Why Choose a Professional Dog Walker Over a Borrower?
Here at Finchley Dog Walker, I’ve been asked many questions over the years. One that recently stood out was:
“Why should I pay you to walk my dog when I could use someone who just wants to borrow a dog for a while?”
It’s a fair question, and it highlights a growing trend. I’ve noticed an increase in websites offering to connect dog owners with individuals who don’t own a dog but would love to spend an hour or so with one. These services typically require a subscription fee and claim to match owners with dog lovers who want companionship.
At first glance, this might seem like a great idea—after all, it gives dogs extra attention and allows people without pets to enjoy a dog’s company. However, as with anything that appears too good to be true, there are some serious drawbacks that dog owners need to consider.
What Are Their Motives for Dog Walking?
Before entrusting your beloved dog to a stranger, you must ask why this person wants to spend time with someone else’s dog. What is their experience with dogs?
Surprisingly, many people who sign up for these services want to ‘have a go’—to see if they like dogs before committing to ownership. Even more concerning is that some use these services to see how their young children would get on with a dog.
I don’t know about you, but this approach has many problems. A dog is not an experiment; even the most well-behaved dog can become stressed in unfamiliar situations. Children, in particular, can behave unpredictably around dogs, and without proper supervision and experience, this could lead to accidents.
As a professional dog walker with years of experience, I understand a dog’s needs, body language, and potential reactions to new situations. I know how to handle encounters with other dogs, wildlife, and strangers. I’m trained in what to do if a dog enters fight or flight mode. Can the person you found online say the same?
Can You Trust an Online Profile?
I don’t want to sound too cynical, but online profiles are easy to fabricate. Can you be sure that the person offering to walk your dog has been truthful about their experience? Many of these services provide basic verification, but they’re not foolproof.
Without meeting someone in person multiple times and assessing how they handle dogs, you cannot be sure that they are:
- Honest about their background and skills
- Prepared for emergencies
- Capable of handling your dog if they behaves unexpectedly
- Familiar with handling different breeds and temperaments
When you hire a professional dog walker, you know precisely who cares for your dog and that they have the necessary training, experience, and commitment to your pet’s wellbeing.
Safety Comes First
Dogs thrive on consistency. Having multiple strangers take your dog out on different occasions can cause stress and confusion, as the dog has to adapt to different handling styles, routines, and personalities.
At Finchley Dog Walker, I provide a consistent and personalised service. I will always wholly walk your dog or someone I trust, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable. With a professional dog walking and pet care service, you have peace of mind, knowing your dog is in capable hands.
What Makes Finchley Dog Walker Different?
As a trusted dog walker and pet carer, I bring more than just enthusiasm to the role—experience, dedication, and a deep understanding of canine behaviour. Here’s what sets me apart:
- Established in 2011 – Over a decade of professional experience.
- Enhanced DBS Check – Ensuring trust and security.
- Fully Insured via Pet Protectivity – Covering accidents and emergencies.
- Pet First Aid Trained – For both dogs and people.
- VetFone Access – Immediate access to veterinary advice 24/7.
- Dog Law Training (DogWise Course) – Knowledge of legal responsibilities as a dog owner.
- Personalised Care – Each dog receives individual attention suited to their needs.
- Emergency Preparedness – My contact details are placed on each dog I walk for added security.
- Publicly Available Contact Information – I’m easily accessible via my Facebook business page and personal profile.
- Support from Tip Top Dog School – Ongoing professional development and training.
- Passionate About Dogs – I own a Collie and a Speagle, so I understand what entrusting your dog to someone else means.
A Bespoke and Caring Service
Unlike borrowed dog schemes, which focus on matching owners with casual dog lovers, Finchley Dog Walker offers a tailored approach to meet the dog’s and the owner’s needs.
I provide:
- One-to-one dog walks for dogs who need individual attention.
- Multiple-dog household walks for owners with more than one dog.
- Basic obedience training is incorporated into walks to reinforce good behaviour.
My goal is to walk your dog and care for them as I would my own.
What Do My Clients Say?
I’ve been lucky to work with some wonderful dogs and owners. Here’s what one of my clients had to say:
“Derek is a rare breed—more than just a dog walker, he is a uniquely dedicated pet carer with a deep sense of commitment.”
Dog walking is more than just a service—it’s a responsibility. Dogs are family members who deserve reliable, knowledgeable, and compassionate care.
The Bottom Line: Experience Matters
When you choose a dog walker, you entrust someone with your dog’s safety, health, and happiness. While borrowing schemes may seem easy or inexpensive, they lack the professionalism, training, and reliability your dog deserves.
Why Choose Finchley Dog Walker?
✅ Years of professional experience
✅ Enhanced safety measures
✅ Personalised care tailored to your dog’s needs
✅ First aid training and emergency preparedness
✅ Fully insured and DBS checked
✅ A genuine passion for dogs
Ready to Give Your Dog the Best Care?
If you’re looking for a reliable, professional, and caring dog walker in Finchley, I’d love to help! Whether your dog needs solo walks, group walks, or extra care, you can trust that they’ll be in safe hands.
📞 Contact me today via WhatsApp on 077 077 6 33 44 to discuss your dog’s needs and find the perfect walking plan!
Let’s give your dog the care, consistency, and expertise they deserve. 😊🐾
