My Safety Protocols: As a dedicated dog walker, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the dogs and myself is my top priority. Here's how I go about caring for pets during our walks: 1. Safety First: Before hitting the pavement, I make sure that each dog is properly harnessed or collared, and their leash securely fastened. Safety is non-negotiable, so I double-check all equipment to prevent any unexpected mishaps. 2. Leash Etiquette: I maintain a firm grip on the leash, keeping it at a comfortable length to allow dogs some freedom while ensuring they remain under control. This helps prevent them from darting into potentially dangerous situations. 3. Traffic Awareness: I'm vigilant when it comes to road safety. I'll cross streets only when it's safe to do so, always using crosswalks and ensuring the dogs are on the side away from traffic. 4. Route Planning: I carefully plan our walking routes, avoiding busy roads and crowded areas whenever possible. I prioritize trails, and quieter streets to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for the dogs. 5. Weather Consideration: Extreme weather conditions can be risky for both dogs and walkers. I adjust the length and intensity of walks according to the weather, ensuring the dogs don't get overheated in the summer or too cold in the winter. 6. Dog-to-Dog Interaction: I pay close attention to the temperament of the dogs I walk. If I sense any potential conflicts with other dogs we encounter, I'll make necessary adjustments to ensure a peaceful walk. 7. Emergency Preparedness: It's crucial to be prepared for the unexpected. I always carry a basic first-aid kit and have access to a phone in case of emergencies. 8. Constant Supervision: Throughout the walk, I maintain a watchful eye on the dogs, looking out for signs of fatigue, discomfort, or anything unusual. Hydration breaks are a regular part of our routine. 9. Client Communication: I keep open lines of communication with clients, providing them with updates and ensuring they know their pets are in safe hands. 10. No Dog Parks: While dog parks can be great for socialization, they can also be unpredictable environments with unknown dogs and potential risks. By avoiding dog parks, I prioritize the safety and well-being of the dogs I walk, reducing the chances of any conflicts or hazards that may arise in such settings. Instead, I focus on providing a controlled and secure walking experience that allows the dogs to enjoy their time outdoors in a safe and controlled manner. 11. No Off Leash: I will not take your dog off leash unless specified by the owner and dog has reliable recall. Reliable recall proof must be demonstrated prior to this request, and recall should not be performed with an E-Collar. 12. NO E-COLLARS, RETRACTABLE LEASHES, SLIP LEAD, OR WAIST LEASHES: I do not have experience with an e-collars, retractable leashes, slip leads, or waist leashes. I consider these tools unsafe for various reasons. For the safety for your dog and myself, your dog must be on a handheld, flat 4ft or 6ft nylon leash or leather leash if leashes are provided and should be walking with the accepted walking tools below. ✅ Accepted Walking Tools: Flat collar Original Herm Sprenger round-tip pronged collar Gentle leader/head collar Different Harnesses (Front clip, Back Clip, Dual Clip) Flat 6 or 4 ft handheld nylon or leather leash ❌ Non Accepted Walking Tools E-collars Retractable leashes Slip lead Waist leashes Yoke/Coupler (attaches two dogs to a single leash) 12. Preference for 1 dog per walk: For the safety of all dogs, I will never double up on walks unless the dogs are from the same household. Each dog is required to have their own leash.