I have gotten a great start on Rover and there is plenty of demand in my area. I have started focusing on a smaller area and I think the only other way to optimize my workday is to take more than one pup at a time.
I am wondering how many of you take more than one dog at a time, how did you set everything up logistically and what tips if any do you have?
No. Becuase I don’t really know how other clients are with dogs they do not know. I don’t even bring my dog along when I’m on walks. Not only that, some clients may not even want their dogs around other animals for whatever reason.
I wish they would allow it. I have been requested to take a dog to a dog park for our “walk” tomorrow.
I wish I had the luxury of walking multiple clients at the same time but it hasn't worked out that way for me as all mine are miles apart and it would take too much time to gather a few just to walk together; in fact, I'd probably make less money and it would take more time. Sitters who have been successful with this method typically work apartment complexes or are in larger urban area's, not sure of your demographics. If apartments are your goal you need to approach building management to see if other walkers are already present and if not see if they can include your marketing in their new tenant packages. Another approach is to carry "bark-cards" with you and when out walking a client and you hear a dog barking stuff a card in their door, for some this has worked.
I don't. Majority of my clients requested that no other dog should walk with their dogs. Their dog must get my 100% focus. That's totally understandable. Also, safety reasons. Should there be some kind of an accident, it would be hard to deal with it if I had 5 different dogs together.
I feel that if your clients are okay with you adding a dog or two to their dogs walk then go right ahead. I personally walk individual and combined dogs. All my clients are fine with this and I have never had any issues.
Of course, if your clients wants you to bring more dogs, I am not objecting at all. I was only talking from my personal experience. I own a pet hotel and I walk dogs occasionally, and I always ask people what do they prefer. Majority prefers a one on one walk :) I do what my client wants.
Tip for walking multiple dogs when one or more of the dogs are untrained or half-trained. For walking 3 or 4 untrained or half-trained smaller dogs together, our company offers the 3-dog UTurn handle. This is a patented handle my wife or I every day, with one separate fourth leash, to walk our 4 small untrained dogs together. The handle is offered on Amazon. It allows you to untangle all 'leash' tangles (between the leashes/dogs, but not wraps around the handler) in seconds while walking. It often works better than a 3-way coupler plus an extra leash or two 2-way couplers. Best use is for 3 untrained smaller dogs that tangle a lot. http://www.uturnhandles.com
To clarify. I have several clients who want their dog to play with others and tend to attract well behaved dogs for walks, but as I get more regulars I have begun to wonder if there is a way to combine my efforts some. I can't walk too many more hours than I do already.