Love Paws Blog

Things to think about when selecting a dog walker for your furbaby-

✔️Are they insured? 

This is a must, always ask and check before choosing a dog walker. 

✔️What experience do they have? 

Everyone has to start somewhere but what is their experience with animals, have they worked with different breeds or had family pets. Have they completed any courses like first aid to help build knowledge. 

✔️Paperwork/contracts? 

It’s important we know everything about your dog and we have asked you to complete all paperwork to ensure we are working safely.

✔️Safe transport? 

If we are picking up your dog, it’s important that we have safe transport to minimise any risks. 

✔️ Meet & greet offered? 

We should always meet you and your dog before starting any walks. This makes sure everyone is happy, comfortable and we learn more about your dog. 

✔️Ask how many dogs will be walked?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the walks, to have an understanding of how your dogs walk will work. 

Look at social media, website, reviews or get a recommendation from a friend. It’s important you do your research before selecting the right dog walker for you and your dog.

Most people see me out on the trails with happy pups — but there’s so much more that goes on to keep everything running smoothly for your doggos! Here’s a peek at what happens behind the scenes:

✨ Keeping a daily diary and planning routes
✨ Organising who walks well with who, and what times suit each dog
✨ Washing towels, bedding and keeping the van sparkling clean
✨ Ordering treats, poo bags and all the essentials
✨ Keeping on top of admin + accounts
✨ Updating clients with photos and messages
✨ Managing social media
✨ Scheduling walks and making sure every pup gets the right exercise, company and care

I always aim to keep my costs as low as possible, and part of that means keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. The more efficiently I can work, the more time I can spend focusing on the dogs rather than admin.

As the weather gets colder, here are some simple ways to keep your pup comfortable during winter walks:

Short-haired or small breeds often need extra insulation. A well-fitted winter coat helps your dog stay warm, dry, and happy on chilly outings.

Salt, ice, and cold pavement can irritate paw pads. Applying a pet-safe paw balm before and after walks helps moisturize, protect, and heal.

Wet fur can make dogs cold quickly. After walks, gently towel-dry their legs and belly—especially on snowy or rainy days.

Snowballs can form between paw pads. Check frequently during longer walks and remove any buildup to keep your dog comfortable.

If it’s very cold, it’s safer to take shorter but more frequent walks. Indoor enrichment (snuffle mats, puzzle toys) can help burn energy, too!

Winter means darker days—reflective leashes, collars, or coats help keep your dog visible and safe.

Let’s be real, summer in Scotland doesn’t last long but sometimes we get the odd hot day/week and it’s important we adjust our dogs routine to keep them safe.

Some tips to help keep your dogs cool-

• Walk early or late in the evening at the cooler times of the day.
• Always supply fresh water.
• Make a nice cooling treat for your dog, soak a rope toy in water and freeze, make a licki mat with some fat free yogurt and their favourite treats and freeze or have some doggy icecream in the freezer.
  
• It’s important not to let them lie in the sun to long but when they do, place a cooling mat or wet towel for them to lay on. 

Always start your day with a long lie…

I then like to get up and head out to the garden to check for any intruders (foxes, cats, birds or squirrels), once I have checked the premises I can come back in and enjoy breakfast. 

Mum then gets ready for work, I sometimes go with her after taking a look if the weather is to my liking, I’m a sun girl and don’t do rain! 

So I either enjoy a day at home relaxing and barking at anyone/anything that comes near to the house & garden or I spend the day with mum and my fur friends. 

Once mum finishes work, it’s snack time for us both and this is a must have everyday. 

Dinner is around 5pm and then I like to play ball or mum makes me an enrichment game to enjoy.

We sometimes hangout with dad but he doesn’t hand out the treats as easily as mum so I choose who I spend my time with wisely. 

We then head to bed where I like to stretch out in the middle and mum & dad fit around me as I’m the house princess. 

Keep it real fur friends!