Working as a Professional Dog Walker can be one of the most rewarding professions you could choose, but it is not as easy as it seems. First and foremost, you need to be happy to get wet and dirty and walk for miles. If you have ticked all those boxes, you need to be comfortable dealing with aggressive dogs. You can choose to only walk small, pliable dogs, but what would you do if a giant dog ran up and attacked your dog?
As a Professional Dog Walker, offering a professional service, the main role you will fulfil is walking people’s dogs, obvious really. However, before you even get to this stage, you will need to introduce yourself to the dog and possibly the owner, both of which can go horribly wrong. First impressions count. The owner must feel happy with you coming into their house and taking their pride and joy for a walk, and the dog needs to feel that you are a leader and a friend. This opinion is often formulated the minute both meet you.
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Meeting the client
As a Professional Dog Walker, you may meet the owners from time to time. Remember, they are VIPs, the ones paying for the walks, so the bottom line is, they don’t like you, you won’t walk their dog!
The second the owner sees you, their brain makes a thousand computations: Do they like you? Are you a leader? Are you trustworthy? Are your competent? Are you confident? These decisions are made at lightning speed in the first seven seconds of meeting!
First impressions are influenced by nonverbal cues rather than verbal. Studies have shown that verbal cues have four times the impact than anything you can say.
Nonverbal ways to make a positive first impression:
Smile Before you walk through the door, put on your smile. It is a welcome, making you appear approachable and will make you feel better too.
Have a positive attitude People pick up on attitude instantly. When you put on your smile, imagine that you are going to really like the person and they will really like you.
Have a good posture Confidence and status are nonverbally shown by height and space. Stand tall, push your shoulders back and keep your head straight, these are all signs of confidence and competence.
Shake hands This is a quick way to create a rapport. It is also very effective. Studies have shown that this contact immediately builds a rapport.
Have good eye contact Looking at someone’s eyes conducts energy and indicates interest. Do not stare manically at them but ensure that you notice the eye colour.
Lift your eyebrows This will open your eyes slightly more than normal and stimulate the sign of recognition and acknowledgement.
Lean slightly towards them Leaning forwards shows that you are interested, but be respectful of their space, keeping around 2 feet away from clients to show respect too.
This isn’t about you, its about them Let them speak and nod your head to show you are engaging
The power of Empathy Empathise with them, let them feel you are on their side and agree, but don’t confuse empathy with sympathy, no one likes to feel pitied. Recognise their feelings, and if they are misinformed, gently explain why.
Example
Customer: your dog walks are too expensive
You: I can see why you feel this way, I felt the price was a little high, but I realised it’s a real value as you get all the cover, backup and trained dog walkers that we have to offer.
You have just seven seconds to prove yourself, but a quick preparation before you walk through the door and those seven seconds will be the best earned seven seconds ever.
Meeting the dogs
Dog bites generally happen because of the behaviour of the person who was bitten. Many people immediately want to run over and start to pet and fuss a dog, some dogs love this, but some do not. If the dog is shy or timid, you are invading their space. Many bites could be avoided by knowing how to greet a dog.
Energy You need to give off a calm energy. The dogs mental state will vary depending on the person they are with. They often mirror the energy you portray.
As a professional dog walker, you do not want an excited dog, you want a calm dog. Not all dogs will be happy to see you, but a calm energy will make their worries much less.
The ideal place to meet a new dog is on a neutral ground in a natural way, but this is not possible very often.
Nonverbal ways to make a positive impression with a dog
Do not approach the dog or step into their space, let them approach you
Ignore the dog if they are jumping or biting at you. Fold your arms and turn away
No eye contact this rule goes for all dogs. It puts nervous dogs at ease and lets confident dogs know you are in charge from the minute they meet you
Let the dog sniff you, then let it walk away and come back to you when it is ready. Keep calm and do not let them jump up, this only happens because it has been rewarded and encouraged by lots of fuss and a thrilling welcome. When they initiate contact by nudging you or rubbing upto you, then you can give affection, but keep it low key.
Do not pet the dog from above the head this be a threatening gesture and can trigger aggression. Instead, approach from below and scratch their chest.
When they walk off do not try to lure them back for more. This can be unwanted attention and can end in a bite.
As a professional dog walker walking other people’s dogs for a living, you can not always control what will happen, but a positive meeting will set you up in the right way.