3 Signs You Might Need a Dog Walker
Most people think the reason to hire a dog walker is pretty obvious. You have a dog. You're gone all day. Your dog needs to go outside. Hire a dog walker. Sometimes it really is that simple. But after caring for dogs professionally since 2014, I've learned that there are plenty of families who could benefit from a dog walker who have never really considered hiring one. You don't have to work twelve-hour shifts. Your dog doesn't have to be destroying the house. Sometimes a midday dog walk simply makes life better, for your dog and for you.
Here are three signs it might be time to consider one.
1. Your Dog Spends Most of the Workday Waiting for You
Think about your dog's day when everyone leaves for work. Maybe there's a little excitement in the morning. Breakfast. A trip outside. Perhaps a quick walk. Then you grab your keys, say goodbye, and head out the door.
And then what? For many dogs, not much. They nap. They look out the window. They move to another spot and nap some more. They hear a delivery truck and investigate. Then it's back to waiting for their favorite people to come home. Dogs certainly need sleep, and some are perfectly content with a quiet afternoon. But dogs also need physical activity, mental stimulation, companionship, and opportunities to experience the world outside their four walls. That's one of the reasons I love midday dog walks. A walk isn't just exercise. Your dog gets to sniff the neighborhood, investigate who walked by that morning, watch squirrels, feel the sunshine, stretch their legs, and spend some time with someone who is genuinely happy to see them. Even a relatively short walk can add something interesting and enjoyable to an otherwise very long day.
And afterward? They're usually pretty happy to go back to that nap.
2. You're Rushing Home Because Your Dog Has Been Alone Too Long
You're at work and someone asks if you'd like to grab dinner…Or you need to stop at the grocery store…Or traffic on I-35 is doing what traffic on I-35 does…Or your stuck sitting waiting on that train that just slowed down to a stop…again!
And immediately you start calculating.
"What time did I leave this morning?"
"How long has the dog been home?"
"I really need to get home and let them out."
If this sounds familiar, a midday dog visit can give you some breathing room too.
Of course, hiring a dog walker doesn't mean your dog should routinely spend an unlimited amount of time alone. But knowing they've already had a potty break, some attention, fresh water, and a good walk can take some of the pressure off your afternoon. Instead of imagining your dog sitting by the back door with crossed legs while you're stuck in Fort Worth traffic, you know someone has already been there.
At Doggy Daybreaks, our clients also receive an update after their visit, so they know how their dog is doing. There's something really nice about looking at your phone in the middle of a busy workday and seeing a happy picture of your dog out enjoying their walk.
3. Your Dog Has More Energy Than You Have Time to Burn
This one is especially common with puppies and younger, active dogs. You come home after a long day ready to put on comfortable clothes and relax. Your dog has other plans. They've been saving up energy all day, and now their favorite person just walked through the door.
LET'S GO!
Sometimes that extra energy shows up as zoomies. Sometimes it's barking, pacing, pestering another pet, bringing you the same toy seventeen times, or generally finding creative ways to entertain themselves. Regular exercise during the day can help. But physical exercise is only part of it. One of the most valuable things about walking is actually sniffing. Dogs experience so much of their world through their noses. Giving them time to sniff, explore, and investigate provides mental enrichment along with physical activity. That's why we're not trying to set speed records on our regular dog walks. We want dogs to have an opportunity to actually experience their neighborhood.
For dogs that need more adventure, we also offer Trail Treks, which give them the opportunity to get out of their normal neighborhood and explore local trails. A dog who has had an interesting, active day is often much more ready to relax with the family in the evening.
A Dog Walker Isn't Just for People Who "Don't Have Time for Their Dog"
I think this is an important distinction. Hiring a dog walker isn't replacing the walks you take with your dog. Those evening strolls, weekend adventures, backyard games, and trips together are part of your relationship with them. We're simply adding something good to the hours when you can't be there. Your dog gets exercise, enrichment, a potty break, companionship, and something fun to look forward to in the middle of the day. You get to go about your workday knowing someone you trust is checking on one of the most important members of your family. That's a pretty good arrangement.
Looking for a Dog Walker in North Fort Worth?
Doggy Daybreaks provides professional midday dog walking and dog visits throughout North Fort Worth, Keller, Haslet, Saginaw, Alliance, and surrounding communities, including areas in and around 76137, 76179, 76177, 76244, 76135, 76117, and 76131.
Whether your dog needs a quick midday break, a regular neighborhood walk, or a bigger adventure with one of our Trail Treks, we'd love to learn more about them.