Dog Walking
Dog Walking is a professional service where individuals or companies provide exercise, companionship, and basic care for dogs while their owners are at work or unavailable. This can range from simple neighborhood walks to more structured services including park visits, group walks, or specialized care for elderly or special needs dogs. The field has evolved from casual neighborhood help to a legitimate profession with insurance requirements, certification options, and business management aspects. Similar services might be called "pet care services," "dog exercise services," or "professional dog handling."
Examples in Resumes
Managed a client base of 15 regular customers through Dog Walking and pet sitting services
Developed and implemented safe Dog Walking protocols for multiple dogs simultaneously
Built a successful Dog Walking business with 90% client retention rate
Provided professional Dog Walking and Pet Exercise services for senior and special needs dogs
Typical job title: "Dog Walkers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Dog Walkers
Professional Networks
Job Boards
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Experienced Level Questions
Q: How do you handle multiple dogs with different temperaments during group walks?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of dog behavior, safety protocols, and ability to assess dog compatibility. Should mention specific techniques for managing different personalities and energy levels.
Q: How would you build and scale a dog walking business?
Expected Answer: Should discuss client acquisition, scheduling systems, hiring and training staff, insurance needs, and business management practices including pricing strategies and service areas.
Intermediate Level Questions
Q: What safety protocols do you follow during walks?
Expected Answer: Should mention checking equipment, awareness of weather conditions, carrying first aid supplies, knowledge of local dog parks and safe walking routes, and emergency procedures.
Q: How do you handle emergency situations during a walk?
Expected Answer: Should describe specific emergency protocols, including veterinary contacts, owner communication procedures, and basic pet first aid knowledge.
Entry Level Questions
Q: What experience do you have with different dog breeds?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic knowledge of common breeds, their exercise needs, and general dog handling experience, even if informal.
Q: How would you structure a typical dog walking session?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic walking routine including arrival procedures, walk duration, water breaks, and post-walk responsibilities.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic dog handling
- Understanding of leash etiquette
- Knowledge of basic commands
- Simple scheduling management
Mid (1-3 years)
- Managing multiple dogs
- Pet first aid certification
- Client communication skills
- Knowledge of dog behavior
Senior (3+ years)
- Business management
- Staff training and supervision
- Emergency situation handling
- Advanced behavioral understanding
Red Flags to Watch For
- No previous experience handling dogs
- Fear or discomfort around different dog breeds
- Inability to work in various weather conditions
- Poor time management skills
- Lack of reliable transportation
Related Terms
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