Dog Walkers

I'm a professional dog walker, I've been doing it for several years.

I'll NEVER walk more than 4 clients dogs in a session plus 2 of my own, makes them manageable and I can clean up any mess whilst under control.

Whilst walking 3 dogs over Hampstead Heath yesterday, I saw a couple walking 21 dogs who were totally out of control and causing chaos, I followed them at a distance and saw them CRAM the dogs into a single van, I didn't have a camera with me but wish I had, I'd shame them!

 

I heard recently that councils are bringing laws out to restrict the number of dogs a person can walk. I am not positive, but I think it is about five.
I have two greyhounds and two whippets.

Another law which I think should be made, is regarding extending dog leads. They should be kept locked in a short length when on pavements.
Over the years, I have heard of four dogs getting killed, when they unexpectedly ran into a road. And just recently, another had to have a leg amputated after being hit by a car.
I would not be able to live with myself. But - my dogs are on ordinary leads.

I have been involved in dog welfare for over 40 years.

 

Wanted to add to this as my little Rosie had a run in with a dog walker in our local fields.
There we are enjoying a walk when a lady I know who walks dogs appeared with 8 dogs and a spaniel took offence to Rosie and the other dogs joined in.
Managed to catch Rosie and lift her up and all I had was she’s not a member of our gang from the lady.
I’m quite a softy but I was not too pleased and kept calm but really they should only walking a few at a time.
Bumped into some friends and it’s happened a few time lately which is concerning.
Our local council has a ban on dog walkers at the large park near me and the rule is you must own the dogs and a max of 3 only. This has meant that all the dog walkers appear in my local fields and it’s became a real issue.
I was also concerned that one dog seemed rather aggressive towards me. I tend to pick my time now but it’s jolly unfair to have so many dogs and there’s no way she was in control of them.

 

I kmow of an elderly guy who as he came out of a shop tripped over one of these dog leads,broke his hip. Couple of weeks later he died due to complications. What did the dog walker do to help... nowt.

So as a dog owner myself who uses these leads too , i think dogs should be in a short lead when on pavements.

 

We have Molly walked when we are on holiday. Our dog walker will only walk 4 dogs in a session . It must be really hard to walk more than this and keep things under control .

 

WeeTam, I totally agree with you mate...those extension leads are ridiculous...years back when I walked Bruno I saw a woman with another staff on an extension lead and she couldn't real the dog back in way to much power from the staff and she could have caused some poor dog some serious damage if her dog carried a nasty temperament.

My Bruno was always walked on a short brass heavy lead weighing 360grammes in weight and they're good for pulling heavy dogs in quick

 

Harry we have two dog walkers here...the one walks his dog with another but there's a woman who does 6 different breeds and the first time I saw it the dogs was snapping at one another, the leads was crossing and this carried on for quite a few months and the last time I saw her, a few of the dogs was wearing muzzles...she had no control of the dogs one bit

 

Some years ago, when we got our first greyhound. We were told that as she had been a champion racer, we would never be able to let her off the lead - as she wouldn't come back.
I bought a heavy duty extending lead. First time I used it, we were walking along the beach, she saw a dog chasing a ball - and that was it, away she went.
The lead just snapped.
She wanted to play ball, too.
I shouted to the lady to get hold of Robyn. Fortunately, she did.

The lead went into the nearest bin.

 

Hello Whippet,

To be truthful it doesn't matter what thickness you buy with these extension leads...what ever is breed in the genetics of the dog you won't stop it and then there can be some serious harm.

Nice of the lady though to get hold of Robin not knowing his nature

 

Robyn was a girl, Gail.

When I first called to the lady, she got hold of her dog thinking that is what I meant.

Greyhounds are for life-not just for racing

There was a photo of Robyn on the first page, but it seems to have vanished.