Do You Really Need a Dog Walker?

  If you’ve got a dog, or are thinking about getting one, the issue of dog walkers might have come up—whether you need one, how beneficial they are, etc. If you work or are gone for most of the day, leaving your dog at home is typically the only option—sadly, most offices and other jobs don’t let you bring in your pup. For some dogs, being left alone all day isn’t much of a big deal, but for the majority of pooches, having a little time outside with company during the day can be very beneficial. So how do you know if you should hire a dog walker? Consider How Long You’re Really Away If you’re dismissing the idea of getting a dog walker because you “only work an 8-hour day,” and plenty of people work 8-hour days without hiring dog walkers, remember it’s important to figure in your actual time away. If you have a significant commute or regularly run errands before or after work, that eight hour workday can quickly become a 10 or 11 hour day—10 or 11 hours that your dog is all alone at home. Imagine if you had to spend that long by yourself without being able to use the bathroom or have a snack. Of course, the snack isn’t entirely necessary, but we can all agree that having a mid-day snack or treat is better than not having one, right? In any case, spending that many hours away from your dog may not hurt them, but having a midday walk is always preferable to not having one. Take Into Account Your Dog’s Demeanor and Size If your dog is especially active, sitting at home without any exercise all day, every day can cause an abundance of energy and restlessness, which can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing or scratching. Likewise, if you have a very small dog, all that time can add up quickly when it comes to their small bladders. Having a dog walker stop by midday can be a great addition to your dog’s life. You can arrange to have a walker stop by once a day, once a week, or just every once in a while if you anticipate extra-long days at work or want to ensure your pooch has some human interaction during the day. Having a dog walker isn’t a black-and-white necessity of having a dog, but there’s no denying that it can be a good thing for your dog. Breaking up the monotony of the day as well as getting a little exercise is beneficial and can make your dog calmer and more relaxed. Plus, you won’t have to worry as much about your pet having an accident inside—what’s not to love? Contact Cruisin’ Canines today for more information about having a dog walker visit your pooch.

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