Dog Walkers and Mail Carriers

On my daily dog walks around Norfolk I encounter the walking mail carrier, which is an uncommon experience in my area of Virginia Beach.  

It has me thinking of the things Dog Walkers and mail carriers have in common.  

We are the eyes and ears of your neighborhood while you are at work or away on vacation.  

Visiting your neighborhood on a daily basis allows us to get to know the routine of your neighbors and the neighbors see that we are keeping an eye on your home.  

We are committed to showing up no matter the weather!  Just like the mail carriers, Dog Walkers will do everything possible to conduct the scheduled visit, in any kind of weather. 

We are Happy to play with your pooch or cuddle with your cat SEVEN days a week!  Can you think of other ways we are alike?  

Please post your comments on my FB page:  HappydogVB

No Cell Phones on Dog Walks!

When you read my Policy page you will find a Policy titled No Cell Phones!

Personally, I feel like talking on your cell phone and or listening to music while walking a dog is a danger!  It is a unnecessary distraction.

I have watched many people, while walking a dog, strut out into traffic because they are distracted by their phone conversation or their music was blasting in their ears.

I have watched dogs come to a stop and get dragged along for several feet before the walker notices the danger ahead!  The dog saw/smelled the danger and came to a stop, but the walker was too distracted.

I have watched dogs lunge after a squirrel/small animal and the walker lost control of the leash because they were juggling their cell phone.

I been to dog parks and watched owners focus on their cell phones instead of their dog(s).  Meanwhile their dog is starting a fight, running from a fight or pooping all over the park!

Your dog(s) deserves our total attention while out on a walk.  For the dog(s) safety, as well as ours.

We are committed to be focused on your dog(s) while out on walks!!  

For me, I feel blessed to be outside, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature....just like your dog(s)!

Dogster.com has a wonderful blog about this very issue!

You SHOULD hire a Professional Dog Walker in Virginia Beach or Norfolk!

I am often called upon to answer the question "Why should I use a Professional Dog Walker?"  

Let me explain the benefits you and your dog will have when using a Professional Dog Walker:

• Regular exercise will cut down, possible eliminate destructive and or boredom behavior.  Examples: chewing, excessive barking, digging, fence chasing, over eating, licking or chewing on his/herself.
• Regular exercise will prevent possible health issues.
• Having different people in your dogs "domain" will teach him/her how to behave in the correct, polite manner we expect of them in our homes.
• We are Happy to continue training commands that you are teaching your dog.
• Socialization is a MUST for dogs!!  With people and other dogs. They need to learn the proper behavior around everyone and in different situations, i.e. traffic, squirrels, loud noises, greeting strange dogs, greeting multiple dogs at the dog park, etc...repeated exposure with a calm, assertive walker will teach your dog to ignore and not be afraid of situations that could cause harm to them or to you.
• Professional dog walkers are committed to the health and well being of your dog.  They are not a neighbor or family member that could possibly forget or slack off the commitment needed for your dog to be well rounded and happy!!  We receive frantic calls from people who have hired their neighbors to watch their dog....and the neighbors FORGOT!
• This is our JOB!  Not a favor from a friend.
• We are Insured, Licensed and Experienced.
• We are in your neighborhood, we take note of what is going on...we make sure your home is safe and secure.
• We ensure Peace of Mind if you are held up at work, miss your flight, or just need some time away.  We are here for your dogs needs!

Our name says it all.  Happy At Home.  That is our commitment to you.