Hi, I'm 15 years old, and interested in dog walking. I know I'm considered too young to be dog walking without an adult present but I absolutely love dogs and when I'm older I would love to have a job working with dogs. I'v had dogs all my life, and had a lot of experience with walking dogs, I got a Welsh sheepdog which I take for a walk/run twice a day, and I also take my dads dog out now and again, and she's a rottweiler cross Labrador, very big and strong, not so good with people or other dogs but I'm still able to handle her. I also used to own a big dog who always pulled on the lead so I'm used to big dogs. So I'v had quite a lot of experience considering im only 15 and I think im very mature for my age. Would you let me walk your dog? Or do you think I should wait until in atleast 16 to even consider doing something like this? I know looking after someones dog is a big responsibility..

No, I'm afraid I wouldn't let you walk my dog(s). I don't even let my 18 year old daughter walk them unless someone else is there, preferrably me, but my older son is a good 'someone else'. I'm afraid I just don't trust anyone else with my dogs.

If you were to do it properly you would need to be insured. What if something happened to the dog, or the dog ran off, or attacked another animal, etc? You would also need to know how you stand with the dog laws.

To be honest I would imagine most owners would feel you were a little too young. Do you have a professional dog walker in your area that may be interested in you shadowing/helping out, it would be a good way to build up your experience. Insurance is something I would consider essential, as however responsible and careful you are, you can never guarantee you won't run into an irresponsible owner and should a fight or injury occur you could find yourself in trouble.

If you are really serious about a career in dogs, have you thought about offering to volunteer at a Rescue Centre or Training Club (have a look at the APDT website for local trainers). You would be amazed how many doors open through volunteering and all the time you are gaining valuable experience.

I do agree with you, if I was older and needed a dog walker im not sure I would actually trust a 15 year to be completely honest, and no unfortunately I don't know a professional dog walker. I've volunteered to help out at my local dog kennels but they didn't need any more help. I'll just have to keep my eyes open for any volunteering work with dogs:). thanks for you're answer though:)

Might be worth contacting local walkers to see if you can help them out.

As for your question about allowing you to be in control of my dogs, the answer would be no I'm afraid
I'd want someone with much more experience with dogs, of course insured and CRB checked and abide my all local council guidelines.
Anyone walking my dogs I have to trust them, so expect To meet them and see how my dogs react around them first before I even consider... I refused one dog walker as my boy was scared of him... Had a lovely dog walker on here who sadly stopped the walking soon after I asked for her help, Rachel, tut tut!!!
My next door neighbor is a walker...
Also would expect a dog walker to drive and have a suitable van/ car with crates to transport them around.

You may find the odd neighbor who will take you up on offers, but get yourself insured. Also offer to bath neighbours dogs, small charge...

Rescue centres may be interested in voluntary help.

I've volunteered to help out at my local dog kennels but they didn't need any more help.

That's a real shame, but as Brainless mentions, perhaps a rescue kennel would be more than pleased to accept your help :-)

If I knew you personally and felt you were responsible I probably would let you walk my dog, and wouldn't hold your age against you. However I wouldn't employ you as a stranger, I'd prefer an experienced person. Of course everyone has to start somewhere and you are going about it the right way, walking relative's dogs etc. Can you think of any other friends or relatives you could offer your services to? As others have said above, don't get carried away because some people expect a long list of credentials and if something goes wrong it could get complicated. Definitely follow up the suggestion of volunteering at rescue centres. Unfortunately for insurance reasons they may not take you on until you are 16 but if you put in the research now you will have the contacts for next summer? Good luck and enjoy your doggy career!

I started walking dogs when I was about 12 and walked a couple of dogs , a springer and a mongrel.

I made sure that I did it in a regular basis to show my commitment ( didn't need to show it because I loved doing it !) I didn't ask for payment but did get given a couple of pounds every so often.

This was a while ago (30 years ) and so things were slightly different in terms of the way people see risks now and so there is a lot more emphasis on responsibility if an accident or a dog fight happens.

I would however give you a chance but not with all my dogs as I would only feel comfortable withy more bomb proof girls than the higher driven and stronger dogs.

I would however feel comfortable for you to come and play with my dogs on my property if I needed somebody during the day if I was out for a long period of time. My babysitter who is a couple of years older than the OP has done this and feel more than happy to trust her with my crew.

I used to walk my neighbours strong german shepherd cross at your age and you sound extremely mature and sensible. Perhaps you could ask friends/neighbours if you could walk their dogs? Then when you are old enough and insurable you could look into doing it for a career. it will look great on your cv if at 18 you already have several years experiance under your belt :-)

If I knew you already I'd certainly let you walk my dogs, you sound mature and responsible, and you've clearly thought through the possible problems. I'm afraid I wouldn't let a stranger of your age (or even a few years older) walk my dogs though. I was walking a friends dogs at 16 years old, so as others have said, why not find some people you already know who let you walk their dogs, then in another couple of years you can use them as references to reassure people you don't know that you can do a good job.

Another suggestion would be to contact your vets. My son used to help in the back once a week after school (voluntary) but this often leads to a paid Saturday job. The work is mundane, usually lots of cleaning, but he also got to watch surgery and sit in on consultations. It would be great experience and who knows may even inspire you to train as a vet nurse or indeed a vet. :)