Would you like your dog to run on or off the lead? Are they an anxious dog? What causes them anxiety- loud noises, new environments, other dogs, etc. Do they have any allergies or additional needs to make them comfortable? What’s their favourite toy? Do they have any health problems that I should know about before I walk your dog, and if so, would they present any symptoms?

The animals comes first. When I get up, the first thing I do is take the dog(s) for a walk in the forest. This exciting environment gives them the mental and physical exercise they need to feel well. After that I measure out food for the cats and dogs, and let them settle down in their basket/ crates so they can recoup after the exercise. I leave water and their favourite chew toys in the cage with them. I put some the radio on for my own dog so she has some aural stimulation as well. Even when the dogs are resting I work in the same room so they have company. I take the time to brush my cat (he has very long hair,) top up his water and let him out. I take the dogs I’m watching for another walk at lunchtime, then another long one in the afternoon. This walk usually involves more “play,” (we play fetch with balls/ sticks, or have a tug of war with their chew toy.) After that I take them home and give them their tea. If the dogs are still bouncy , I take them for another quick walk so they can work off exercise before bed. If they’re tired, I let them rest on the carpet and chew on their toys/ sit with me until I go to bed. I let them out for one more toilet break before they go into their bed for the night!