Advanced Emergency Planning, Lone Working Protocols, and Risk Containment are critical . At a certain level..

Most walkers operate reactively. They respond when something goes wrong. Professional walkers operate proactively. They prevent things from happening in the first place...

Back To The Dog House Winter Walk Planning for Professional Dog Walkers Advanced Operational Systems for Safety, Efficiency, and Business Continuity Winter is not a minor seasonal shift. For professional dog walkers, it represents a fundamental change in operating conditions that affects risk exposure, time management, physical performance, client communication, and overall business sustainability. Those who operate successfully through winter do not rely on resilience alone.

Discover practical wellbeing tips for dog walkers to manage stress, prevent burnout, and enjoy a healthy, sustainable career.

Women make up the majority of pet care providers worldwide — from dog walkers and pet sitters to trainers, groomers, and boarding providers. Despite their prevalence, the industry often undervalues their expertise, underpays them, and overlooks their professional contributions. This guide is designed to help women in pet care take control of their careers, charge what they’re worth, gain respect, and support one another.

For decades, dog walking was treated as a casual service. Now, rising behavioural challenges, public safety concerns, and inconsistent handling standards are forcing the industry into a new era. Councils are tightening rules, insurance requirements are increasing, and walkers will soon need demonstrable...

Being a mother and running a dog walking business is not easy—but it can work. I know this first hand. I was a single mum with two little babies, trying to keep everything afloat while making sure the dogs were happy, the clients were satisfied, and my children were cared for.