Sometimes it cannot be helped when a pet owner is too busy with other important things to walk their dog. Fortunately, dog walking is now a competitive market, and there are a lot of dog walking services available near you. The only task left is to choose a reputable individual or company that would best fit your cocker spaniel’s needs.

You might have noticed that your cocker can be energetic, and this is one of the main reasons why they generally need regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally fit. This is also to stave off excess energy that may cause them to become agitated or stressed.

There are so many things to consider before choosing the right dog walker, and here are a few pointers you can do to ensure that your dog is well cared for.

• Check their recommendations.

Any service that is good will have more than a few recommendations, whether in real life or online. Try asking some of your dog-owning friends for any dog walking services they may have tried for their pets. You can also try inquiring your veterinarian since they may have a few professional connections in the dog-walking business. Having highly-recommended options can narrow down your list to the more competitive ones. You will at least have a solid list of dog walkers that can potentially become the best fit for your pup.

• Have them meet your dog.

Your dog’s comfort level is the main concern, and so having the potential dog walker meet your cocker before anything else is a must. Of course, it is highly likely that your dog would act shy or hesitant, but be observant about how the walker interacts and reacts to your dog. Their attitude towards your pet at first meeting can say a lot about their work ethic.

• Know the details

It wouldn’t hurt to ask the potential dog walker about their standard procedure. Take some time to sit down with them and ask the important questions, such as where they usually take the dogs to a walk, and for how long they do it. You can also ask about the company, such as the number of dog walkers and their regulations on dogs with specialized needs.

• Inspect their training

Dog walkers run a legitimate business, and therefore would be required to submit training certificates and licenses to operate. They must have adequate knowledge on canine first aid, and must have an insurance. More than this, they should also have a solid background experience so you can be sure that they know what they are doing.

• Go on a test walk with them.

If the potential dog walker agrees to this request, it means that they are transparent about their services, and would gladly include you in the dog-walking plan for your dog. This is the best time to observe how they work, and will help you decide whether they are indeed the right dog walker for your beloved cocker spaniel.

Choosing the best dog walker for your dog might be unsuccessful for the first few times, but keep trying and doing your research until you meet the right individual or company that meets your ideals and meets your expectations.