dog walking

[pb1951]

Hi
I have just got up and running a dog walking business i did get some useful info from other dog walkers.
I have a web page and i am in the local mag, i have had printed and put out a brocher and some flyers i am on google and yahoo and other business advertising. i have also stuck some sticker up at local dog walks.
But so far had only3 enquiries and I do walk 1 dog once a week
my prices are in keeping with other dog walker if not a little lower. and i am the only one doing it in my area the nearest is over 30 miles away.
what i am really asking is what am i doing wrong
one more thing had my van signed up and useing it daily or am i being to impatient I have been going for about 2 months

many thanks

peter

 

[emmiejay]

Have you put any flyers in your local vets? I know I often get bored whilst waiting so you will have a captive audience.

Also think about a way to target the people who you think will use your service, e.g. busy high-flyers who work long hours - can you run a promotion through a local large employer?

.. just some initial thoughts. I imagine you'll find word of mouth amongst pet owners the best advertising once you're got a few established clients.

Good luck

EmmieJay

 

[JobRecruiTT]

Try to spread your flayers in parks where people generally take their dogs for a walk.
Also put some banners on "all about dogs" websites .

Good luck

 

[vvaannmmaann]

As you have only just started,I don't think you can expect too much overnight.You seem to be doing the right sort of things.Keep at it,it will come good in the end!

 

[Mrs Malapup]

Are you police checked and fully insured? Do you own your own dogs? Can you convince people you are trustworthy and that you wont lose their dog? Do they know that you are experienced with large and small breeds? These are the sort of questions I would be asking if I were looking for a dog walker. Your advertising needs to reflect all these things. I am a dog walker...so I know I started my business on 1st January and Im turning business away at the moment as I have too many!

 

[Robert1989]

Be patient - 2 months it not long at all - you need to really focus on your target audience, many people buy a dog to be able to walk it for either exercise, meeting other dog owners or something to do so you are really working with a smallmarket here i would focus on people who have little time like the professionnals who own dogs to maybe putting posters up at local business parks etc or elderly who cant work much so go to elderly homes etc

 

[Bay-Bee]

have you approached the local paper/freebie paper to get an article or advert in there.

This is how I found a company that arranges dog sitting as well as walking.

2months isn't long at all so keep with it and don't lose faith!

 

[Alice3537]

Keep an eye on local RSPCA etc events and see if you can chat to the powers that be there (they're a bit strange about animal welfare for some reason) and see if you can negotiate something with them.

I say events rather than at their centers coz they tend to hope dogs will go to a home where the OWNER walks them, but certainly in my area they have awareness days at one of the local parks with stalls for crafts etc.

 

[summer]

Have you tried notice boards/newsletters at hospitals. All those staff working long irregular hours and patients that may need pets looking after.

I used to be a nurse and wish i had known of such services when i had a dog.

Good luck!

 

[beadell]

And dont forget your local pet shops! Where are you based

 

[Vicki]

What about volunteering in your local animal shelter for a couple of hours a week? People buying a dog will be able to get to know you and other dog owners working there will know who to call on when they need someone.

As an owner of 2 dogs I personally wouldnt let somebody I didnt know come into my home and take my dogs out. I'd want somebody who comes recommended and who's spent many years with all breeds of dogs otherwise how do I know you'll keep my dog safe?

 

[Sue F]

What about volunteering in your local animal shelter for a couple of hours a week? People buying a dog will be able to get to know you and other dog owners working there will know who to call on when they need someone.

As an owner of 2 dogs I personally wouldnt let somebody I didnt know come into my home and take my dogs out. I'd want somebody who comes recommended and who's spent many years with all breeds of dogs otherwise how do I know you'll keep my dog safe?

Two excellent points.

Volunteering at your local shelter would be a great way to get yourself known.

I'm having a major op later in the year and we have a working Cocker who's full of energy. I won't be able to take her walks for months and I'm already chewing over finding someone to walk her while hubby is at work. I would agree with the points made above.

Our pooch is pretty well behaved but at the end of the day she is a dog and there's always the potential for something unexpected to happen so I need to know that the dog walker we choose will be responsible.

 

[dotwhack]

Some great advice there - 2 months is early days but I know how frustrating starting a new business can be. Are you listed in yellow pages - that & google are still my port of call for looking for new services.

As a dopg walker - any tips for solving the following?
I have 2 dogs that are really hard to walk - one pulls constantly on the lead and needs to walk at full speed at all times - I've had him 4 years but he's a rescue dog (about 5 years old) and gets so excited about leaving the house.
The other hates people and tries to bear hug anyone that walks past...only does it when I've got him not when my partner has so it's an 'alpha male' type issue.
I've had to resort to walking them seperately because I can't handle both of them 'freaking out' at the same time. It's such a shame cos I love walking them but often end up coming home cos one has misbehaved.

 

[R1chard]

With all the dog walkers I know, most of its word of mouth...

You can advertise in pet stores and vets. But you really need to let other dog walkers know (when chatting to them) that your a dog walker.

Hi
I have just got up and running a dog walking business i did get some useful info from other dog walkers.
I have a web page and i am in the local mag, i have had printed and put out a brocher and some flyers i am on google and yahoo and other business advertising. i have also stuck some sticker up at local dog walks.
But so far had only3 enquiries and I do walk 1 dog once a week
my prices are in keeping with other dog walker if not a little lower. and i am the only one doing it in my area the nearest is over 30 miles away.
what i am really asking is what am i doing wrong
one more thing had my van signed up and useing it daily or am i being to impatient I have been going for about 2 months

many thanks

peter

 

[4xfun]

I'd even do it for free tbh. I'd love a canine friend to talk to walking alongside me up in the mountains.
Can't have a dog of my own really though. As much as I'd love to, it wouldn't be right. I really couldn't cope with all the constant dog hairs, and 'D' day.

 

[Jenni384]

I really couldn't cope with all the constant dog hairs

Aaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrghhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dog hair is the bane of my life, as I have 3 of the fluffy critters.... Love em to bits tho

 

[Mrs Malapup]

As a dopg walker - any tips for solving the following?
I have 2 dogs that are really hard to walk - one pulls constantly on the lead and needs to walk at full speed at all times - I've had him 4 years but he's a rescue dog (about 5 years old) and gets so excited about leaving the house.
The other hates people and tries to bear hug anyone that walks past...only does it when I've got him not when my partner has so it's an 'alpha male' type issue.
I've had to resort to walking them seperately because I can't handle both of them 'freaking out' at the same time. It's such a shame cos I love walking them but often end up coming home cos one has misbehaved.[/quote]


Watch Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer) for some tips on behaviour. Both dogs need some training. Try taking them to a class where the trainers are often well versed in behaviour. Dog walkers are not usually behaviourists or trainers but I do some basic commands training and I charge a different rate for training. Our local Mypetstop charge £60 an hour for 1:1 training. You could try using something like a Dogmatic or a Halti but nothing is as good as putting the time in to train your dog....and its never too late to start. You just need to know what youre doing and make sure you are consisitant with it. No magic wands Im afraid.