Mucky Paws - Specialist Dog Walking

Puppy sessions are 45 minutes long and are comprised of appropriate toileting (outside and rewarded!), feeding (when required) and playtime (remember this is also educational).

Once your puppy is fully covered by their vaccinations I can begin to add brief excursions into the wider world as well. This comes in the form of practising being calm while having their harness and lead put on, not rushing dangerously through doors and gates, walking on a loose lead and generally having positive experiences with whatever we happen to encounter.

When you first bring your new puppy home, it is great to take a week or two off to enjoy getting to know them and help them settle in. You will then likely have to go back to work or resume your normal routines and this could mean leaving your puppy for longer than they can hold their bladder. It can also lead to them spending quite a lot of time alone rather than having quality interactions that will help them learn and become happy being left to rest when you are not there. Every puppy is an innocent little blank slate just waiting to be moulded into an adult dog that will, we hope, be a joy to share our home and lives with. Every single experience they have is important to their development. Make sure the right people are helping your puppy learn what is expected of them during this critical time.

A 45 minute walk where your dog can enjoy the company of a carefully chosen doggy companion.

If your dog is generally very sociable this will likely be their best option when possible. Many other dogs on individual walks may also be able to benefit from a Buddy Walk given time and careful introduction, however this will never happen without your express permission.

If you would like your dog to be considered for the Buddy Walk rate please let me know. I will then assess how easily they can be paired up with another dog. If I feel they are suitable, then any time there is another dog they get along with available, I will walk them together. I will then let you know you are receiving the reduced rate for that walk.

A 45 minute excursion that allows gentle physical exercise, environmental enrichment and company.

Being old or physically less able does not mean our dogs do not want to have fun. It simply means we have to adapt to their changing needs. This can be done in many ways; takings things at a slower pace, going to a variety of places to give them different experiences, playing mentally stimulating games like “Find It!” or just spending some time having a fuss.

If more appropriate, their session can take place mostly or entirely at your property.

A 45 minute walk in surroundings appropriate to your dog’s individual needs. Your dog will be managed in a way that offers continuity with your own walks and training/behaviour modification program. Their safety and enjoyment will be my top priority.

Have you been told by other dog walkers that your dog is too difficult or disruptive to be included in their group walks? Perhaps you have considered hiring someone to help you but are concerned your dog wouldn’t enjoy the experience. Maybe you have invested significant time, effort and money into working with a behaviourist or trainer. If so, you will no doubt want your dog walker to have the necessary level of skill and experience to maintain what you have achieved. I can work alongside you and your chosen professional to become part of your dog’s team, managing your dog so they can enjoy their walk. I have had lots of guidance from a behaviourist with my last few dogs and it has made a huge difference to our quality of life. I understand how hard it is to make progress, how easily it can be undermined and how rare it is to find someone you can trust to walk them for you.