Q: What areas do you cover?
A:
Walk the Dog offers a number of services from cat and small animal feeding, puppy classes, canine behavioural advice
and 1-1 consultations. We operate our pet care services in and around the Tring area. We operate our dog listening
services in and around the Herts, Beds and Bucks, North and Central London area. To find out if we operate in your
area, please click here.
Q: Do you run puppy classes?
A: Yes. Walk the Dog has our own puppy
school called WTD Puppies. Our puppy classes are held every Tuesday evening at Leverstock Green Village Hall.
We have two levels of courses, Stage One aimed at newly vaccinated puppies up to approx 5 months of age. And, Stage
Two called Puppy Progress, this course is essential in maintaining the skills learnt in Stage One as your dog hits
puberty and we teach new skills and fun tricks. This course is aimed at dogs around 6 months to 9 months of
age. Our classes are held in a warm, indoor, friendly environment. What sets us apart from other
puppy classes it that we are trained and certified in canine behaviour. Therefore, as well as teaching you the essentials
we place help you understand how your dog thinks, why he behaves in certain ways and how to avoid unwanted problems.
We focus on positive re-enforcement methods. We have a maximum of 5 puppies per class, to ensure you
and your dog get the care and attention you deserve.
Q: I have problems with my dog's behaviour.
How does your 1-1 consultations work?
A:
Consultations last typically around 2-4hrs depending on the case. It’s a good idea to
have all the members of your regular daily household present at the consultation, so your family all have an understanding
of what they need to do, which will enable you all to be consistent in the messages you’re giving your dog.
Hanne will discuss with you the pet’s daily routine, history and behaviour, and the family’s expectations
of the relationship with your dog. Hanne will help you to understand why your dog is displaying unwanted behaviours,
and more importantly how you can help your dog to stop this unwanted behaviour of your pet’s own free
will. Hanne will provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Full telephone and email back up support will
be provided following your consultation to ensure you are given the support and coaching you need to ensure success. Note:
Often problem behaviour can be caused by a physical issue, so do ensure your pet has been checked by your vet prior to a consultation.
For more information visit www.doglistener.tv
Q: Do you only look work with dogs?
A: No, Walk the Dog offers home visits (feeding)
for cats and other small animals such as rabbits, birds, exotics, fish and so on. Click here for further information. We can cater for
more unusual species, so do call or email us to find out how we can help you.
Q: Do you have a cancellation policy?
A:
We ask that you call 48 hours before your scheduled booking to cancel any services. At the time of
booking we will ask you for a 50% deposit - this helps secure the dates you've asked us to come and care
for your pets. If you give us less than 48 hours, you'll lose your 50% deposit, as we may have had to
turn other customers away in the meantime. If you cancel less than one hour from your booking, you will be charged at
the full rate.
Q: What
do you do in case of emergency?
A: We always discuss with clients what process
they would like to follow in the event of an emergency while you are on holiday or at work. This includes
obtaining a secondary contact (eg. parent, friend or neighbour) and your veterinary practice details of where your pet
is registered. We first
call you to discuss the situation and recommended course of action. If you're uncontactable and medical
attention is required we will take your pet to the veterinary practice designated in our client information form.
In the event of a life threatening situation, we will take your pet to the closest veterinary practice to our location.
Our dog walkers are certified in animal first aid.
Q: What security measures do you have in place?
A: We take security seriously and have a number of measures to protect your home and pets.
Your details are kept confidential and keys are held in a safe. When we're walking your dog or home visiting to feed
your cat, they will wear a tag with Walk the Dog's phone number. Hanne and all the team at Walk the
Dog are registered members of the National Association of Registered Petsitters (NARP) and are insured under
NARP and under Cliveton, and we are all police checked. Click here to find out more.
Q: Are you associated with
any professional bodies?
A: Yes. We are
members of NARP (the National Association of Registered Petsitters),
PAACT (the Professional Association of Applied
Canine Trainers) and the Animal Behavior Society (USA) and the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB), Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), Animal Behaviour Management Alliance (ABMA), Universities Federation of Animal Welfare (UFAW), Companion Animal Behaviour Therapy Study Group (CABTSG) and Jan Fennell International Amichien Dog Listeners (JFIDL).
