By Ben Waterworth
 
Dog walking as a business is fun and monetarily rewarding, provided you give your time and effort in the same. A dog walking job can involve various tasks apart from just taking the dog for a walk. You may be required to stop dog from barking at other dogs or train a pulling dog. A handy starting point for anybody taking on a new dog walking job is looking at a few do's and don'ts of what to expect when dog walking. Here are just a few to help you out.
 
DO'S

• DO clean up after the dog you are walking. It's as easy as taking a plastic bag with you and then putting it in a nearby rubbish bin. There should be no excuse for leaving a mess behind!
• DO talk to other dog owners during your walking but never talk for so long that you avoid actually walking the dog. It can be very easy to lose track of time, so make sure you don't! A pet may become aggressive dog when not taken for a good amount of walking session.
• DO use a leash at all times except in areas in which you know you can let the dog off it and that the owner has let you do so. Some owners aren't comfortable with their dogs going off a leash, so always double check if you aren't sure! You have to tackle firmly yet be caring enough if you find a dog leash pulling while going for a walk.
• DO offer other services to the client such as dog washing, dog training or even dog sitting. The more of these you offer then the more attractive you become to future clients, especially if you offer them at an affordable price!
• DO use public footpaths but always share them with other citizens and don't be so rude to assume the path is for you and the dog only. Courtesy is key!
• DO enjoy the time walking the dog and keep in mind that there may be a lot of people envious of your job while they are stuck in their offices all day!

 
DON'TS

• DON'T let the dog go onto other people's property and potentially destroy it. Dogs like to dig and play and can easily disturb gardens that may be very precious to their owner. Always keep an eye on the dog.
• DON'T just let the dog relieve itself anywhere it wants. Either make them do it on concrete so you can easily clean it up or on some grass that is out of the way.
• DON'T approach other dogs while you are walking the dog. The situation can be dangerous for the dog could turn ugly quite quickly and the last thing you want is an injured dog from a fight on returning to the client!
• DON'T wander too far from the designate walk area you have been set. By all means discuss with the client the potential to go further than you have before, but always ensure the owner knows.
• DON'T let the dog control you, you need to control it! You have to always control the leash as best as possible and never let the dog pull you too much as it can injure both of you.
• DON'T ever assume that you will always have clients, remember that situations can change and you may find yourself without work at some points in your dog walking career. 

 
Take these into consideration and hopefully you will enjoy your time as a dog walker for a long time! Check our site regularly for updates on dog walking and sitting. If you are waiting for a working visa under the Australia immigration laws, you can be a dog walker to get your pocket expenses and earn useful work experience for the same.