Everything a New Dog Walker Needs to Know
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Nov 1, 2024
- 5 min read
Everything a New Dog Walker Needs to Know
Starting out as a dog walker can be incredibly rewarding – you get to spend your days outdoors, build strong relationships with dogs and their people, and create a business that genuinely improves lives. That said, professional dog walking is far more than just liking dogs. It comes with legal responsibilities, practical skills, and a strong understanding of canine behaviour.
This guide is written for brand new dog walkers and breaks everything down in a clear, easy-to-understand way.
1. What a Professional Dog Walker Really Does
A professional dog walker is responsible for:
Keeping dogs safe, physically and emotionally
Managing multiple dogs at once
Understanding dog body language and behaviour
Communicating clearly with clients
Running a legal, insured business
You are being trusted with someone’s beloved family member. Professionalism, knowledge, and preparation matter.
2. Legal & Business Basics (UK)
Before walking dogs professionally, you need to be set up properly.
Insurance
You must have specialist dog walking insurance, which usually includes:
Public liability insurance
Care, custody and control
Non‑negligent cover
Key cover (if holding client keys)
Never walk dogs without insurance – it protects you, the dogs, and your clients.
Licences & Local Council Rules
Dog walking licences vary by council. Some areas require a licence for:
Commercial dog walking
Walking multiple dogs at once
Always check with your local council.
Business Setup
At a minimum, you should:
Register as self‑employed with HMRC
Keep records of income and expenses
Understand your tax responsibilities
3. How Many Dogs Can You Walk?
There is no single legal limit across the UK, but:
Councils may set their own limits
Insurance policies often cap numbers
Safe handling matters more than numbers
A good rule for beginners is:
1–2 dogs at a time while learning
Build up only with experience, training, and compatible dogs
More dogs does not automatically mean more money – quality and safety come first.
4. Dog Behaviour You Need to Understand
You do not need to be a behaviourist, but you do need solid foundational knowledge.
Key things to learn:
Dog body language (stress, fear, arousal, calm)
Why dogs pull, bark, freeze, or lunge
How dogs communicate with each other
How environments affect behaviour
Misreading dogs is one of the biggest risks in group walks.
Red Flags to Watch For
Stiff body posture
Whale eye (showing whites of eyes)
Growling, snapping, freezing
Over‑arousal or frantic behaviour
Knowing when to intervene early prevents incidents.
5. Lead Skills & Equipment
Leads & Handling
You must be confident using:
Standard leads (not retractables)
Double‑ended leads
Harnesses and collars correctly fitted
Good lead handling means:
No tangled leads
Calm, controlled movement
Ability to react quickly in emergencies
Essential Equipment
Poop bags (lots of them)
Treats (with owner permission)
Water and collapsible bowl
First aid kit
Secure, well‑fitted leads and harnesses
Avoid aversive tools such as slip leads, choke chains, or prong collars unless fully qualified and insured to use them.
6. Safety on Walks
Safety is your number one priority.
Road & Public Safety
Always assume dogs may spook
Never attach multiple leads to your body
Be alert around traffic, cyclists, horses, and children
Dog-to-Dog Safety
Only walk dogs that are behaviourally compatible
Avoid crowded areas when possible
Advocate for your dogs if approached by off‑lead dogs
Weather Awareness
Hot weather = risk of heatstroke
Cold weather = paw and joint care
Adjust walk length accordingly
7. Health, Welfare & First Aid
You should have basic canine first aid knowledge, including:
What to do if a dog is injured
Signs of heatstroke
Choking response
Minor wound care
Also be aware of:
Allergies
Arthritis
Puppies vs senior dogs
Breed‑specific needs
If something feels wrong, contact the owner immediately.
8. Client Communication & Boundaries
Clear communication builds trust.
Set Expectations Early
What your service includes (and doesn’t)
Pick‑up and drop‑off times
Cancellation policies
Emergency procedures
Professional Boundaries
Do not give training or behaviour advice beyond your competence
Do not walk dogs you feel unsafe handling
It’s okay to say no
A confident professional sets clear limits.
9. Pricing & Value
Underpricing is common – and harmful.
Your prices should reflect:
Your time (including travel)
Your experience and training
Insurance and business costs
Emotional and physical responsibility
You are not “just walking dogs” – you are providing a professional welfare service.
10. Continuing Education
Great dog walkers never stop learning.
Consider ongoing education in:
Dog body language
Canine behaviour and welfare
Handling multiple dogs
Low‑stress, force‑free approaches
This keeps dogs safer and your business stronger.
Final Thoughts
Being a dog walker is a serious responsibility, but it can also be an incredibly fulfilling career when done properly.
Start slow, prioritise safety and welfare, invest in your knowledge, and treat your service with the professionalism it deserves.
Dogs – and their humans – will thank you for it.
If you’re new to dog walking and want structured guidance, education, and support, this blog is just the beginning.
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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