Preparing for Work Advice

HELP & ADVICE

FROM PREVIOUS TEAM MEMBERS

OF WHAT TO DO IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS

AND HOW TO PREPARE TO AVOID ISSUES

DAILY REMINDER

REMEMBER to check schedule every morning as changes often happen overnight!

WEEKLY & SCHEDULE CHECKING

Once the schedule has gone out on a Friday PM for the next week it’s good to check your combinations and decide whether you think there’s any groups that will be too much or have any routes that don’t make sense so it can be changed earlier.

Also check how many dogs need longlines, ideally it would only ever be 1, 2 is okay but I wouldn’t go any more than that for safety reasons. If you have too many longline dogs, ask to make a switch.

I would also check the schedule again once the assists have been allocated as some assists are more capable than others so it might change your view on whether a group may be too much.

Sometimes an assistant will literally be there just to make up the two people so there’s not a lot they can do if something goes wrong.

PREPARATION NIGHT BEFORE

Pick up route

I have all the clients on google maps like this under the dog’s name

It was very helpful at the beginning for deciding my pick up route as they’re all plotted out, plus makes putting it into google maps a lot faster as I just have to type the name.

Who is your assistant? Have you communicated with them about timings and pick up/drop offs?

Van layout - who can share a crate? Who barks or is nervous of the van? Any dogs who you may need high value treats to get in the crate eg. DJ I always have chicken or hot dogs to lure him in otherwise he digs his heels in and I have no chance getting him anywhere

If you have any dogs who guard their crates they need their view obscured from others.

Are you prepared for the next day? Equipment ready, clean towels, high and low value treats, anything else you may need?

Do you need any keys? I would recommend checking this before you go home for the day and collecting them ready for the morning

TRACKERS: are yours charged? What about dogs own ones? Remind Clients and make sure you will have enough GPS for all dogs.

Assistant

Who is your assistant? Have you communicated with them about timings and pick up/drop offs?

Van layout

Who can share a crate? Who barks or is nervous of the van? Any dogs who you may need high value treats to get in the crate eg. DJ I always have chicken or hot dogs to lure him in otherwise he digs his heels in and I have no chance getting him anywhere

If you have any dogs who guard their crates they need their view obscured from others.

Equipment

Are you prepared for the next day? Equipment ready, clean towels, high and low value treats, anything else you may need?

Keys

Do you need any keys? I would recommend checking this before you go home for the day and collecting them ready for the morning

Trackers

TRACKERS: are yours charged? What about dogs own ones? Remind Clients and make sure you will have enough GPS for all dogs.

MORNING CHECKS

REMEMBER to Re-check the schedule every morning as changes often happen overnight.

Re Check the trackers are on/charged before you set off, you can put them on charge as you drive around (if the light isn’t coming on either the button is stuck or they’re out of charge, putting them on charge automatically turns them on so this will solve it)

Message any clients who like to be told when you’re on your way as you go

Aim to be at your first pick up at 8:20am. Any earlier than that unless you need to check with the client as not everyone is happy to be answering the door and sometimes they’re even still in bed.

AT THE PARK

Sort trackers longlines and muzzles - tractive trackers on biggest risk, airtags on low risk if not enough GPS but ensure they are working Attach longlines to harnesses ready for when you let them off lead.

Check your equipment, should be a list of everything you should have on the back door of your van.

Get the dogs out - hand first 4 you take out to your assistant, but think about which ones you’re giving to them. Is the assistant capable of holding onto these dogs? Are the dogs on a lead together a safe combo?

Then take out your 4 and lock the van. Unless in an emergency, neither one of you should really have more than 4 dogs on leads at once as it’s easy to get tangled and taken out.

You may want to lead 4 into park with tow of you and then leaving rest with assist you come back for rest. You can tie one to a tree with assist until ready to off leash them if tension building once being held.

Enter the park and let the dogs off once you’re safely in and can’t see any other large groups of walkers. Keep any possible wind ups on for the first 15 minutes as this is usually the most chaotic part of the walk.

Get moving. The longer you stay in one place the more likely they are to start being nutty, keep it moving.

ON THE WALK

Avoid other groups/dogs/people

Watch longlines for getting tangled or caught

Try keep arousal levels down. Obviously let them play and enjoy themselves, but scatter feed and engage with them as well

DO NOT scatter feed around resource guarders

DO NOT throw balls or sticks, it winds them up too much

Keep a count of your dogs. Dogs run in and out of bushes so don’t panic when you can’t see them for a second every now and then.

Don’t constantly call their name, they’re more likely to ignore it the more you say it, use loud noises/ whistles.

Notes Key

^ = Allergy
** = Entire dog- flag if you have two on the same walk to double check we think they will be okay together.
—- = Dog must always have a longline on.
“ = never off lead

Make sure you get dogs in tight and high risk of barking at people ones on lead going around blind corners.

EXCLUDING DOGS FROM WALKS

Injury

You show up to collect and a dog is limping/injure

• Assess the injury and make a call whether to take them on the walk

• If you choose not to take them, let the client know and recommend they take the dog to a vet. We can make suggestions on small things but ALWAYS say to refer to a vet as we are not covered to give medical advice.

• If the client needs the walk to break up the day or because they are out, offer other suggestions such as daycare or a drop in and we will see what we can do.

Dog on heat

You show up and a dog is on heat

• Generally dogs on heat should not come on group walks. Offer alternatives such as 121s or drop ins and have any group walks moved/cancelled until they’re out of heat

No Access

No answer at the door/ can’t get in

• Check PSP for keys/lockbox information

• If nothing on PSP, message group chat to ask as sometimes things get missed on PSP

• Message in clients group to say you’re there and ask if anyone is in/ will be home soon

• If we definitely don’t have keys/lockbox, give clients 5- MAX 10 mins to answer but don’t wait any longer. If you don’t hear back message in the client group saying sorry you can’t wait any longer and to let us know if

NEW DOG

Read notes. Ask team about them. Remember to check all areas of notes eg Access to property, Pet Notes, Food in case of allergies.

Make sure all new dogs are have GPS longline attached ot harness for the whole of first walk

Practice recall and don’t let them off until you are confident, they have bonded with you and are responsive.

If in doubt start in a penned in area. You can also get them out van for 5 mins alone to begin with to practice with and have them ride up front to bind with you.

LOST DOG

Stay looking calling in area they went missing unless you saw where they went. Stay calm dogs do go off.

After around ten minutes see if someone will go to your vehicle and check if they are there and alert the team so they can look out for phone calls from someone who finds dog and on what’s appt groups about sightings.

After about 20 – 30 mins alert owner and ask them to check at home if the park is running distance from them.

After 1hr re direct full team onto the hunt and alert lost dog etc.

Don’t chase scared dogs just try to keep them in sight.

DOG ACCIDENT

In the event of a dog’s life being in imminent danger please go straight to the VET and notify THE COMPANY at your earliest convenience.

In the event of a potential need to see the Vet such as the dog has eaten something or cut themselves. Notify THE COMPANY at your earliest convenience. Them or you can then contact the owner ask whether they feel they would like their dog taken to the Vet or not and let it be the owner’s decision.

Never admit liability or the insurers will not cover you. You can say “I am so sorry this event has occurred.” However, do not say anything that says it is your fault such as “I am so sorry I should never have done X.”

Generally speaking, like if a child gets hurt at school, the owner should pay but if the owners feel’s we have been negligent and wants to sue then you are insured but therefore you should try and leave it for clients to pay so there is no awkward reclaim scenario.

If out of hours Vet- the vet must confirm and be willing to in writing that it is an emergency that has to be dealt with now or insurance won’t pay.

DOG BITES

Do not get yourself in the way of a dog fighting with another dog.

To break up a possible conflict with a dog break eye contact so not put your hands in.

Stick. Loud noise. Water chucked on dog can interrupt them.

If already biting and clamped on, your Break stick is inserted in mouth and twisted to release clamped jaw.

It is worth having the biting dog looped in a slip lead and or across body so if you release them, they don’t go straight back in.

If you pull a dog towards you it will usually back up (opposition reflex) ie rather than bite you.

Remember the law and consequences if a dog bites and in my opinion do all you can to prevent an otherwise good-natured dog from being subjected to the implications of the law.

VEHICLE ACCIDENT PROTOCOL

Never admit liability

If it’s a minor accident which is clearly your fault you should try and pay outside of insurers.

If using own vehicle, ensure it is insured for business use and that your occupation is dog walker/ trainer.

HOT / BAD WEATHER PROTOCOL

Ts & C’s say they need to pay in case you need it but generally we like not charging if it’s the odd random day but up to you…

If Not charging

I am afraid I feel it’s too hot and thus not safe to go out this afternoon, so walks are off but don’t worry we won’t charge. However, if your dog is stuck in, I can always go for a quick ten-minute house visits instead for the same rate.

If Charging

I am afraid it’s very hot this afternoon so does you still want a walk? I’m afraid if not it does count as an on the day cancellation as we cannot control the weather, but I would be happy to do a walk this evening instead or drop in for a 10-minute house visit? Please let me know what suits you.

Morning Adjustments

Hey, it’s going to be super-hot tomorrow so we need to get out and back before the sun gets too high in the sky, therefore picks ups will be from X time. If that does not work for you, please feel free to cancel but note it will be charged as an on the day cancellation as we cannot control the weather.

Our official hot weather tips are here:
https://www.thatdogguy.org/hot-weather-tips

TRICKY DOG COMBINATIONS

Firstly check your schedule on the Friday and then again night before for any suspected issues. Do not bring up issues on the day or there is not much we can do.

1. Immediate Management

• First, attempt to manage the situation so the walk can continue safely.
• This may include:
• Putting one dog on lead
• Using a muzzle if appropriate

2. If the Walk Cannot Continue Safely

• Contact Tom immediately.
• We will message the client to explain the situation and request permission for the dog(s) to be placed in the van temporarily.
• Client permission must always be obtained before doing this.

-Please remember safety is most important but also That Dog Guy is supposed to represent Skilled dog persons who can make situations safe and dogs confident where others can’t, so if a walk fails is their any learning you can do to avoid that in the future?

3. Using the Van (If Approved)

• Dogs must never be left out of sight or hearing.
• The van should only be used if you can remain close enough to monitor at all times.

Location-specific guidance:

• Gunnersbury:
• Park in main car park
• Continue walking within the field adjacent while remaining in earshot and sight of the van

• Valley Drive:
• Not suitable unless you relocate
• Move to Larkspur Close or the car park side to maintain proximity

• Cranford:
• Main Carpark- Ensure you remain in clear earshot of the van at all times

4. Temperature Rule

• If the temperature is 18°C or above, the van must not be used.
• Internal van temperature will always be higher than outside, posing a welfare risk.

USEFUL LAW

It is a criminal offence for:

A dog to be dangerously out of control
To worry Captive Livestock
To have a dog off lead by a road in a car park etc.
For a dog to cause a nuisance in a vehicle
To harm a service dog
To intimidate someone
To threaten to harm an animal

It is not illegal for:

A dog to harm another dog but the owner of offending dog can be sued to pay the damages…

LICENCES & PSPO’s

Chiswick, Gunnersbury, Stamford brook, Fryent way require no licence.
We are not permitted to walk in royal parks.

Note According to Elmbridge borough council Local authority officers have no power of arrest, or the power to require someone to provide their name and address so if you are not near your vehicle or wearing any branding you can choose to stay anonymous.

GENERAL ADVICE

SAFETY FIRST!!!

IF YOU AGREE TO SOMETHING DO NOT THEN CHANGE YOUR MIND OR PLAN!!! IF in doubt say no to start with until you are 100% sure.

Reinforce behaviuor that you like rather than scold what you don’t like! If you can’t ignore ask for something else.

Keep dogs in sight at all times.

Please contact your boarding/ sitting clients a few days before you are due to care for their dog to confirm everything and let me know you have so I can tick it off.

Please leave their properties clean and tidy, report any damage and replace any significant household items you have used.

You may like to read the That Dog Guy terms of business the website and ensure owners stick to them so they don’t take the mick with you as a newbie.

Always keep treats on you on walks. Cheap ham/ hot dog / dried liver/ irish rover treats are perfect.

Remember poo bags.

Keep keys around your neck on a secure lanyard or in Zipped up pockets.

Clips leads around neck or in zipped up bags.

When walking multiple dogs keep on the move, particularly on leads to avoid a tangle and conflict.

Do not shout, scream or repeat cues to an unresponsive dog.

A loud sound may be used as an interrupter, if appropriate to the dog if needed.

Only use a longline with a harness.

Make sure you have hold of leads before letting dogs out vehicles.

Do not leave dogs from different households un-supervised together unless you are sure they are okay.

Feed dogs from different households in different rooms/ sections.

Keep dogs on leads around roads.

Carry water in hot weather and a small tub for dogs to drink from and walk in the shade.

Muzzle an injured dog before assisting. You can make a muzzle with a bandage.

PROFESSIONAL INDEMNITY

If you are not a vet you are not legally allowed to give medical advice.

If you are not a qualified trainer you are not insured to give training behaviour advice so refer clients to a qualified team member for advice so you are not held legally responsible for giving advice that could lead to legal ramifications.