just a generic question really, if you were looking for a dog walker...what would you look for???

Someone who not only likes but understands dogs, uses positive training methods only and above all someone I would be able to trust and is reliable.  At the introduction I would be guided by the mob to see what they made of the person and watch (hawk like) for their reactions on a walk.  I don't have someone to walk my dogs but a lady does come in at lunchtime to let them out the garden and check on them. 

Trustworthy, sensible, honest, reliable, dog lover, not in it just for the money, knowledgeable, insured, has interests of dogs at heart, liked by me and my dogs. Someone who does not take on too many dogs.

Thankfully I have not as yet needed the services of one but I think like everything there are good ones and ones who give the scheme a bad name!! I woulod do a llot of research before using one and speak to friends, keep my ear to the ground and use evry method open to me to check them out!!
Fussy, who me??????

Most of the ones around here I see have more than 4 dogs and don't seem to be all that intereted in them and often are seen talking to others in person or on the phone than the dogs.
The only walker I found did large breed dogs but was stopping the work - Rachelsetters!!! :-).....

> The only walker I found did large breed dogs but was stopping the work - Rachelsetters!!! :-).....

Shame I didn't live in your area!   

My best conversations are with the dogs I walk, they respond to my whistles, words, hand actions etc.      They get walked far longer than I'm paid for & I have very grateful owners who come home to pooped dogs!

ChristineW you sound like you are worth your weight in gold :) I have some of my best conversations with my dogs and they always think I'm right!!

I too have a wonderful dog walker who now has own felds and woods so the dogs can be walked in extra safety with no roads, people or risk of getting away
She and her partner love dogs are really good with all breeds and deal with lots of different dogs even those with behaviour issues. as long itdoes not affect the others.
What did I look for  nice people who loved dogs, used positive methods reliable and honest .
The other side of the coin is so many clients do not see the job as "real" and seem to not think paying on time is necessary
They are  2 of the very few people I would leave my dogs with without hesitation.

> Trustworthy, sensible, honest, reliable, dog lover, not in it just for the money, knowledgeable, insured, has interests of dogs at heart, liked by me and my dogs.

Have never wanted or allowed anyone to walk our dogs. But this last year, every fortnight we have had to spend twelve hours or more traveling to and from Southampton, and have been very fortunate and lucky in finding someone to sit with the dogs. Had met her previously when out walking as she always came over to chat to them and when she found out what was going on offered to come and stay. They love her, she has even been good enough to move in for three nights when we had to stay away. To begin with I used to take them out very early before we left and then she started to take them to the field during the day and progressed to individualy walking them further. Unfortunately circumstances dictated that I had to accept help and compromise. Hadn't thought of wether she was insured, but I trust her as much as anyone and the dogs are happy and settled with her - she has been a God send. If I offer her more than £10.00 for the day, she gets upset & angry with me!

Apart from everything the others have said, I would go with my 'gut instinct' about the person :)

Your describing my lovely Kelly. I left our two with her for the odd rugby match as I would be out for 5 hours. They didnt seem that fussed to come home.
They have had them off and on now for 3 years. I book the dogs in for holidays and odd days. When we walk the area near her home they try and darg us in - she also has two dogs of her own in cracking condition and has about three more to "holiday". £15 a day for our two I provide the grub!!!

Kelsey, her daughter loves Jake so much he sleeps on her bed!!! small girl very large border collie, he follows her around with luvvv in his eyes. They shoot straight upstairs viewing us through the landing bars as if to say - well go then!!

Its feel, they love her to bits and we trust her.

I think if she moved on I would be devestated.