Beware Of (some) Dog Walkers!

[aussielover]

Just a warning if you're thinking of hiring a dog walker- be sure to check them out carefully as some are really dodgy.

I've had some incidents in the last few days with them (I am on holiday so walking my dog at the same time as them).

Firstly, quite a few of them seem to disregard the law that says you can only walk 4 dogs at a time. I've seen some with up to 9 dogs

Of course, its almost impossible to be in control of 9 dogs and be on poo patrol for all 9 dogs.

Many of them also don't pick up their dogs poo, even when they actually observe the dog going.

I pointed this out to one of them and they denied their dog had done it!!!

Some seem to be walking out of control/borderline aggressive dogs. Today my dog had a massive dog run up to her and dominate her (made her submit and then stood over and would not let her up).

This dog also stole another dogs ball and destroyed it! The dog walker ignored the whole thing, leaving the other owner and I gobsmacked.

Another incident yesterday where Mindy and I were walking on lead, as required by the law on a bush track which was signposted to keep dogs on lead to protect wildlife, plants etc. A walker had all 5 of her dogs off lead, 3 of which ran up barking to us, she then proceeded to march off but one of the dogs did not follow and was blocking our path. The walker called it once and then walked off, did not even bother to come get the dog. Luckily it was friendly (also very fearful) and I was left with this dog harassing mine. The dog was way out of sight of the walker who I estimate was about 1km ahead, which I think is really bad. The dog eventually ran off and caught up with the dog walker as I saw them again at the park all together again.

Also the travel arrangements worry me, one lady had 7 dogs literally piled into a 4WD, no restraint What would happen if they got into a fight pr jumped on her lap??? Most of the others have a van with a division but the dogs are just put in all thogether.

And yes I will be/have reported these people.

This post was just intended as a warning to anyone considering using a dog walker.

I hope I haven't completely put anyoe off because there are definitely some great ones out there. I don't regularly use one, but the one we have used a few times is terrific- only takes 4 dogs at a time, dogs are all crated individually in the van, actually trains/plays/interacts with the dogs on the walk (unlike some of just talk on their phones and drink coffee).

Just be careful of who you choose.