Why solo walks, and which dogs need them

Some dogs don't thrive in a group

Solo walks are set up for dogs who may not thrive in a group environment. Many dogs are simply not a good fit for group day care or group dog walking, because of a medical issue, a behavioral issue, fear or anxiety. Some are not pro-social (comfortable and friendly with other dogs) with other dogs at all. Because these dogs don't do well in a group, their owners may need to hire someone to take the dog on solo walks while the owners are at work or at appointments.

Three reasons a dog may not be a good fit for a group

What a solo walker does, and what they refer out

Be clear about the line, because this course sits on both sides of it. A solo walker manages dogs who have behavioral issues. A solo walker does not run behavior modification. Managing is what you do on the walk: distance, timing, route choice, equipment, and the trained behaviors that make the walk work. Behavior modification is a plan written for a dog by a trainer or a veterinary behaviorist, and where a dog needs one, your job is to spot it, say so, and work alongside the plan.

None of this makes you the dog's trainer. It makes you a professional whose walks leave a dog easier to live with than they were.

• Four foundational behaviors belong to every dog and every walker: recall, leave it, drop it and wait. Know how to teach them, and keep reinforcing them on every outing.
• You should be able to teach basic obedience too, with the owner's agreement. It comes second: safety and impulse control are what the walk depends on.
• Anything beyond that, reactivity plans, separation anxiety, aggression with a history, goes to a trainer or a veterinary behaviorist, and you support the plan rather than writing one.

Some owners prefer 1:1 for a dog who would do fine in a group

Many dogs are pro-social and thrive in groups, but their pet parents may not feel comfortable with their dog being in a large group without them. These owners prefer a professional who offers 1:1 solo walks. Some people simply see 1:1 walks as a premium service and elect to pay for it for their beloved dog. Whatever the reason, you can accommodate these clients by offering solo walks. One limit applies program-wide: a dog with a bite history or human-directed aggression is a referral, not a solo-walk client (Dog Safety, lesson 6).

What a solo walk gives a dog

For many dogs, solo walks are the best way to get exercise, mental enrichment and proper socialization. Walking one dog at a time takes more planning and management for each individual dog, but it eliminates many of the potential safety issues that come with managing dogs in a group setting.

More planning per dog, and it eliminates many of the potential safety issues that come with managing a group.

Each dog's walk has its own requirements

Plan your day around the owners' hours

Some pet parents go to work very early in the morning, and you may need to plan those dogs' walks earlier in the day. Other owners work late and need their dog walked later in the afternoon. Consider each client's area and neighborhood when you plan your day, too.

Neighborhood triggers to plan around

The dog is only half of the arrangement. Every solo walk is also a relationship with a family and their dog, one that may last for many years.

Your own boss, and the dog's advocate

Providing solo walks will allow many dogs to live a more fulfilling life thanks to you, and you will build a relationship with the families and their dogs. As a professional dog walker you will be your own boss, which means being professional, responsible and diligent about the service you deliver to your clients. A signed written agreement with every client sets the correct expectations and lets you meet the demand of each client and their dog professionally. Later lessons cover what goes in it. You will be responsible for scheduling the dogs you work with each day and for delivering on the agreement you have with each client. You will be able to decide which clients you can and can't work with, and sometimes you will have to turn away clients you'd rather not work with. You have to be the best advocate for the dogs you work with and their owners, while keeping in mind your own knowledge, skills, capacity and experience.

Be honest about each dog's disposition whenever you commit to services, with every current or potential client.

The dog is family

Most people consider their dog to be a part of their family. Many families get a dog because they have children and want their kids to grow up with a dog in the house, sometimes after years of the children begging. Some people don't have kids, won't have kids, or their kids are grown and have moved out. Either way, most pet parents consider their dog to be like their actual children, and they always want the absolute best for them.

People value what they pay for

In general, people tend to value what they pay for, especially premium services and products. The majority of your clients will value you because they are hiring you to provide a premium service for their beloved dog. The longer you work with each client, the deeper the relationship you will develop with the dogs you walk and the people who hire you alike. By fostering a good relationship with your clients and their dogs, it is likely that you will become an extended part of their families. Many clients will offer gifts and tips for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions because they value you as a professional committed to providing professional services for their dog.

The dog, the plan and the family

Solo walks exist for dogs who don't thrive in a group (because of fear or anxiety, a medical issue, or behavior) and for owners who simply prefer 1:1 for a dog who would do fine in one. Each dog's walk has its own timing, length, equipment, activities and limits, and each day is planned around the owners' hours and the triggers in their neighborhood. Be honest about each dog's disposition before you commit, decide which clients you can and can't work with, and be the dog's advocate within your own knowledge, skills and experience.

Treat your clients with respect, dignity and appreciation for trusting you with their dog.