Sticking With The Dogs

I started with Doggy Day Care as a way to make money. Well, I thought I'd just stay with the dogs for this one, too.

People love their dogs - that is just a fact. And, they want them to be cared for and cared about.

What else can you do with dogs? Walk them.

Walking dogs is a big business in some major cities like New York. We've all seen pictures of a person walking what looks like 12 dogs at once. It does not have to be that way. You can walk fewer dogs and still make decent money.

Why walk dogs? Because, like people, dogs need exercise on a daily basis. They need to get out and see what's going on in the neighborhood. And, people's work days are getting longer so the time to walk their dog is really limited. Enter a dog walker.

What will you need? A love of dogs - all kinds of dogs. A few strong leashes, unless the leash is provided my the dog's guardian. Decent shoes - you will be walking a lot. A sense of adventure - because like mail delivery you will be walking dogs in all sorts of weather. And, be a good neighbor - pick up after the dogs. Oh, yes, don't forget to keep dog treats with you at all times in your pocket or a bag - but remember to keep your hands free.

Figure out how much you want to charge. Start a bit low so you can get some first clients. You will probably know your first clients, so start by calling friends and neighbors, let them know you are going to walk dogs.

Remember to meet the dogs you will walk - literally interview them. Make sure you get along with the dog before committing to walking it. Also, find out what training the dog has had and what words they respond to. You can walk dogs in the morning and in the afternoon.

Again, I found a book you might want to consider if you want to walk dogs. Click here to see it. It's titled The Dog Walker's Startup Guide: Create Your Own Lucrative Dog Walking Business. There are also articles available on the internet that have valuable information.

The money? Figure about $7.50 to $10.00 per dog per walk. I'd think about giving a discount if you take the same dogs out twice per day, but that's up to you. However you price your service, be very careful not to price it too high.

Be selective in the dogs you choose to walk. Make sure you get along with the dog and the dog likes you. If you think there will be a problem - don't take the dog. Being selective can be a very good thing for your business.

If you take two or three dogs out - make sure they get along!

Think about add-on services you can offer clients. Training is a natural if you know what you are doing and have experience. Grooming is another - even just bathing a dog is an add-on service.

You can live in the city. In a suburb. Almost anywhere people have dogs as pets.

Good luck and God Bless.