What have I learnt since May 4th?

When I started D4dogwalking 4 months ago, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. After almost 30 years working and training in education, I was used to the security of set pay, PAYE, familiarity and clearly defined roles and expectations – with a fixed annual calendar of immovable events…

How quickly we forget those formerly ridged rules and rituals! I can honestly say I did the right thing setting up D4dogwalking! Whether or not I’ll say that in another 4 months – when the weather is apt to be wetter, colder and darker (seasonal change…) only time will tell.

So what have I learnt? I really do like dogs – which is a good thing! The skill set required to care for dogs is closer to the skill set for caring for young adults than I had initially assumed! A good pair of comfortable boots and decent socks are an absolute must. The weather is always there, whether it is too hot, too wet or just right. Dogs generally don’t care about the weather – with a few notable exceptions who really don’t like the rain!

I have learnt so much about individual dogs, their personalities, interests and behaviour. I have met some fantastic owners, who clearly love and adore their dogs and want the best care for them. One of the best things about this role, is that dogs show their affection very clearly and I admit I get a warm fuzzy feeling when a dog is clearly excited and happy to greet me before we go for a walk.

I have also discovered so much about the area I liven and have lived in for many years, new paths, walks, sights and experiences.

I am now walking a huge variety of dogs, from Dylan, probably the smallest of my charges, to Zeus and Loki – mixed husky crosses – who just want to pull and pull, Ollie, the nervous Lurcher to Loki the Labrador/Rottweiler cross with the strongest prey drive I’ve ever encountered and of course Rex and Margo, Doberman puppy and Cocker Spaniel who enjoy nothing so much as chasing each other along the banks of the River Dart.

In total I now walk around 15 dogs on a regular basis, with another 10 on an occasional basis. most walks are an hour with a small number of shorter and longer requests to suit the owner and needs of the dog. Some days are busier than others, Thursdays are for some reason my busiest day, regularly booked solidly from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm.

Moving forward, we are going to look at expanding the offer of services to include some basic training and guidance once I have completed the appropriate qualifications and training.

So to sum up. Never been happier in my work.