Standards of Care for Dogs
Basic Care: Each visit includes feeding, water refresh, bathroom breaks, leash walks, playtime, and basic home care tailored to the individual needs of the dog.
Communication: We provide regular updates to pet owners regarding their dog’s behavior, eating habits, energy levels, and any health observations or concerns.
Consistent Interaction: Regular positive interactions, such as petting, grooming, and playtime, help strengthen the bond between the dog and their caregiver. Ensuring that the dog feels loved and safe with every interaction fosters trust and comfort.
Gentle Approach: Using a calm, gentle demeanor when approaching a dog fosters a sense of security and trust. Allowing the dog to approach on its own terms can help reduce anxiety and build confidence in the caregiver.
Interactive Play: Engaging in activities such as fetch, tug-of-war, or interactive puzzle toys stimulates a dog’s mental and physical health, while also promoting bonding through fun and shared experiences.
Routine Activities: Incorporating daily routines like feeding, walking, and playtime helps dogs feel secure and understand what to expect, reinforcing their sense of stability and connection to their caregiver.
Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or affection encourages positive behavior and helps the dog build confidence. It strengthens the bond and makes training more effective.
Establishing a Routine: Dogs thrive on consistency, so establishing predictable schedules for feeding, bathroom breaks, and playtime can reduce stress and increase comfort. Routines help dogs know what to expect and foster trust.
Reading Body Language: Understanding a dog’s body language (e.g., tail wagging, ear positioning, posture) allows caregivers to respond appropriately to the dog’s needs, emotions, and comfort levels, strengthening the bond and ensuring their well-being.
Adapting to Preferences: Every dog has unique preferences for interaction, whether it’s cuddle time, active play, or quiet companionship. Respecting these preferences and adjusting care routines to suit the individual dog helps create a deeper, more positive relationship.
Walking Dogs with PetPals
As a dog walker, it is not the responsibility to train the dogs being cared for. However, at PetPals, we expect the dogs to engage with us just as much as we engage with them. The more we can reinforce healthy walking habits, the stronger the relationship becomes with each dog. Building trust is the goal, and trust is never freely given. When walking a dog, we are asking them to trust us to lead them through potential challenges they may encounter. While training is not the role of the dog walker, it is the responsibility to ensure the dog’s safety and well-being during the walk, protecting both the dog and oneself in the process.
Dog walks play a crucial role in a dog’s routine, providing more than just bathroom breaks. While potty breaks are necessary, they alone don’t offer sufficient exercise to meet the dog’s physical and mental needs. Adult dogs generally require three to five bathroom breaks daily, but regular walks are essential for maintaining overall health and wellness. Walks provide the exercise needed to maintain a healthy weight, support muscle tone, and promote cardiovascular health. These walks should be tailored to the dog’s specific needs based on age, breed, and health.
Walks can serve different purposes, offering a well-rounded experience for the dog. For example, exercise-focused walks help burn off excess energy through brisk walking or jogging. Breeds like Border Collies, German Shepherds, Blue Heelers, Aussies, or Terriers require significant physical and mental stimulation. Exercise-focused walks can vary depending on the dog’s breed, the available environment, and the time allotted to meet their needs. Creativity and exploration are key to providing engaging experiences.
For dogs requiring more mental stimulation, sniff-and-game-focused walks tap into their natural instincts by encouraging them to explore. Engaging in sniffing games, such as hiding treats in various environments like grass, gravel, or leaves, allows the dog to use their nose. However, it’s important not to overfeed with treats.
Command-focused walks are ideal for reinforcing training and good behavior, especially for dogs that need guidance with leash manners or obedience. Some walks may combine both potty breaks and socialization, allowing dogs to relieve themselves while interacting with people or other dogs in a controlled setting.
In addition to meeting physical needs, walks provide mental enrichment. Exposure to new sights, sounds, and smells helps prevent boredom and can reduce behavioral issues like digging or excessive barking. Walks also present opportunities for dogs to practice socialization, especially when encountering other dogs or unfamiliar environments. These controlled interactions can improve behavior, reduce anxiety, and help dogs feel more comfortable in new situations. Overall, regular walks are vital for a dog’s well-being, promoting physical health, mental stimulation, and emotional balance.
Safety Protocols
Leash and Collar Checks: Before each walk, ensure the dog’s leash and collar/harness are in good condition and properly fitted. Maintain two points of contact with the leash at all times.
Emergency Preparedness: To stay active in the field ICs are encouraged to obtain and maintain basic first aid certificates for pets.
Practice Defensive Walking: Avoiding other dogs and risks in your environment to keep yourself and the pets safe. Expecting the unexpected.
Communicate and Document: If it's not written down, it doesn't exist or never happened. Ensure you are protecting yourself, the clients, and PetPals, LLC, by having well documented reports that detail the receipts of care with each service.
Walking Procedure
Duration and Frequency: Adhere to the agreed-upon duration and frequency of walks, ensuring dogs receive sufficient exercise tailored to their age, breed, and health status.
Route Management: Choose safe walking routes that minimize exposure to traffic and hazards, and consider the dog's behavior (e.g., anxiety, aggression).
Arrival Times: Must be within an appropriate arrival window and are set by the client. We only arrive at the agreed upon time.
Walking Goals: Set personalized goals for each walk to ensure dogs receive physical and mental stimulation. Goals may include:
Building Trust: Regular socialization visits to establish a bond
Building Endurance: Gradually increasing walking distance.
Behavioral Goals: Working on leash manners, reducing jumping or distractions to triggers by incorporating regular command use through routine visits.
Defensive Dog walking
Defensive dog walking is a proactive approach to managing a dog during walks, aimed at ensuring the safety of both the dog and the walker. This method involves being aware of potential hazards and using techniques to prevent aggressive encounters, accidents, or other problematic situations. Here are some key aspects of defensive dog walking:
Situational Awareness: Walkers remain vigilant about their surroundings, watching for other dogs, people, vehicles, and other potential hazards.
“Cross” is a great command to alert the dog when to cross the street suddenly or in the middle of a sidewalk to avoid an oncoming mailman, dogwalker, traffic, squirrel/trigger
“With Me”, “Eyes on me, “watch me” are all commands to incorporate to immediately redirect focus via eye contact. Use prior to triggering event to recall their attention.
Controlled Leash Handling: Using a proper leash technique helps maintain control over the dog, preventing them from lunging at other dogs or distractions. Two points of contact is the recommended handing format for loose leash dogs at all times.
Avoidance of Triggers: Walkers learn to identify and avoid situations or stimuli that may provoke an aggressive or fearful response in their dog. Maintaining awareness of your environment at all times is crucial when walking in new neighborhoods with unfamiliar traffic patterns, neighborhood cats, mail routes, garbage routes, and the daily squirrel war. Avoid triggers and familiarize yourself with the types of response dogs have in activated states. Working on avoiding these triggers and redirecting it with consistent positive reinforcement leads to long term rewards. By providing actively positive experiences when a dog is triggered creates deeper bonds between dog and human.
Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding calm behavior during walks encourages the dog to remain relaxed in various situations.
Training and Socialization: Continuous k9 training and socialization help dogs become more comfortable in public spaces, reducing the likelihood of reactive behavior.
Emergency Preparedness: Walkers have a plan in place for handling emergencies, such as encountering an aggressive dog or needing to manage an unexpected situation.
Behavior Management
Behavior management with dogs is crucial to a safe experience. Dogs are incredibly sensitive to our personal emotional responses and so it is in our best interest to learn tools for how to manage the experience of the dog. Some dogs may need more time to build a relationship with a new person, so don't expect all dogs to love you right away.
Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior during walks (treats, praise). We provide 100% force free care.
Handling Aggression or Fear: Recognize signs of stress or aggression and take appropriate action, including removing the dog from the situation or altering the walk route. Maintain communication and active engagement around the triggers while on walks with clients and team.
Socialization Opportunities: Provide controlled socialization opportunities for dogs that are well-behaved and enjoy interaction with other dogs or people only with explicit permission from the owners.
Health and Wellness Monitoring
Health Checks: Perform a quick health check before walks to look for any signs of injury, illness, or distress (e.g., limping, excessive panting).
Hydration Needs: Ensure dogs have access to water before and after walks, especially in warmer weather.
Dietary Restrictions: Be aware of any dietary restrictions or allergies, and inform clients if their dog appears to have ingested something harmful during the walk.
Most common allergy: chicken
Dog Health
Signs of Anxiety
- Excessive Barking or Whining
- Panting or Trembling
- Hiding or Avoidance
- Pacing or Restlessness
- Destructive Behavior
- Changes in Sleep Patterns
- Increased Clinginess
- Ears Back, Tail Down
Signs of Illness
- Loss of Appetite
- Excessive self-grooming/licking, especially of paws or sides
- Excessive Drooling
- Diarrhea or mucousy loose stool
- Changes in Appetite or Thirst
- Vomiting or Diarrhea
- Lethargy or Low Energy
- Unusual Lumps or Bumps
- Respiratory Issues
- Changes in Urination
- Eye or Nose Discharge
- Unusual Gait or Limping
- Bad Breath or Dental Issues
- Skin Issues
- Behavioral Changes
- Weight Loss or Gain
PetPals Policy
Monitor health changes and observations with pictures and detailed notes.
Check in with admin, team, and clients to monitor concern level, and gather opinions, if further action is needed.
No decision is made alone.
Under client and admin supervision, assist with vet care if needed.
QuickGuide to Implementing Commands with K9s
Phase 1: Teaching the Basic Heel
Purpose:
To introduce your dog to the concept of walking at your side without pulling or lagging.
Step-by-Step :
Equipment Setup:
Use a standard leash (4-6 feet) and a well-fitted collar or harness.
Keep treats or a clicker handy to mark and reward good behavior.
Choose a Marker Word or Click:
Use a consistent word like "Yes" or a clicker to mark when your dog is in the correct position.
Start in a Low-Distraction Area:
Begin training in your home, backyard, or a quiet space to minimize distractions.
Lure into Position:
Hold a treat in your hand and lure your dog to your left or right side (choose one side and be consistent).
The dog’s shoulder should align with your leg.
Introduce the Command:
Say "Heel" as your dog is walking beside you.
After a few steps, mark the behavior with "Yes" or a click and reward with a treat.
Take Small Steps:
Begin with just a few steps at a time. Gradually increase the number of steps your dog walks in the heel position before rewarding.
Add Directional Changes:
Make slow turns, encouraging your dog to stay by your side. Use the treat or leash to guide them.
Phase 2: Reinforcing the Heel Command
Purpose:
To help your dog understand and maintain the heel position even with mild distractions.
Increase Distance Gradually:
Slowly increase the number of steps your dog walks in the heel before receiving a reward.
Introduce Verbal Praise:
Start phasing out constant treats by using verbal praise (“Good heel!”) and intermittent rewards.
Practice in Controlled Environments:
Move to slightly more distracting areas, like a quiet park or street, but keep distractions minimal.
Correct Pulling or Lagging:
If your dog pulls ahead, stop walking and say "Heel" to guide them back to position. Resume walking only when they’re back in place.
If they lag behind, encourage them with a treat or a cheerful "Let’s go!" while maintaining the "Heel" position.
Phase 3: Extending the Heel in Real-World Scenarios
Purpose:
To transition the "heel" command from controlled environments to real-world situations with distractions.
Increase Environmental Complexity:
Gradually expose your dog to more challenging settings like busy sidewalks, parks with other dogs, or outdoor markets.
Use Distraction Training:
Practice walking past distractions (e.g., other dogs, squirrels, food on the ground) while maintaining the heel position.
Use the “Look at me” command if your dog gets distracted, redirecting their focus back to you.
Incorporate Directional Commands:
Add commands like “Turn” or “Stop” during walks to keep your dog engaged and responsive.
Vary the Pace:
Practice walking at different speeds. Gradually introduce slow walking, brisk walking, and sudden stops, ensuring your dog stays aligned with you.
Phase 4: Generalizing and Extending the Heel Command
Purpose:
To build your dog’s stamina and ability to sustain the heel position for extended periods.
Extend Walking Duration:
Gradually increase the time your dog is expected to walk in the heel position before receiving praise or rewards.
Add Distance Commands:
If appropriate, extend the leash slightly while keeping your dog close and responsive to “Heel.”
Randomize Rewards:
Use treats, praise, or play intermittently to maintain motivation. This encourages your dog to heel reliably without expecting constant rewards.
Incorporate Off-Leash Practice (Advanced):
In a safe, enclosed area, practice off-leash heeling to build trust and reinforce the command. Use a long lead initially for safety.
Sit
Purpose: Helps the dog pause and stay calm during distractions or at crosswalks.
Training Tips:
Stop walking and hold a treat above your dog’s nose, moving it slightly back to encourage their bottom to lower.
Use a clear command, "Sit," while presenting your palm open and cupped around the treat.
Reward immediately when they sit, pairing the treat with verbal praise (e.g., "Good sit!").
Gradually reduce reliance on treats and practice in different environments to solidify the behavior.
Stay
Purpose: Ensures the dog remains in place when needed.
Training Tips:
Begin with your dog in a "Sit" position. Say "Stay" while showing a downward-facing palm as a signal.
Take a single step back. If they remain in place, reward them and use praise.
Gradually increase the distance and duration over multiple sessions.
Introduce distractions slowly and reward your dog for maintaining the "Stay" command.
Leave It
Purpose: Prevents the dog from picking up unwanted objects (e.g., trash, food).
Training Tips:
Place a treat on the ground and cover it with your hand. Say "Leave it" firmly.
Wait until your dog looks away or stops trying to get the treat, then reward them with a different treat or praise.
Progress to practicing with uncovered treats, then real-world scenarios like trash on walks.
Drop It
Purpose: Encourages the dog to release items they’ve picked up.
Training Tips:
Hold a high-value treat or toy and say "Drop it" while offering the trade.
Reward your dog immediately when they release the object, pairing the action with praise.
Practice with low-value items first, gradually increasing difficulty.
Focus (Look at Me)
Purpose: Redirects the dog’s attention to pet-sitters during distractions.
Training Tips:
Hold a treat near your face and say "Look at me." Wait until your dog makes eye contact.
Reward immediately, using verbal praise to reinforce the connection.
Gradually increase distractions, practicing in varied environments to build reliability.
Wait
Purpose: Stops the dog from rushing through doors, gates, or into streets.
Training Tips:
Use "Wait" before opening a door or crossing a street. Pair the command with a hand signal (e.g., an upright palm).
Reward your dog when they pause and remain in place until released with a cue like "Okay."
Practice consistently at home and during walks to build understanding and reliability.
Let’s Go
Purpose: Encourage the dog to start walking with you.
Training Tips:
Use an enthusiastic tone and say "Let’s go" as you start walking.
Reward your dog as they move with you to build positive associations.
Use this command to signal transitions during the walk, such as starting after a "Wait" or "Sit."
Key Principles of Walking Dogs Safely and Responsibly
1. Trust Building Through Consistency
Why It Matters:
Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations. By being consistent in your handling, dogs learn what to expect from you, fostering trust.
How to Implement:
Use the same walking routes initially to build familiarity.
Maintain a calm and confident demeanor, even in challenging situations. They look to you for guidance not just physically but emotionally too.
Respect their boundaries (e.g., allowing them to sniff but redirecting if they linger too long).
2. Leading With Confidence
Why It Matters:
Dogs look to their handlers for guidance and assurance. A confident handler can help reduce a dog’s anxiety or reactivity.
How to Implement:
Walk with purpose; avoid hesitating or stopping unnecessarily.
Stay alert to potential dangers (e.g., traffic, other dogs, distractions).
Use your body language to guide the dog—stand tall and move smoothly.
3. Enforcing Healthy Walking Habits
Why It Matters:
Encouraging good behavior makes walks safer and more enjoyable for both the dog and the walker.
How to Implement:
Redirect pulling by stopping and waiting until the leash is slack before continuing.
Reward calm behavior (e.g., sitting at crosswalks, staying close on the leash).
Use simple commands like "Let’s go" or "Wait" to manage transitions.
4. Prioritizing Safety Above All
Why It Matters:
The safety of the dog, the walker, and others is paramount. Situations can escalate quickly without proper precautions. Always be alert and mindful of your surroundings. Dangers such as cars, traffic, or loose harnesses, and unleashed dogs can present at any moment, and you must be prepared.
How to Implement:
Avoid situations that may overwhelm or overstimulate the dog (e.g., crowded areas, reactive dogs).
Always check equipment (harness, leash) before starting a walk.
Be mindful of weather conditions, ensuring the dog’s comfort and safety. Bring water or your first aid kit with you on longer adventures.
5. Empathy and Understanding
Why It Matters:
Each dog has a unique personality and history. Understanding their individual needs builds trust and strengthens your bond.
How to Implement:
Pay attention to the dog’s cues (e.g., fear, excitement, fatigue).
Adapt your walking style to suit their preferences while maintaining control.
Celebrate small victories, like walking calmly past a distraction.
| Breed Category | Breed | Traits | Exercise Ideas | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herding Breeds | Border Collie | Highly intelligent, agile, and bred for herding sheep. | Long walks, frisbee, agility K9 training, hide-and-seek. | 2+ hours of physical and mental activity daily. |
| Australian Shepherd | Energetic and versatile, excels in tasks requiring focus and endurance. | Herding balls, running, obstacle courses. | 1.5–2 hours of activity per day. | |
| Blue Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) | Sturdy and determined, bred to work hard. Needs mental and physical games. | Jogging, hiking, tug games. | 1.5–2 hours daily. | |
| German Shepherd | Athletic and trainable, excels in structured activities. | Running, long walks, working in search and rescue roles. | 1.5–2 hours of activity. | |
| Sporting Breeds | Labrador Retriever | Outgoing and active, need plenty of physical activity. | Swimming, fetch, long walks, socializing, companionship. | 1.5 hours daily, split into morning and evening sessions. |
| Golden Retriever | Gentle but energetic, enjoy family-oriented activities. | Hiking, playing fetch, swimming. | 1.5 hours daily. | |
| Pointer and Setter Breeds (e.g., German Shorthaired Pointer, Irish Setter) | Tireless and eager to work, thrive on vigorous exercise. | Running, field trials, advanced obedience K9 training. | 2 hours or more daily. | |
| Working Breeds | Boxer | Strong and playful, need structured exercise to burn energy. | Brisk walks, interactive play, agility K9 training. | 1–1.5 hours daily. |
| Siberian Husky | Bred for endurance, require significant physical exertion. | Long-distance running, pulling carts or sleds, trail hikes. | 2+ hours daily. | |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Strong but gentle, enjoy moderate to high activity. | Hiking, cart-pulling, long walks. | 1–2 hours daily. | |
| Terrier Breeds | Jack Russell Terrier | Small but incredibly energetic, excel in jumping and running. | Agility courses, fetch, chasing toys. | 1.5 hours daily. |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Muscular and enthusiastic, need robust physical activities. | Tug-of-war, running, weight-pulling. | 1.5 hours daily. | |
| Toy Breeds | Poodle (Standard and Miniature) | Intelligent and active, enjoy diverse forms of exercise. | Fetch, swimming, long walks. | 1 hour daily (Miniatures); 1.5 hours (Standards). |
| Chihuahua | Despite their size, enjoy brisk walks and bursts of activity. | Short walks, indoor fetch, climbing small obstacles. | 30 minutes to 1 hour daily. | |
| Non-Sporting Breeds | Dalmatian | High-energy dogs, excel in endurance-based activities. | Running alongside a bike, playing fetch, swimming. | 1.5–2 hours daily. |
| Bulldog | Less energetic, need moderate exercise to prevent obesity. | Short walks, light play. | 30 minutes to 1 hour daily. | |
| Hounds | Beagle | Curious and driven by scent, need physical and mental stimulation. | Scent-tracking games, brisk walks. | 1–1.5 hours daily. |
| Greyhound | Low-energy indoors, love sprinting outdoors. | Short, high-speed runs, followed by calm walks. | 30–45 minutes of intense exercise daily. |