The Dog House

What is Making Tax Digital? MTD. When does it start? Who does it apply to? What will you have to do? When do you pay tax? What are the Penalties? What are the Software Requirements? What is the Best Way to Prepare? All in this guide.

Dog walking isn’t “just walking dogs”. It’s risk management on a lead. It’s decision‑making in real time. And it’s being trusted with someone’s dog in unpredictable, real‑world situations. The Professional Dog Walker Programme is designed for people who want to do this work properly — not by guessing, not by hoping for the best, and not by learning the hard way after something goes wrong. This programme gives you the skills, judgement, and confidence to handle dogs safely, ca

the days are short, the nights long, and suddenly the reality of daily responsibilities hits harder. For dog owners, trainers, and walkers, this can coincide with physical fatigue, mental strain, and a creeping sense of burnout. But there are ways to combat it, regain your energy, and keep enjoying the work—and the dogs...

Should you hire employees? Should you use self-employed walkers? Or should you expand by franchising your business model? Each path affects your income, workload, legal responsibilities, branding, and quality control. And importantly — each one changes your financial thresholds, including how close you come to VAT registration. (Most solo walkers never hit the VAT limit, but expansion can push you there quickly...

“You’re just taking them for a walk.” If you’re a professional dog walker reading this, you already know how wrong that sentence feels in your bones. Dog walking is not casual. It is not passive. And it is certainly not unskilled. When a lead is clipped on and a gate closes behind you, you are no longer a background helper. You are the person in charge of a living being with instincts, fears, history, strength, and legal implications attached to every ...

Quiet periods are not a sign that your business is broken. They are signals. The mistake most people make is reacting emotionally instead…

The Pack Lounge with TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub Planning Walks Efficiently: How Dog Walkers Can Make the Most of Lunchtime Demand If you’re a professional dog walker, you’ll know that the lunchtime rush can be chaotic. Nearly every client wants their dog walked at exactly 12 noon, and no matter how magical your scheduling skills are, you can’t be in three places at once. The key to surviving—and thriving—during this peak window is smart planning, structured services,

If you’re thinking about combining home boarding with a dog walking business, it’s totally doable — but there are some key licensing and wel

The Pack Lounge with TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub BACK TO THE PACK LOUNGE Should You Hire Another Dog Walker... One of the biggest questions dog walkers face as their diary fills up is this: “Should I bring someone in to help…or am I better staying on my own?” There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there are clear benefits, challenges, and things you must think about before taking the next step. This post will help you figure out what’s right for you—and for the long-

Back To The Dog House December on the Lead: Snow, Seasonal Pressure and Strategic Planning for Professional Dog Walkers December is a uniquely complex month for professional dog walkers. It combines the most unpredictable walking conditions of the year with heightened client expectations, disrupted routines, and the cumulative fatigue of a long working year. Handled poorly, December becomes reactive and stressful. Handled well, it becomes a month of risk control, clear bounda

"I did not know" is not a valid excuse. A statement I often hear is "but it is not my dog, so the owners are responsible!" This is not true, once you set out that door with a dog, you are legally responsible! I have written this blog so it sets out current UK law as of December 2025, including banned breeds, handler responsibility, and mandatory insurance considerations for professional...

Noise sensitivities don’t just scare dogs — they change how their brain and body work. From surging stress hormones to panic-driven …

Learn how to make the most of your Dog House membership — attend calls, watch webinars, use templates, engage with the community, and grow your dog walking business.

Studies in canine behaviour have shown that dogs experience emotional contagion — they mirror the stress, excitement, and calmness of …

Care, Custody and Control insurance — often shortened to CCC insurance — is one of the most misunderstood but important types of cover for dog walkers, pet sitters, groomers, trainers, and boarding providers. Many professionals assume public liability insurance protects the dogs in their care. In reality, it usually doesn’t. CCC insurance exists to fill that gap...

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