Trial Periods for New Dogs.

When I get a new enquiry for dog walking I am always eager to know about the dog, how well behaved they are, if they are sociable, how they are on the lead and that type of thing.  If it seems that they might be a good fit then I'll visit the owners to meet the dog and this always results in me taking the dog for an short walk.  On this first walk I can begin to asses for myself whether I think the dog is suitable and I have to say I haven't ever said no to a dog at this meet and greet stage.

If all is well the dog becomes part of the pack on a trial basis.  This trial period lasts usually just a couple of weeks and it allows me to really see if the dog is suitable for group walks.  

A few weeks ago I went to see a dog that was a real stunner and I very much liked him on the first visit and (bonus) he was really great on the lead and had a lovely nature about him too.  However when I introduced him to a couple of dogs that I walk every day he turned out to be unsuitable for group walks.  He wasn't in any way aggressive but he was, shall we say, very interested in the girl dog!  He was a big, strong dog too and it was all I could do to keep him from pulling me over to get to her.

I let the owners know later that day but prior to doing this I spoke to another dog walker I know who was happy to walk him on a one to one basis which perhaps was the best thing for him.  The owners, although disappointed were happy enough that I had found another walker for him.  It was a shame as he was a lovely dog but I have to place more emphasis on my current dogs rather than taking on every enquiry no matter what.  It's best for me, the pack and ultimately the new dog too.