A Professional Dog Walker’s Guide to March
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- 5 hours ago
- 6 min read
A Professional Dog Walker’s Guide to March
(Also known as the month where you leave the house in a coat, sunglasses, and waterproofs… just in case.)
March is a strange little month in the UK. It can start with frost, end with sunshine, and throw a sideways rainstorm at you somewhere in the middle for good measure.
For dog walkers, it’s the season of muddy fields, overexcited dogs who think spring has arrived, and clients who still believe their dog somehow stayed clean despite rolling in three puddles and something questionable.
If you can survive March, you’re basically ready for anything.
1. The Weather Has Absolutely No Plan
March weather is famously unpredictable.
You might experience:
Frosty mornings
Bright spring sunshine
Sudden rain showers
Strong winds
Fields that look dry but are actually bottomless mud pits
The classic British dog walker uniform in March becomes:
Waterproof jacket
Spare socks in the van
Towels… lots of towels
Mud that somehow ends up on your face
Professional tips
Expect muddy dogs and warn clients in advance.
Carry towels like your life depends on it.
Adjust routes if paths turn into swamps.
Check paws for mud balls and debris.
At this point in the year, most dogs look like they’ve just returned from a tactical mud exercise.
2. Bird Nesting Season Begins
March marks the start of bird nesting season across the countryside.
Which means the birds are busy building nests and dogs are busy thinking:
"Excellent. Things to chase."
Ground nesting birds often hide nests in:
Long grass
Field edges
Heathland
Woodland clearings
Responsible walking
Keep dogs under control in wildlife areas.
Use long lines where recall is “a work in progress”.
Avoid tall grass where possible.
Remember, the goal is to walk dogs — not accidentally launch a wildlife documentary chase scene.
3. Dogs Suddenly Remember They Have Energy
As the daylight hours increase, dogs start feeling a bit more… enthusiastic.
After winter’s slower pace, many dogs suddenly rediscover their inner chaos.
Expect:
Zoomies
Increased pulling on the lead
Selective hearing when you call them
A sudden fascination with squirrels
Manage the madness
Build some structure into walks:
Recall practice
Engagement games
Sniffing breaks
Calm walking intervals
Think of it as guiding the energy rather than being dragged behind it.
4. The Return of Ticks
As temperatures creep up, ticks start appearing again.
They love:
Long grass
Woodland areas
Places where deer roam
Which unfortunately overlaps perfectly with “everywhere dogs love to run”.
Professional habits
Do a quick tick check after woodland walks.
Inform owners if you find one.
Avoid tick-heavy areas when possible.
If you’ve ever found a tick on a dog halfway through a group walk, you’ll know it’s the canine equivalent of finding a tiny hitchhiker who definitely didn’t ask permission.
5. Spring Allergies
Spring can trigger allergies in some dogs.
Signs may include:
Paw licking
Ear scratching
Red eyes
Itchy skin
If a dog suddenly spends half the walk licking their paws like they’ve discovered a new hobby, it may be worth mentioning to the owner.
6. Mud… So Much Mud
March mud is a special type of mud.
It looks shallow. It feels shallow. Then suddenly your boot disappears and you're questioning every life choice that brought you there.
Professional dog walkers should always have:
Towels
Boot liners or crate mats
Paw cleaning bottles
Spare leads
Possibly a sense of humour
Because once you’re loading six muddy dogs into the van, there’s no turning back.
7. Lambing Season
March also marks the beginning of lambing season in many rural areas.
Sheep and dogs can be a dangerous combination if dogs are off lead.
Even the sweetest dog may suddenly decide that sheep look suspiciously like moving toys.
Always remember
Keep dogs on leads near livestock.
Avoid fields with sheep where possible.
Never assume a dog “won’t bother them”.
Farmers take livestock protection very seriously — and rightly so.
8. The Calm Before the Busy Season
For many dog walkers, March is the last relatively calm month before the busy spring and summer rush.
Soon you’ll likely see:
Holiday booking enquiries
Puppy clients
Extra walks requested
Daycare demand rising
Smart preparation
Use this month to:
Check equipment
Review pricing
Update contracts
Service vehicles
Restock leads and training gear
Think of March as the dog walking equivalent of stretching before a marathon.
9. Communicating With Clients
Spring often brings renewed enthusiasm from owners about exercise and training.
This is a great time to check in with clients about:
Behaviour progress
Training goals
Holiday plans
Routine changes
A quick conversation now can prevent confusion later.
10. Remember: Quality Walks Matter
A good walk isn’t just about distance.
Mental stimulation can be far more valuable than simply marching dogs around a field.
Try including:
Sniffing opportunities
Recall training
Engagement games
Controlled social interactions
A mentally satisfied dog is usually a much calmer dog.
Final Thoughts
March is messy, unpredictable, and slightly chaotic — rather like walking a group of dogs who’ve just realised spring might be arriving.
But it’s also a brilliant time of year. The countryside wakes up, daylight lasts longer, and dogs rediscover their joy for the outdoors.
Just remember three essential rules for March dog walking:
Bring towels.
Expect mud.
Never trust a field that looks dry.
A Note on The Dog House, Professionalism & Purpose
This space is written on one clear assumption:
you are a professional, not a casual pet lover with a lead and some spare time.
The Dog House exists because pet care, when done properly, is skilled work. It involves responsibility, judgement, boundaries, risk management, and decision-making — often under pressure and without applause.
Caring deeply does not mean operating loosely.
In fact, the more you care, the more structure you need.
You are allowed to:
• Treat your role as a profession, not a favour
• Expect clients to respect your time, policies, and expertise
• Put systems in place that protect your energy as well as your income
• Talk openly about boundaries, burnout, and business realities
• Acknowledge that loving animals does not mean tolerating poor behaviour from people
• Build a business that fits around your life, not one that consumes it
The Dog House is not about being harsh, cynical, or closed-off.
It is about being clear, grounded, and realistic.
Clarity reduces conflict.
Structure reduces stress.
Professionalism protects everyone — including the animals.
This space is here to support you in doing this work well, ethically, and sustainably, for the long term.
Because pet care businesses built on clarity and self-respect don’t just get by — they last.
About Tori Lynn C. & The Dog House
Welcome to The Dog House — my cosy corner of the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub. I’m Tori Lynn C., the founder of TLC Dog Walking Limited, mentor to professional dog walkers, and lifelong advocate for dogs and the people who care for them. With over 17 years of hands-on experience in the industry, my mission is to guide you through the realities of running a successful, sustainable dog walking business — from client care and safety to wellbeing, confidence, and professional growth.
The Dog House is where I share the honest, behind-the-scenes conversations we all need: the tricky moments, the funny bits, the business lessons, and the mindset work that keeps us thriving rather than merely surviving. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll always find support, guidance, and a friendly nudge forward here.
You’re never alone in this journey — you’re part of a community of canine crusaders.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is intended to support pet care professionals in understanding common legal considerations when operating a dog walking or pet care business in the UK.
This content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor or legal professional. Laws, regulations and local authority requirements may change over time and can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or applicability to your specific situation.
By using this website, you acknowledge that:
✓ You are responsible for ensuring your own business complies with all relevant UK laws and local authority rules
✓ You should seek professional legal advice before drafting, using or relying on any contract or legal document
✓ The website owner accepts no liability for loss, damage or legal issues arising from the use of this information
If you are unsure about any legal obligations, contractual terms or liabilities, it is strongly recommended that you consult a solicitor experienced in small business or consumer law.
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