Finding the perfect dog walker is about more than just ensuring your dog gets a bathroom break; it’s about choosing a trusted partner in your pet’s health, happiness, and ongoing behavioral development. For dog owners in busy metropolitan areas like Calgary—from the high-rise living of the Beltline to the active streets of Kensington—a professional dog walker is essential for a balanced life.
As founders of Matt+Hanna, a premium dog care service in Calgary, we've brought together a unique blend of certified training and professional grooming expertise to set a higher standard for pet care. This guide uses our first-hand experience to provide you with the actionable, expert knowledge you need to hire a dog walker who will truly enhance your dog's well-being.
Why An Expert Dog Walker Is a Non-Negotiable Investment
Hiring an expert dog walker, especially one with a background in animal behavior or health, provides benefits that extend far beyond physical exercise.
Improved Behavior and Reduced Anxiety
When a dog is consistently under-exercised or mentally under-stimulated, the results often manifest as destructive or anxious behavior at home.
As a certified dog trainer, Matt understands that a high-quality walk is a structured, purposeful outing, not just a casual stroll. This consistency is key.
Matt's Insight: "Anxiety and destructive chewing often stem from excess energy and a lack of mental work. A great walk should be a decompression session, not a high-stress outing. We focus on 'loose-leash' walking and setting clear, calm boundaries right from your front door. This structured routine translates directly to a calmer, more obedient dog when they're back inside. Look for a walker who emphasizes training principles, not just speed."
Health, Hygiene, and Handling
A professional dog walker is often the first line of defense in spotting health or physical issues.
Hanna, with five years as a professional groomer, emphasizes that a dog walker must be comfortable and competent in handling dogs of all sizes and temperaments while being observant of physical health.
Hanna's Insight: "During a walk, an expert will notice subtle signs of physical discomfort, like a new lump, a change in coat quality, or sensitivity when checking for burrs or debris after a walk in Inglewood's parks. They should be confident securing harnesses, checking paws for ice balls in a Calgary winter, and ensuring all gear fits properly. When you hire a professional, you're not just hiring for a walk—you're hiring for a daily wellness check."
5 Essential Steps to Choosing the Best Dog Walker
Finding the "best" dog walker requires a systematic approach focused on qualifications, logistics, and, most importantly, the chemistry between the walker and your dog.
1. Define Your Dog’s Unique Behavioral and Physical Needs
Before you start interviewing, clearly define what your dog needs. The best walker is the one who is the best match for your specific pet.
| Dog Type/Need | Example Requirements & Considerations |
| High-Energy/Breed Specific | Needs a full 60-minute walk, maybe even a power-walk/jog. Should be familiar with breeds like Huskies or Border Collies. |
| Reactive/Anxious | Requires private walks only, must be highly skilled in reading body language and managing distance from triggers (e.g., other dogs, children, traffic). |
| Senior/Medical Needs | Needs shorter, slower-paced walks with possible medication administration or a keen eye for signs of fatigue or joint pain. |
| Puppy | Requires frequent, short visits for potty breaks and structured socialization, and the walker must reinforce positive training commands. |
Actionable Tip: Be completely honest about your dog's red flags (e.g., leash reactivity, separation anxiety). A professional walker will appreciate the transparency and know how to manage it; an inexperienced one may be overwhelmed.
2. Research and Prioritize Professional Qualifications
In the pet care industry, professional qualifications are your proof of expertise and trustworthiness
The Four Must-Have Credentials
- Insurance and Bonding: The walker or service must be insured and bonded. Insurance covers vet bills if your dog is injured while in their care, and bonding protects you against loss or theft within your home. Never hire an uninsured individual.
- Pet First Aid & CPR: This is non-negotiable. Ask what certifications they hold (e.g., from PetTech or the Red Cross) and when they were last refreshed.
- Background Checks: A professional service should have a clear, documented process for vetting its employees. This is crucial since you are giving them access to your home.
- Professional Training/Certification: Look for formal education in dog behavior, like certification as a Kennel Technician, Trainer, or even a Vet Assistant. This demonstrates a commitment to the field beyond simply loving dogs.
3. Conduct a Structured Meet-and-Greet (The "Interview")
Treat the meet-and-greet as a professional interview where you are evaluating their skills and observing their interaction with your dog.
Key Questions to Ask the Walker:
- "What is your emergency plan?" They should detail procedures for a vet visit (where is your vet?), unexpected injuries, or an extreme weather event.
- "How do you handle an off-leash dog rushing yours?" The answer should involve calm management, increasing distance, using their body as a barrier, and not yelling or using physical force.
- "Do you use GPS-tracking and provide walk reports?" Services like Matt+Hanna utilize apps for GPS tracking and detailed reports, ensuring you have full transparency on the walk's route, duration, and even potty breaks.
- "What is your protocol for securing the home and your cancellation policy?" Reliability and security protocols (e.g., key management, alarm codes) are markers of professionalism.
Observation Check: Pay attention to how the walker first approaches your dog. Do they use calm, positive reinforcement? Do they check the harness and leash fit immediately? Your dog's initial, unpressured reaction to them is the most telling sign.
4. Understand Walk Types: Private vs. Group Walks
Dog walkers often offer different models, and the best one depends on your dog's temperament.
| Walk Type | Best Suited For... | Expert Consideration |
| Private Walks | Reactive, anxious, elderly, or easily distracted dogs; puppies. | Provides undivided attention and zero risk of altercations with other dogs. This is the premium, safest option and often worth the extra cost. |
| Group Walks (Pack Walks) | Highly social, well-trained dogs with high energy. | Ensure the group size is small (no more than 4-6) and that all dogs are pre-screened for temperament. Poorly managed group walks can be highly stressful and dangerous. |
5. Prioritize Seamless Communication and Technology
In a fast-paced city like Calgary, convenience and peace of mind are paramount. The best dog walking services leverage technology to make your life easier.
Look for a service that offers:
- Easy Scheduling: The ability to easily book, cancel, or reschedule walks from your phone.
- Real-Time Updates: Immediate notification when the walker arrives and departs.
- Digital Report Cards: A summary of the walk, including distance, duration, notes on behavior, and photos.
This level of detailed, open communication ensures you're never left wondering about your dog's day.
Final Thoughts: The Matt+Hanna Commitment to Care
Choosing a dog walker is a decision that affects your pet's daily quality of life and your own peace of mind. By prioritizing expertise in dog behavior, health, and secure handling, you move past simply hiring a "dog-lover" and invest in a true professional.
We built Matt+Hanna on the belief that consistent, expert care strengthens the human-animal bond and leads to happier, healthier pets across all of our service areas in Calgary. Take the time to find a partner who shares this commitment.
Ready to see how our expertise can make a difference in your dog's routine?
Would you like to schedule a free, no-obligation meet-and-greet with one of our certified, walkers in your Calgary neighborhood?
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