If you leave your dog at home alone during the day, you can hire a dog walker to take him out for a walk while you are away. Dog walkers are also ideal if you have mobility issues or are unable to exercise your dog properly.

If you have a young puppy that is alone all day, you should choose a dog walker that will come several times a day. Some dog walkers also feed and provide water for dogs, play with them and give them medications when necessary.

When hiring a dog walker, you should make sure that the training method the dog walker uses is consistent with your own. You should also find out how many dogs the dog walker exercises at once.

Dogs that are walked in a large group will not be as safe as dogs walked individually or in small groups.

A good dog walker will know canine first aid and will not allow your dog off his leash unless he is in a safely fenced area. A dog walker should also leave you a note after each walk, informing you about the dog’s behavior and any issues that need your attention, such as signs of illness.

• A dog walker will come to your home and take your dog for a walk. The dog walker may also provide your dog with food, water and medications when needed.

• Before hiring a dog walker, check the dog walker’s references and talk to the dog walker’s other clients.

• Try to find a dog walker who walks three or fewer dogs at one time. If the dog walker has a large group of dogs, managing all the dogs may be difficult.

• You should also go on a trial walk with the dog walker and your dog to ensure the dog walker’s training methods are similar to your own.