Exercising dogs shouldn't be a walk on the wild side

You will no doubt receive a frenzied greeting that involves much tail wagging and excitement, one which will be closely followed by your pet's desire to go out for a walk.

Making sure your dog gets enough exercise is vital to its health and well-being but it's a task that can all too often be curtailed to some extent by an owner who has a busy lifestyle.

With this in mind then, it is perhaps no surprise to find that some pet owners who care about their furry friend are turning to the professionals for help.

"Nowadays, with our much busier lifestyles, many people are opting to employ someone to walk their dogs in order that they receive adequate exercise while they are unavailable," confirms Joanna Wilson, of the Scottish SPCA in Edinburgh.

"However, trusting your beloved pet with a stranger is no easy task."

The popularity of such services is such that this week those behind the Quartermile development of exclusive flats in Edinburgh announced their intention to launch a dog walking service for its residents. The National Petsitters organisation also has 17 registered dog walkers listed in the Edinburgh area. Animal lover Katy Clark, of Hilltown, has been running the successful Scottish Dog Walkers database for three years.

"My clients come from all walks of life – students, nurses and office workers," she says. "They are people who just don't have time to walk their pets and want to be responsible owners."

Of course, walking your dog is an essential part of its care and contributes immensely to its overall condition.

As well as stretching their legs, when out on walks, dogs are able to express normal behaviours, such as sniffing and marking their territory.

When choosing a registered dog walker, you should insist on meeting with your walker to ensure they understand your pet's needs, especially if they have any medical requirements.

Also make sure they are fully insured, have been police checked and are committed and enthusiastic.

Joanna of the Scottish SPCA advises finding a dog walker who will devote their time to a very small group of animals.

"Ideally your dog will not be walked in a large group but individually, or with just one or two others," she says. "Dogs walked together should be, at the very least, of similar size or have similar exercise requirements.

"This is not just to ensure that your dog will receive the individual attention it needs but also so whoever is walking them will be able to control them adequately. One dog alone can be a handful, add several others plus tangled leads and it can be disastrous.

"For this reason it can be sensible to contact a well established company with more than one employee or an individual who will limit the number of dogs in their care."

She adds: "The most important point to consider, however, is that it is best not to rely entirely on someone else exercising your pet. Walking your dog is an important part of your relationship, allowing you to bond, identify any training issues and most importantly enjoy your time together."

Joss Cameron, of Joppa, has been using the services of Scottish Dog Walkers for two years. She says: "I have two young Labradoodles that need a lot of exercise and it just isn't possible for me to do this if I am working for, say, seven hours.

"I thought it would be extortionate but it is really reasonable and I only have to give her one night's notice. If I were to go on holiday I know I could happily leave the dogs with Katy because they will be properly cared for and they love seeing her."

FOLLOW THE SSPCA'S LEAD

THE Scottish SPCA this week issued a reminder to dog owners about their responsibilities when taking a stroll with their pet.

Joanna Wilson of the Scottish SPCA says that owners have an obligation to keep their pet under control, especially in areas where there is livestock, lots of wildlife or busy traffic.

"The Scottish SPCA has dealt with various situations where dogs off the lead have gone on to chase or attack wildlife, such as swans, which have then had to be destroyed due to their injuries," she says.

"Dogs on farmland which are allowed to run off the lead will often chase livestock. This is simply instinctive behaviour but if this happens to pregnant sheep at this time of year the stress can lead to them losing their lambs or going off their food entirely."

DOCTOR DOLITTLE JNR

A SCHOOLBOY "Doctor Dolittle" who has taken in more than 90 homeless pets has appealed for funds to help feed his flock.

Between lessons and homework, 15-year-old James Mason spends six hours a day taking care of the creatures, including six dogs, 19 hens and 22 guinea pigs.

A LOCAL resident raises his dog amidst the crowd, below, during the Saint Lazarus celebrations last Sunday in a church in Monimbo, Nicaragua.

During the Saint Lazarus celebration, one of Nicaragua's traditional festivities within Holy Week, believers show their thankfulness or ask for gifts for themselves or loved ones.

The faithful bring their dogs in reference to the biblical passages in which dogs licked Lazarus' wounds.

INTEREST in pet obedience and pet grooming courses has soared by 300 per cent thanks to the world's largest dog show.

A leading UK home learning organisations, ICS, saw interest in its pet obedience and pet grooming courses soar by 300 per cent after Crufts.

Inspired by the preened and pampered pooches walking to heel around The NEC in Birmingham, over 100 dog lovers to date have phoned ICS to find out how they could train to be a 21st century Barbara Woodhouse.

A BULLDOG shocked passengers on a Blackpool bus when it hopped into the driver's seat.

Six-year-old hound Louis surprised the real bus driver so much that he had to call his superiors for advice on how to handle the dog.

A TEENAGE boy has been charged with stealing a pet bunny and trying to extort money from the bunny's owner.

The 17-year old, from Portland, Maine, is accused of breaking into another youth's apartment and stealing the grey pygmy rabbit.

Police said he then telephoned the rabbit's owner demanding repayment of a $100 (50) debt or else the rabbit would be hurt.