Obedience reinforcement walk

Before the booking

• Write down the exact words and hand signals you use ("heel" or "with me"?) and what you reward with.
• Say which commands are solid and which are still a work in progress.
• Leave a well-fitting harness or collar with ID tags, the leash and poop bags by the door — a walk is no time to find a frayed lead.
• Tell the walker about pulling, lunging, prey drive, fear of bikes, kids or other dogs, and any streets or parks to avoid.
• Say whether treats are allowed (and which), and where towels are for muddy paws.
• Make sure access works before the first walk — key, lockbox code or smart lock — and give the walker a backup if it fails.

What usually goes wrong

Mixed cues confuse the dog

Agree the vocabulary before the first walk, and report what worked in the visit report so the owner can keep it going.

The dog slips the harness

Most escapes happen at doors and when a dog backs out of a loose harness. Check the fit, clip the leash before the door opens, and agree a double clip or martingale if the dog is a known escape artist.

The key or lockbox doesn't work

Test access at the meet-and-greet. Owners: leave a backup (a neighbour, a second code). Walkers: message the owner in PetHour straight away rather than waiting it out.

A surprise dog encounter

Create distance early: cross the street, turn around, put yourself between the dogs. Leashed dogs only greet when both handlers agree.

The walk is late or missed

Agree a time window, not a minute. If you'll be late, say so in the app before the start time — the visit reminders and check-in are there to keep everyone in the loop.

If this happens

It's storming, dangerously hot or icy

Shorten the walk to a potty break and do indoor play or sniffing games for the rest. Tell the owner what you changed and why.

The dog won't walk or seems sore

Stop, check paws and gait, and don't force it. Send the owner a photo and a note; sudden lameness or pain is a health question.

The dog eats something off the ground

Note what and when, photograph it if you can, and tell the owner immediately. Grapes, xylitol gum, chocolate, cooked bones and medication need a vet call right away.