Your Trusted Dog Walker at Finchley Dog Walker
Hi there! My name is Derek Chambers, but you can call me Del—everyone does. I’m the proud owner of Finchley Dog Walker, where I’ve been offering personal pet care and professional dog walking services since 2011. Whether you’re looking for someone to give your dog an exciting adventure or need help caring for your pet, I’m here to provide tailored services to make life easier for you and your furry friend.
How Finchley Dog Walker Began
Like many great journeys, Finchley Dog Walker started unexpectedly. In 2011, I was at a crossroads after being made redundant from my previous job. Rather than dwell on the change, I focused on something I truly loved—caring for animals.
Initially, I began helping friends and neighbours by walking their dogs while they were at work. It wasn’t long before I realised this wasn’t just a temporary solution—a career I was passionate about. A year later, I took Finchley Dog Walker online, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Running Finchley Dog Walker has been one of my most rewarding decisions. Every day, I meet amazing dogs and their owners while providing personal pet care tailored to each individual’s needs.
A Lifelong Love for Animals
My journey with animals started long before Finchley Dog Walker came to life. Growing up, I was always surrounded by pets. From hamsters and gerbils to fish, stick insects, mice, and budgies, our home was a haven for all creatures.
My parents owned a pub with its furry friends—two German Shepherds named Tor and Beauty. Although they were failed police dogs (they couldn’t jump over even the smallest picket fence), they were perfect companions for a young boy.
Tor and Beauty taught me much about dogs, even if I didn’t realise it then. As an excitable child, I’d often run around swinging my arms, and the dogs occasionally nip at me, thinking it was part of the game. While a little painful, these moments helped me understand how to behave around dogs, including reactive ones. Little did I know that these lessons would pave the way for my career as a dog walker and personal pet care provider.
My Experience with Rescue Dogs
As an adult, I’ve always chosen to adopt rescue dogs. There’s something incredibly rewarding about giving a dog a second chance at a happy life. My first dog, Prince, was a Heinz 57 mix who was quite the loner when we first brought him home.
Over time, Prince emerged from his shell and became a big part of my life. He loved going on adventures; whenever possible, he’d come everywhere with me. My neighbours even helped walk him when I couldn’t, and we had fun “doggy sleepovers” to keep him happy and socialised.
When Prince was 14, he developed cancer, and we had to say goodbye. It was one of the hardest and most challenging lives, and losing him felt like losing a piece of myself. But the love and joy he brought into my life were immeasurable.
After Prince, I welcomed Missy, another rescue, into my home in 2011—the same year Finchley Dog Walker began. Missy was a lively, loving dog who became integral to my life and business. Sadly, she passed away in August 2023, leaving behind a legacy of wonderful memories.
Shortly after Missy joined our family, Roxy came into our lives. Roxy, another rescue, is still with me today. At around 14 years old (in 2024), she continues to bring joy, companionship, and a reminder of why I’m passionate about personal pet care.
Why I Love Being a Dog Walker
Being a dog walker isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life. Every dog I meet has their personality, quirks, and needs, and I love getting to know each one. From the energetic pups who can’t wait to explore to the more reserved dogs who need a little extra patience, every walk is a unique experience.
As someone who has spent years working with rescue dogs and high-energy breeds, I understand the importance of tailoring care to suit each dog. Whether it’s a calming solo walk for a reactive dog or a stimulating adventure for a curious puppy, my goal is to make every moment enjoyable and enriching for your pet.
What Sets Finchley Dog Walker Apart?
If you’re looking for personal pet care in Finchley, Muswell Hill, or the surrounding areas, here’s what makes Finchley Dog Walker the right choice:
Beyond Dog Walking: Personal Pet Care Services
While dog walking is at the heart of Finchley Dog Walker, I also offer a range of personal pet care services to meet the needs of busy pet owners.
- Check-In Visits: These are perfect for dogs, puppies, or even small pets who need a quick visit during the day for feeding, playtime, or a toilet break.
- Small Pet Care: I’m happy to look after your smaller companions while you’re away, from cats and rabbits to guinea pigs and hamsters.
The Heart of Finchley Dog Walker
Finchley Dog Walker is more than just a business—it reflects my lifelong passion for animals. Every dog I care for becomes part of my extended family, and I’m committed to treating them with the same love and attention I give my pets.
Whether you’re looking for a regular dog walker, occasional check-ins, or support for a rescue dog, you can trust me to provide professional, compassionate care tailored to your pet’s needs.
A Trusted, Reliable Dog Walker
As someone who knows how important trust is to your pets, I want you to feel confident in choosing Finchley Dog Walker.
- DBS Checked Through Scouts: I have been DBS-checked through Scouts to ensure the highest safety and reliability. You can trust me to provide professional, responsible care for your beloved pets.
- Fully Insured: I am fully insured for all my services, giving you peace of mind knowing your dog is in safe hands during walks, visits, or any other care they receive from me.
Committed to Professional Development
I believe in continually learning and improving my skills to provide the best care. Over the years, I’ve completed various courses and certifications to enhance my knowledge and understanding of dogs.
Here are just a few of the qualifications I’ve achieved:
- Dog Training College Courses: I’ve studied courses in canine body language, reactivity, enrichment, and more. These have given me the tools to understand dogs on a deeper level and tailor my approach to suit their unique needs.
- Tellington TTouch Training: This gentle technique helps dogs relax, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being. It’s particularly effective for anxious or reactive dogs.
- Canine First Aid with Rachel Bean: Knowing how to handle emergencies is essential when working with dogs. My training in canine first aid ensures I’m prepared to act quickly and confidently if needed.
These qualifications, combined with over a decade of hands-on experience, mean you can trust Finchley Dog Walker to provide care that is not only compassionate but also highly skilled.
Let’s Work Together
If you’re searching for personal pet care or a dog walker you can rely on, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can ensure your dog stays happy, healthy, and loved during a fun walk, a calming visit, or anything in between.
📞 Contact Derek Chambers (Del) today to learn how Finchley Dog Walker can help you and your pet. Let’s make every day an adventure for your dog! 🐾
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