Seeing those “dog walker needed” ads online? Then, you can take them as a good opportunity to make extra income on the side. After all, dog walking is one of the many part-time jobs that pay well in Australia. In fact, according to Payscale, its average base hourly rate is around $24.57, which is why some people ultimately consider it for full-time work.
However, the benefits of being a dog walker are not limited to the financial aspect alone. There are many more things that you can enjoy from it, which prompts many people to regard it as a rewarding job.
Benefits of Being a Dog Walker
There are a lot of reasons why dog walking jobs have become so popular over the years. Here is why many people even dedicate their lives to doing it.
Getting Fit While Working
Dog walking will require you to be on your feet for much of the time. Depending on your agreement with a client, you might need to walk their dogs for up to two hours per day. This means you will get the regular exercise you need to be fit. Specifically, your leg muscles will get an excellent workout from the several miles you accumulate every day.
Being Your Own Boss
Unlike working at the office, this career option will give you the many convenient benefits associated with having no manager. In fact, this is the main reason why many people switch to dog walking and eventually start their own dog-walking business.
As a dog walker North Brisbane needs today, for example, you will be able to set your own working schedules and decide how much to charge for your services. You can also manage your time more effectively to do the other things that make life a lot more enjoyable.
Improving Your Mental Well-Being
Aside from making yourself physically fit, being with animals also provides some psychological benefits. In a way, it helps reduce anxiety and bring down stress levels.
Not only does being with dogs help relieve the stresses of everyday life, but dog walking will place you in a fun working environment.
Helping Other People
Not all people have the luxury of time to look after their dogs. Some are very busy working or running errands that they would not have the time to walk them. Even if they do, there are still occasions where they have to go on a holiday and have to leave their precious furry friends home.
As a dog walker needed by these people, you are helping eliminate the worry they feel when they are away from their loyal companions and giving them the peace of mind that their pooches are in good hands.
Meeting New People
Aside from building a bond with the dogs that you are looking after, being a dog walker will also give you the chance to meet new people and make friends along the way. Whether it be fellow dog walkers, pet owners, and other people in your local community, this career endeavour will make you highly sociable and lead to friendships that you would cherish later on.
Essential Qualities of a Dog Walker
Before you click on that “dog walker needed near me” ad and apply for the job, you should first assess yourself to determine whether you have what it takes.
Ideally, you should have knowledge in dog handling and, at least, some basic dog training skills. To be able to work comfortably with dogs, you should know the basic dog obedience commands and use positive reinforcement techniques. You should as well be capable of determining behavioural signals in dogs and handling stressful situations should they occur.
Apart from having the necessary skills in dog handling, you should also have proper communication skills. After all, when you do not communicate properly with the owner, you might overlook some areas of concern when walking their dog.
Moreover, it would be a plus if you know some proper grooming techniques. This is particularly important in case you are handling long-haired breeds. Remember, dog walking does not start and end on the streets. You might also need to spend time with dogs indoors, so it would be better if you know some grooming basics, such as hair-brushing and nail-trimming.
Of course, you should have a natural affection for dogs. This quality does not only make the task easier but also makes the experience fun every time.
So, do you have the qualities mentioned above? If your answer is “yes”, then you can proceed with confidence to apply for that “dog walk near me” job posting that you are interested in.
Parting Thoughts
Without a doubt, being a dog walker needed by people who require support in taking care of their beloved furry friends is a truly rewarding career. Not only does it pay well, but it also makes you healthy and fit. What’s more, it gives you a good sense of pride thinking that you are lending a helping hand to people who need it.
For more interesting tips and information that you can use in daily life, feel free to read the rest of our articles!
