Hi everyone, I'm new here :)
I've wanted a dog desperatly for years now but circumstances just will not permit it yet much to my upset, but I've thought long and hard about it and as much as I long for one I know it wouldn't be fair (on the dog) of me to get one, single parent, 3 kids youngest just 18 months and live upstairs with no private garden. The reason I am posting here tonight is to ask about how you feel about dog walkers, I think it might be a possibility for me to do this, and it might solve my longing for a bit ( a bit like babysitting, great and then you can hand it back lol)

Just wondering what kind of things I would need to consider, would I need insurance etc, or anything alse you can think of, any thoughts would be most gratefully received :)

Thanks very much, Viv x

Sadly, I think it would be very difficult to do with an 18 month old. Toddlers and dogs both need complete concentration  when out, and I don't see how you could do both. Perhaps later on when your children are a bit older you could consider helping out at a rescue kennels, if you have one nearby. It is hard when you desperately want a dog and circumstances aren't suitable, but it's really worth waiting until the time is right.

If your question is meant that you still want a dog, and a dog walker to walk it several times a day and bring home??

Where I walk mine in the woods and field's, there is a man who is a dog walker. He has been doing it for 3 years now. Whether this is cheap or not I dont know, but he charges £8 perdog, per hour. If there is more than 2 fromt he same house hold he charges a little less for the 2nd one. He walks about 5 dogs at a time, and walks about 35 in one day. I know this from my dog playing with the ones he's walking and chatting to him (me not the dog, although I do wonder sometimes) ;)

I personally think dog walkers are ideal for the right circumstances, i.e (and im not saying you) but if its not just out of laziness or snobbyness, obviously this isnt the case for you. If you do look into any, make sure they have the proper insurances, and give them a interview also.

HTH! :D

No, I meant I do still want a dog but because I cant get one just now I was thinking about walking other peoples dogs. I'm not talking 35 dogs in a day though! lol I was just thinking I could find maybe 1 or 2 folk that need their dog walked now and again, not wanting to make it into a career or anything :)

The thought of getting myself a dog and then having someone else walk it had never even ocurred to me, what would be the point in getting one? The going for walks is one of the biggest reasons I want to get a dog (but I'm not getting one) because I suffer from SAD and going out with a dog would be of great benefit, anyway...

Does that make more sense to you now?

Viv

I have used a pet walker before when on holiday and she was very good she was insured and charged around £8 a walk. To give you some idea of whats involved here is a link to her site 
link//www.propertyandpetwatch.co.uk link//

I must admit that before I got my youngest dog Prince I thought about doing this as there are lots of elderley people near me always advertising for dog walkers.  I didn't though because I hated the idea of anything happening to the dog  while it was with me.

Jane

Hello Viv
You might want to have a look at the Cinnamon Trust website - www.cinnamon.org.uk.  This is a small charity which helps old or disabled people keep their pets by arranging volunteers to walk dogs, take them to the vet when necessary, pick up food for them and so on.  This might be exactly what you are looking for and there is a section on the website for prospective volunteers.
Hope this helps and you can have the enjoyment of your own dog one day!!
Best wishes
Alex

Thanks very much for that Alex, I've had a look at the website, but I'm not sure if they operate in my area, I've emailed them to ask though, could just be the perfect answer :)

Viv x

viv,
your comment about the point of owning a dog and not walking it is not accurate for myself and the majority of other people I know who use dog walkers.  Employing someone to take my dog out during the day was the only way I could have a dog AND work full time which means I can afford to own a dog and deal with the expense that goes along with this.  I pay £5 per walk and it is worth it to know that my dog is out socialising with other dogs and getting exercise during the day.  I take her out in the morning before work and twice in the evening and think having a dog walker is the only way that I can be a responsible dog owner while living in a flat without a garden. I wouldn't be without my dog walker as without her I wouldn't be able to keep missy.

Hi, sorry if you took my comment the wrong way, I meant what would be the point in ME getting a dog and then having someone else walk it, I can absolutely understand why people use dog walkers which is why I was considering it, for you using a walker is the only way to be able to keep a dog and for me the only alternative to owning a dog, which isn't feasable right now, is to walk someone elses, do you see where I'm coming from?
Anyway, glad you answered my post as you may be able to ask my questions, does you walker have insurance and stuff? I need to know whats involved that way before I can decide for sure whether or not to embark on my idea. Also, when you were looking for a walker how would have felt about employing (although I'm not doing it for a job) someone that would have a toddler (in a buggy) in tow on the walks?

Thanks, Viv

How about approaching a local rehoming centre...they often need walkers
Archer

I used/use a walker occasionally.  She is insured and only takes out my dog alone and never off the lead.  Her instructions are specific and she gets paid for that.  She does walk other dogs in groups but I like to know exactly what and where my dog is in my absence.  I would not permit a walker to take out my dog along with their toddler etc as there may be a conflict of interest...........

hi viv, I've just re-read my post and realised it did sound a bit nippy, it wasn't meant to be taken like that, sorry.  My dog is insured so I would be covered for anything that happened when she was out and she was introduced to my dog walker at 8 weeks old so she is like a second mum to her.  Mine goes out with 3 other dogs but often gets taken for a seperate walk on her own.  I don't think I would let her go with someone with small children because she is very strong and strong willed (a staffy) and would probably try to sit in the buggy licking the child!  She needs constant attention or would be off with anyone who would take her home.  If you are planning to take out people's dogs it might be an idea to only take out dogs that are fully insured as otherwise it could get very complicated for yourself.  I met someone in the street one day that told me she was an 'auntie' for a couple of dogs as she couldn't keep one of her own due to her circumstances and she was able to dog sit for people and do all he good stuff without all the hassle that goes with owning a dog, as I have found out there is nothing convenient at all about owning a dog but its worth it.  I found out about my dog walker through my vets.