Dog Walking?

Question

We are starting a dog walking buisness

what should we put in the poster,apart from the prices and contact details and what tecniques should we use to get ppl to use r service like repetiotn and stuff(like they would tech u in english classes?

Answer 1

Everybody has such good suggestions here...

The one thing different I would add is to put the BENEFIT of having their dog walked.

WHY would your client want to have their dog walked?

Focus on the emotion of it all.

You can even make a simple flyer with a blog address on it.  Your blog can go into much more detail.  (Don't be overly wordy though.)

But you still will need to get people:

1.  Interested in your service

2.  To WANT to go to your blog

3.  Trust you.

Answer 2

You could offer an introductory rate to get people interested, you could mention that you carry water bottles for dogs in hot weather and towels in wet weather.  You could also mention that you will stick to any training methods the owner wants you to.  You want to keep it short and sweet, but enough information, get them to call and then you can tell them more on the phone.  As a dog owner who is disabled and sometimes unable to walk my dog myself, I want to know that the dog will be well looked after, that the walker has some idea of at least basic training, and that the dog is going to be happy and walked for at least an hour.  I want to know that a dog walker will treat my dog as though it was their own and look after it accordingly.  

I did much dog walking when I was younger, while I was still at school and the people who used me more often or regularly used to say they knew I looked after their dog well because the dog was always so pleased to see me.  

Have a look around at other similar businesses, particularly well established ones and see what they offer (the only one I know is myidealpuppy.com).

Answer 3

If you are going to be entering the homes of clients while they are out, to collect their dogs you may need to be CRB checked if you want to join an agency who advertise on your behalf.  This can be done by agencies but will cost.

You need to be aware of the maximum amount of dogs you can take out at any one time and the relevant dog control acts, such as ensuring the dog is permitted to be off in certain areas.

Failure to control a dog  in a public space is and offence as such I would ensure that you have take out insurance  as you will need to pay any fines/compensation to cover you for an incident which may occur,  while they are in your care so I suggest you look into this and take out the relevant policies, and mention that in you advert.

Alfa is a dog training method (reward and kindness) but there are others so it depends on the training offered.

Answer 4

OK you have enough answers I'd just like to say as a dog owner that I really wish you well in this and hope you find some takers.

It's refreshing to see some younger people actually getting out of the house for something worthwhile. I wish more would realize there's more to life then texting and myspace.

Who knows, maybe you can start a trend.

One can only hope.

Good luck.

Answer 5

since you are just starting out, you should put in a promo like if they sign up for a week, they get a few days of dog walking for free. you can attract lots of customers with it.

Answer 6

Hi - Well first of all I am not been nasty but I would say what ever poster you do get someone to check over it. Your spelling, grammar and punctuation is just not up to scratch. Not that I am that great and it is also what I would do myself. Getting that out of the way I think on your poster you should also advise your prospective customers that those walking the dogs are genuine, dog loving people. Anyone willing to pay for this service would want to ensure those doing it were not just doing so for the  money. Also state the specific area you intend doing business in. If you have good experience having dealt with dogs of all breeds and sizes add this.  The more experience you have the better but naturally it must be genuine.You could perhaps offer a discount to O.A.P's as this is an area likely to give  you business and perhaps a discount to clients  who were going to use your service on a  more or less perm basis as you are also likely to get short term clients like people just out of hospital who only require you temporary. Get your fliers out there.  Not a good idea to hand them out in the street or put on car windscreens as 99% of them will just be disregarded.  Ask local vets if you can put what you are offering on their reception notice board, same with outside hospital wards, especially 'ortho and general surgery wards where people are likely to be laid up for awhile after being discharged or try and get a mention on hospital radio.  Also in local shop windows and if you wish through letterboxes in the area you are tageting. I presume this is the type of advertising you intend doing and not anything too costly? Main thing is you have to get through to the people that  need you.  Most people get a dog because they enjoy walking it themselves and it usually owing to a change in their circumstances they would need to get their dog walked. Also give your business a catchy name that people will remember. Ensure you return the animal clean if it is bad weather. If you are kind to the dog the owner will notice but that's not really the important bit, if you are good to the dog it is amazing how a dog has ways and means of letting it's master/mistress know it enjoys being with you. NEVER under estimate how clever an animal can be communicating to it's owner. The service you are offering will probably be slow getting off the ground but if  you do a good job then the best advertising you can get is by word of mouth when clients you have had recommend you.  Good luck !

Answer 7

We take your 'Dog out 4 walk' for .............................

Introductory Offer, $ 19.99 per week.

*****Give a Try*****