Dog Walker Rules
If you’re a client of mine, you know this: I am UBER careful with the dogs I walk. If you’ve entrusted me to care for your dog, my first priority is keeping your dog safe.
I’ve had my dog walking business for over 10 years and here are a few things I’ve learned during this time.
Not all dogs want or need the same amount of exercise. If you dog likes to power walk, that’s what we’ll do.
If you’re a client of mine, you know this: I am UBER careful with the dogs I walk. If you’ve entrusted me to care for your dog, my first priority is keeping your dog safe.
I’ve had my dog walking business for over 10 years and here are a few things I’ve learned during this time.
Not all dogs want or need the same amount of exercise. If you dog likes to power walk, that’s what we’ll do. If you dog prefers to linger and sniff, that’s okay with me too. I have dog clients that fall into both categories (which is great for me. Up to 15 power walks in one day may be a little much for me! ha)
I will avoid all dogs I don’t know when I’m out walking your dog. Until I know your dog, I won’t know how he will react when he meets another dog and I certainly don’t know how the other dog is going to react. Leashed dogs sometimes take on different personalities. My own dog Molly can be reactive towards other dogs when she is leashed up. I always cross the street and avoid dogs I don’t know.
Not all owners really understand their dogs… sorry but it’s true. Perhaps this has happened to you: someone is out walking their dog and says it’s okay to approach but their dog is telling you otherwise.
ALWAYS pick up the poo. No exceptions. It drives me nuts when I see someone out walking a dog and he/she doesn’t pick up after the dog. I’m “that” person who will say, “I’ve got an extra poop bag… do you need one??” Ugh #makesmesomad
During the hot summer months, if we have to walk across hot pavement, we do so very quickly. I don’t want your dogs’ paws to get too hot and burn on the pavement.
These are a just a few of the rules I follow every time I’m walking a dog. I want to make certain your dog has a fun time while he’s out with me and that he is always safe.
If you are looking for a responsible, caring dog walker or pet sitter, contact me today!
Dog Friendly Charlotte
Here’s your warning: I may be a bit biased in this post. hehe
Charlotte is a pretty dog friendly town. Here’s an idea and perhaps something you’ve not thought about doing with your dog:
Have his photo taken by me!
If you didn’t know already, I have a 2nd business called BARKography. I love photographing dogs and September, October and November are typically perfect weather-wise for having photos taken.
Here are a few sample photos from a recent session. These two are Fleur and Muffin. This parents drove all the way from Raleigh to have me photograph their dogs and we met up in South End.
I love photographing on the painted carpets on the rail trail.
Both of the dogs were on leash the entire time.
Once the photo shoot is over, I spend a lot of time editing the photos and part of that process is editing the leash out.
Here’s an example where I edited out the leash and the foot and leg of the person holding the leash:
If you’d like more information, you can find details at BARKography.com or feel free to reach out via text or email.
We’d have a blast and you’d have photos of your dog you would cherish forever. There are lots of dog friendly areas in Charlotte to have the photo shoot too!
Where Can I Take my Dog in Charlotte?
Do you like to do things with your dog? Here is a list of places you can take your dog in Charlotte.
Do you like to do things with your dog? Here is a list of places you can take your dog in Charlotte.
Local Breweries. Most of the ones with outside seating will allow dogs
White Water Rafting Center
Local Parks - Freedom Park, Frazier Park, Jetton Park, Romare Bearden Park
Crowder’s Mountain
Orvis - the retail store in Southpark
Walks along the rail trail
Charlotte Knights Baseball dog night
There are tons of options in Charlotte.
Keep in mind that there are leash laws and your dog should be leashed to ensure his safety and the safety of other dogs that are around.
Do you have any favorite places I didn’t mention? I’d love to know!
Thanks to Christian and Gus for lending their modeling talents for this shoot. @gusisthegoat
Orvis Pet Event Charlotte NC
Did you know that the Orvis store in Phillips Place in the Southpark area is pet friendly? It is! On August 17th and 18th, they’re hosting an event called We Love Dogs. I’ll be there with my camera taking photos.
Did you know that the Orvis store in Phillips Place in the Southpark area is pet friendly? It is!
On August 17th and 18th, they’re hosting an event called We Love Dogs. I’ll be there with my camera taking photos.
Go to my photography website, BARKography.com to sign up.
I’ll be there on Saturday and Sunday from 12-3pm. All the details are on the BARKography page.
Your dog will receive complimentary treats and a bandana provided by Orvis while supplies last. Photos are $45 each.
They’ll have a local rescue group on hand for in store pet adoptions and they’ll have a local trainer too.
Would you like to have professional photos taken of your dog? Sign up and you can! Don’t miss out on the fun!
Dog Walking at Sharon Towers
As a dog walker in Charlotte, I typically walk dogs while their dog mom and dog dad are at work. Occasionally though I am presented with a different dog walking need.
This is Lulu. She is famous where she lives. I mean EVERYONE knows who she is.
As a dog walker in Charlotte, I typically walk dogs while their dog mom and dog dad are at work. Occasionally though I am presented with a different dog walking need.
This is Lulu. She is famous where she lives. I mean EVERYONE knows who she is.
She lives at Sharon Towers, an independent and assisted living facility for senior citizens.
Her mom isn’t safely able to walk her anymore so I have the awesome job of walking her multiple times per day so she can get out, stretch her legs and do all of her business.
Lulu is very popular at Sharon Towers. The front desk and some of the staff keep treats for her. Trust me when I say, she knows where the treats are!
If you a regular dog walker while you work, need a dog walker while you cover from surgery (we’ve been hired for this purpose too), just reach out to us. We are happily walking dogs every Monday through Friday in the Southpark area of Charlotte: serving portions of 28210, 28209, 28211 and 28226.
Who Let the Dogs Out... or In Actually
A new law will go in effect on September 1st allowing dogs into breweries.
A new law will go in effect on September 1st allowing dogs into breweries.
When I first started going to breweries, dogs were allowed inside. However in 2017, Mecklenburg County health inspectors started enforcing a law that prohibited pets inside establishments that used glassware so dogs were no longer allowed inside.
Governor Roy Cooper recently signed a law that will allow dogs into breweries and distilleries that don’t prepare food on premises.
Keep in mind, you should only take your dog out with you if he enjoys it. He should be fully vaccinated and he should also be comfortable around people and other dogs.
I’m excited for this next legislation to take effect. I think it’ll help support more local small businesses.
I know that Gus pictured here will be happy that he can tag along with his dad to more local establishments.