What Kind of Rover Now Walker are You?
If you haven’t already, take a minute to read our article on how to best manage your schedule as a Rover Now walker! While schedule management plays a large role in determining which walks you should be accepting and which ones to avoid, there are a few additional things to keep in mind when you’re browsing the “Requests” tab.
All dogs are different and so are all walkers! You may be suited to walk certain types of dogs, while other dogs may not be your perfect match. Let’s evaluate what type of walker you consider yourself so you can find the best walks for your lifestyle…
The “Stop and Smell the Roses” Walker
Consider yourself a more casual walker? If during your time as a Rover Now walker, you’ve found yourself booking walks to supplement your other stays in order to make a little extra cash, or casually accepting walks here and there, you may be looking for more easy-going furry clients.
If you’re interested in a leisurely stroll, consider looking for walk requests made for older dogs, or breeds that are commonly more mellow. Sometimes an owner will even specify in their request that their dog has recently endured an injury and needs to take it easy, so they might require some more TLC. Regardless, be sure to follow the walk instructions clearly. Wondering which dog breeds tend to be on the mellower side? Here are a couple:
- English Bulldog
- French Bulldog
- Chow Chow
- Basset Hound
- Pug
- Bichon Frise
- Old English Sheepdog
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Athlete & Challenge-Taker
Are you sporting a Fitbit or fancy new Apple Watch and are all about tracking those steps? Perhaps you just love to exercise and prefer it to include a four-legged friend who can also reap the benefits! You’ve likely seen a walk request or two which include a note from the owner saying, “My dog is strong! Will pull on the leash!” or “Would love if you could run with my dog, or walk them at least 1.5 miles.”
Lace up those running shoes and work up that heart rate! Maybe you have a soft spot for dogs who are sweet with a side of stubborn, or you prefer young pups who need some training and love the idea of working with animals that require a bit more attentiveness. A more energetic or young dog might be just the right fit for you! Curious which dogs require the most exercise? Here are a few:
- Australian Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Weimaraner
- Border Collie
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Jack Russell Terrier or Boston Terrier (Don’t forget the small but mighty!)
Keep in mind, if you’re concerned about being able to handle a dog’s energy or strength, it’s best to leave the walk for another walker. If you’re confident that you can safely handle a dog whose owner describes them as “a ball of energy,” give it a go!
The Sightseeing Walker
Dog breeds and energy levels aside, maybe you’ve recently moved to the city you’re living in and are trying to get to know different areas better. Or perhaps you just haven’t gotten to explore your own city on foot as much as you’d like. Accepting Rover Now walks in different parts of the city is a fun and rewarding way to take in the sights, become familiar with new areas and build relationships with clients outside of your normal radius.
Live downtown and looking to escape the busy streets for a bit? Accept a walk in an area just outside the city! While it may require a further commute, the time may be worth a nice, quiet stroll down some suburban streets.
Live in the suburbs and rarely find yourself in the hustle and bustle of city life? Look for walk requests that are downtown!
If you’re this type of walker, be sure to leave plenty of time between walks for travel. We recommend picking an area on the map and sticking to just that area for a day, then exploring another area the following day. Want to add in a fun challenge? Print out a map of your city and pin where you’ve walked! Aim to cover as many parts of the map as possible! Wherever you find yourself walking, you’re bound to come across some great photo ops for your four-legged clients!
Questions? Text the Rover Now dog walking support line at 206.207.8863. If you’re interested in a request but aren’t sure you’re the best fit to book it, we’re always happy to ask an owner for more information on your behalf!
