📌 Introduction

Welcome to Dog Walking! This is an add-on service for Outdoor bookings and it will appear as a task on your Outdoor Booking. During the booking you will perform your usual Outdoor tasks as well as taking the customers dog for a walk. 

✅ What's Included in Dog Walking?

Walks will be a little different according to the dog's needs (such as their breed, how old they are and their fitness level) as well as where the customer's home is located. The checklist is a guideline for what to include in your dog walk:

Before leaving for the walk:

• Check the task details for how long the walk should be (30 minutes or 1 hour)
• Get a proper introduction to the dog from the customer
• Check the dog's equipment: Ensure the dog has a properly fitted collar or harness and attach the leash securely.
• Double-check you have everything you need: Waste bags, water to give the dog if needed, treats if needed
• Make sure you know the procedure for leaving and getting back into the customers home (if will they be home the whole time/ if you need keys)
• Make sure the dog's health is good (not limping, no injuries, does not appear to be sick)

Walking the dog:

• Ensure the dog walks at a safe pace.
• Ensure the dog is walking in a safe place and out of the road.
• Monitor the dog's behavior for signs of stress or over excitement.
• Keep the dog on a leash and under control at all times (unless in a secure off-leash area).
• Be aware of the dog’s interaction with other dogs and people.
• Allow the dog time to relieve itself during the walk.
• Carry waste bags and clean up after the dog.
• Offer water to the dog if the walk is long or the weather is hot.
• If the dog becomes agitated, scared, or aggressive, manage the situation calmly. If needed, redirect the dog’s attention or seek help (e.g., avoiding a dog fight or seeking a safe space).

End of walk:

• Ensure the dog is calm and not overstimulated before returning home.
• Drop off the dog and make sure the dog is safe and comfortable and settled back into the home.
• Report back to the owner with a quick update on the walk (time, any important notes about the dog’s behavior etc).

What about the weather?

• Rain: If it is raining and you can not take the dog out then ask the customer if there are any other Outdoor tasks you can do during this time instead.
• Hot weather: Take the dog for their walk during the coolest time of day. If your booking starts in the morning then you should walk the dog first and do your other tasks later when it is hotter. If it is an afternoon booking then do your other tasks first and walk the dog at the end when it has started to cool down.

Tips on what to ask the customer at the booking

• Where do I find the dog leads and poop bags?
• Where do they prefer their dog to walk (is there a park close by or must I walk around the neighbourhood?)
• Does the dog behave around other people and other dogs?
• Does the dog need water during the walk? If yes then where do I find the bowl and water?
• Are there specific commands or training cues I should use during the walk (e.g., "sit," "stay," "heel")?
• Are there any particular behavior issues you want me to work on during walks (e.g., leash pulling, jumping)?

📝 How Can I Get a Dog Walking Booking?

If you are an Outdoor worker you will have an opportunity to apply to be a dog walker by taking a test. If you pass the test, then SweepSouth will check your references and your history on the platform. You will be informed if you qualify for the Dog Walking service and you can start receiving bookings.

Dog Walking bookings are given to dog walking workers in the same way as normal Outdoor bookings. This is based on:

✅Your location

✅Your work days

✅Your rating

⚠️ Important Reminders!

🗣 Check with the customer before doing extra tasks – only do them if customer asks you to or if they selected the task before the booking!
🌲 Complete all your Outdoor tasks: The dog walk might be the fun part for you but do not spend so much time on it that you run out of time for your remaining tasks
🚨 Bring any concerns (damaged tools, safety issues) to the customer's attention.
🐕Precious cargo: Customers can think of their dogs as part of the family so make sure to treat them with care and show them some love!

Thank you for your hard work! Your care for our customers' outdoor spaces and fur-babies helps us provide a 5-star service! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐