I love this picture of Retrievers Oakley, Maggie, Dexter and new friend Martha taken at Seaton Village's local dog park, Bickford. Tongues are out as temperatures rise but, thankfully, the water is back on at most parks (ahem, Stanley Park, we're waiting for you!). I am one lucky dog walker that I get to hang out these guys each and every day! Enjoy your weekends and your fur babies; they really are just the best!
Welcome Zipper the Yorkiepoo and Rose and Sydney the Dog Pawrents
Oh, the irony: just yesterday, I wrote a blog post outlining key tips on returning dogs home clean following inevitably messy, Spring dog walks. Today, I write an official welcome to the delicious Zipper, a dog who spends his day with his lovely parents at their upscale Queen West clothing store, Sydneys.
Thankfully, I do keep baby wipes in the car and promise Zipper will always be returned clean to Rose and Sydney at their shop. I also promise that he will return with a smile and enahnced courage in knowing he has ventured out with his new friends to Toronto dog parks.
Zipper had his first K9 Kate's dog walk yesterday. We went to Coronation Park, an offleash dog park at Toronto's waterfront. I was hugely impressed with him. Zipper is 9, new to pack walking, and very attached to his parents. As would be expected, it took a few minutes to show total comfort in a new environment BUT that's all it took. Zipper is clearly a confident dog, as well as a loving and loved one. I am so happy Rose reached out and that I get to be Zipper's dog walker. He is a wonderful dog with equally lovely parents.
Zipper, I look forward to many dog walks ahead and, yep, love you already, little man. Rose and Sydney, I look forward to testing my dog cleaning capacity because your store is too beautiful for a muddy pooch, even if he is insanely cute and sweet. Thank you again for letting me be Zipper's dog walker.
Keeping Your Dog Clean in Springtime
I love this picture of Golden Retrievers Dexter (left) and Oakley, taken at Seaton Village's local dog park, Bickford, last week. I adore the way Oakley is sticking his tongue out and both dogs are waiting to do what their breed requires: RETRIEVE! I, on the other hand, am anticipating (dreading, really) what every Toronto dog walker must come Spring: lots of clean up.
I find the following helpful and hope you do too:
1. If a dog is muddy, wait for the mud to harden then comb. This is particularly useful when cleaning long haired dogs like Dexter and Oakley.
2. Baby wipes aren't just for human babies: these are AMAZING for removing dirt from your fur baby. Dirty paws have the potential to wreak the most havoc on your home. Baby wipe your dog's paws and save your sofa!
3. Use a paw washer. There are many on the market but I recommend the Dexas Pawbuster, which can be purchased online. As was mentioned above, clean paws = saved sofas.
4. Know the challenge and be preventative. Most dogs, at least among those who walk with K9 Kate's are easy to clean as they have short hair. A quick rub and Fido is home looking fresh as a daisy. Long haired dogs? Not so much. If it is a particularly wet Spring day, we will venture to a wood-chipped dog park, like Coronation, and avoid the ravine at all costs. Bringing a Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle to the ravine on a muddy day would be, well, messy!
5. Towels: Every K9 Kate's client leaves a dog towel at the door, alongside their dogs' harness. This way, each pooch can have a second wipe down before being returned home. Keep a towel at YOUR door. Spring is messy. Your home doesn't have to be.
Toronto dog walkers (and dog owners) can either fear or embrace each season and the challenges it presents. So, grab your baby wipes, combs and towels and have fun out there! We certainly will be!
Welcome Spruce the German Shorthaired Pointer and Dog Paw-rents Michael and Alex
I first met Michael and Spruce about 1 month ago in Stanley Park. Spruce immediately hit it off with our dogs and vice versa. Since then, Spruce and Michael have been the unofficial 5th and 6th Beatles on our dog walks; we see them so regularly that they've truly become a part of the group. Tomorrow, Spruce has his first OFFICIAL dog walk with K9 Kate's. Spruce, your friends and I can't wait to see you in the morning! You are a sweet, smart, playful and clearly adorable little dude who adds so much to our group.
Picture of the Week: Happy Friday!!
Go Baymax Go!!!!!!!!!!!!! Baymax has been with K9 Kate's for a few months now. I had mentioned when he first joined that he had been struggling. Thanks to a confluence of factors (age, switching Baymax to a morning group, etc.) Baymax is thriving. Importantly, Baymax's success is also rooted in When Hounds Fly trainer, Stephanie Tran's, eager willingness to partake in a regular dialogue about how "our" mutual dog was faring. Communication between dog walker, dog trainer, and dog parent is essential in setting up a pooch for success. As a result of strong communication (and Bay just being a freaking amazing dog), Baymax can run and jiggle with his doggy friends daily at Toronto's offleash dog parks. Bay, we love you cheeky boy!
Stop an Electrical Fire and Save a Dog's Life: All in a Day's Work for a Dog Walker
Earlier this week, I went to return Black Lab, Maggie, to her Seaton VIllage home following her daily dog walk. When I entered, I noticed immediately that the house was hazy and the smoke alarm was going off.
I searched the house to see if I could find the source of the fire. I could not.
I know that Maggie's dad, Rob, owns the house and rents out his basement unit. I called Rob and told him the situation and asked if there was any way to enter the basement. He informed me that it could be opened from inside the house. Fearing a hot door handle, I kicked the door open and there it was: smoke everywhere, lights flashing. I called 911 and ran out of the house. The firemen arrived immediately. About one minute after their arrival the tenant's Goldendoodle sprinted out of the house; she was in the basement!!!
Because I arrived within an hour or so of the fire beginning, there is minimal damage to the tenant's unit and the rest of the house is unaffected. More importantly, everyone including the dogs, is safe and sound.
Dog walkers care so much about the dogs they walk and the people they work with. It is so disheartening how rude people can be to people in our profession. Yesterday, I was actively condescended twice. All you can do is try not to let it break your spirit and know that those who are snarky are unhappy in their own lives.
As I've said in earlier posts, my company motto is : "Work with difficult dogs, not difficult people." There are 30+ dogs on the K9 Kate's roster and I actually adore all of their parents. They are kind and respectful. Now, to get that, I fire clients and don't take on ones that are controlling, condescending or mean spirited. If I'm willing to jump into a fire for you, I at least expect kindness in turn! Civilians, be kind to dog walkers. We do so much for this city!!!
Picture of the Week: Happy Friyay!
Get it, girl! I love this picture of the morning group leashing up after Friday's dog walk at Coronation Park. I had suggested a group shot and smiled, only to see that the amazing Jess was standing in some whacky pose. So we went for it: air high five, and job well done.
I am fortunate to own a company that regularly receives referrals from clients, other dog walkers, and even our local vet, Bickford ... woot woot! As a result, it's been a long time since I felt that "getting" dogs was an issue. The bigger problem lies in "getting" amazing dog walkers.
I feel so blessed that Jess was looking when I was hiring. Dog walks are more fun together; more doggy friends can see each other as we can each bring 6 dogs to the park, and we, as dog walkers, can see more of OUR doggy friends too. We get along so well because we DON'T "hang out" with each other at the park; we hang out with the dogs! It's what drew us to each other initially and has never changed.
Knowing I have such amazing people and puppy clients and a staff member like Jess, I also know that yesterday was, indeed, a Happy Friday.
Happy Birthday Winstonnnnnn/Winnie!
Happy Birthday to Winston the Weimaraner! Winston joined dog walks with K9 Kate's Pet Services nearly one year ago Every day, I look forward to Hurricane Winston: the most excited greeting a dog walker could ask for in which Winston runs down his stairs like a Retriever chasing the last ball on earth AND said ball happens to be stuffed with Peanut Butter. As a birthday present from us to him, Winnie will spend the day with me and his friends on a double walk (The Dublinsky), on da house, Winstonnnnn!
Welcome Wally and Dog Pawrents Jenny and Anthony!
Biggggg welcome to Wally, Jenny and Anthony! After moving to Little Italy, these loverly people and puppy needed a new dog walker, and thankfully, their former dog walker, Jack Johnson, put them in touch with K9 Kate's Pet Services.
Jenny, Wally and I met on Friday. To me, a Meet and Greet is a time for introductions. It is also the time to cover logistics, address dog walking goals, and ensure that both dog walker and client are a nice fit for for each other. It really isn't the time to bond with the dogs; this is what our walks are for.
Wally's Meet and Greet? Not so much :) All I wanted to do was cuddle with this adorable dude!!!!! It was Friday, after group walks and after hours of scheduling and invoicing. It was the time and day in which working people are expected to want nothing but bed, friends, family, and a glass or bottle of wine! Well, Wally was so pawsome I didn't want to leave.
Jenny and Wally, thank you for choosing K9 Kate's as your new, Toronto dog walker! I can't wait for our first dog walk Wednesday!
Welcome Zeus the Dobie and Marnie the Dog Mama
No, no Zeus, don't get up! Zeus is the latest puppy to join K9 Kate's Pet Services. At 4.5 months, he's ready for adventure walks and is in great company; he'll walk with fellow puppies Fischer, Chester, and Baymax. Plus, he'll have 9 year old Doberman, Bimmer, to hang out with so what could be better?!
Zeus, we are so excited for your first dog walk with us this week! Expect a whole lotta attention at the dog park; it's not everyday you see a puppy Doberman at the dog park and, man, you're adorable.
Marnie, thank you for reaching out! We promise to love him and to take the best care possible of him each and every walk.
Welcome Boston Terrier Lucky and Dog Mama Lucky
Lucky and Taryn joined K9 Kate's this past weekend and, needless to say, I am definitely feeling Lucky!!
For the next month, this puppy extroardinaire will be on twice daily puppy visits. Once she's had her third round of vaccinations, she'll join her new friends on adventure dog walks throughout Toronto.
Lucky is not only sweet, she is a particularly intelligent puppy. When we met, she understood come and stay immediately, despite not yet having learned the commands in puppy class. After our first puppy visit yesterday, I contacted Taryn to suggest she learn more about brain games for dogs, such as dog puzzles. In addition to this, Jess and I will use part of each puppy visits for brain work e.g. teaching commands.
Lucky is pawsome. I have no doubt she'll thrive in the stimulating world of adventure dog walk, and am thrilled to have both her and Taryn join our family. Taryn, Lucky, welcome!
Welcome to The Family, Kristi and Harlow/Picture of The Week
Goldendoodle Harlow (far right) joined K9 Kate's Pet Services last week and we're thrilled to welcome her and her lovely dog mama, Kristi.
We had our first adventure walk together last week at Coronation Park, my favourite Toronto dog park when the sun is shining. Still, it wasn't just the sun that shone that day; Harlow was AMAZING!! Although this was her first walk with a dog walker, Harlow ROCKED IT! She was confident, independent, playful and a total dog walker's dream.
Her new friends took to her immediately. Here she is with her pack members: Homer the miniature Poodle, Maggie (Captain Destructor) Goldstein, the Black Labrador, Baymax the Bulldog, Dexter the Golden Retriever, and hidden behind us, Harlow's best friend and long-time pack member, Phoebe the Goldendoodle.
Harlow, the dogs and I can't wait for our next dog walk with you!
Taking a Passover/Good Friday/Easter Monday Pawliday and You Should Too: 6 Vacation Tips for Dog Walkers
On Thursday, I'll fly to Paris to meet a dear friend, Eyal. We met in Colombia and immediately shared a profound connection. However, once our trips ended, we were likely to never see each other again as Eyal lives in Israel, and I, of course, am a Torontonian.
Despite the distance, we were able to reconnect in person, in 2014, and have stayed in touch through, first Skype, then FaceTime. Next week ,we are finally reconnecting in Paris, a city that's roughly between our two hometowns. It's also a place where we're sure to drink and eat modestly each and every day (sigh).
As a Toronto dog walker, I have experienced how difficult it is to manage time off; finding backup is tricky and most clients prefer their dogs take a rest day than spend one or two days with someone new. To many dog walkers, a vacation seems impossible and is a common lament in our community discussions.
So, let's talk vacation. Dog walkers, take them if you can financially. Your day is long and physical and you need one! I do find the following has helped me to take relatively worry free vacation days and hope you find the same:
1. Take the Public Holidays: yes, boarding is a great way to earn extra cash and holidays are replete with boarders. Still, most of your dogs aren't walking. How significant is the financial gain from boarding? Also, boarding is a ton of work: multiple dog walks, managing different personalities, and 24 hour care. I include walks in my boarding rate so I only make an additional $37/dog I board and I generally only board dogs that participate in group walks. As a result, the potential profit from boarding is negligible. I'd rather use the holidays, when possible, to rejuvenate. If you also have most dogs off during public holidays and don't rely on boarding to support yourself, I definitely recommend using this time too.
2. USE YOUR NETWORK: if you are a Toronto dog walker and do not belong to a community group, sign up immediately. There are groups for types of walkers, such as force-free, on Facebook. I do follow these groups quite closely; I know who is force free and services the same areas as K9 Kate's. I have met and trust these walkers. As a result, when I do go away I know who I can reach out to for worry free back up.
3. Timing is everything: I give my client at least one month's notice when taking a vacation. This affords all of us ample time to prepare.
4. Don't apologize for taking a break: YOU ARE A PERSON!!! You deserve a break. Also, in my case, travel is a lifelong passion. I spent 4 years teaching ESL and travelling through: Thailand, Taiwan, Philippines, Colombia, Bolivia Peru, Ecuador, and Australia. Travel is truly a part of who I am. Sure, as a dog walker, I don't get to travel nearly as much as I'd like. Still, knowing that every 4 or 5 months I get to see somewhere new is crucial to my happiness. I'm certainly not going to apologize for missing a day or even a week every now and again. If you work with a client who gives you a hard time on this topic, well, consider giving them a permanent vacation.
5. Stay in Touch: this is particularly important if you're using backup or employ other dog walkers, and everyone on your team will appreciate it. I use Rogers (yes, I know, THE Rogers) and it provides customers with a Roam like Home option in most countries that makes staying in touch easy and affordable. Check with your provider if they offer a similar service
6. Short and Sweet: Keep your vacation on the shorter side. This will place less stress on you, your clients and on those covering for you.
I hope this helps and that everyone enjoys the upcoming pawlidays!
Picture of the Week: Tips on Capturing the Moments
First off let's call a spade a spade; any picture of Gizmo will be adorable. Still, I chose this picture as the best of the week for other reasons too.
Since the dawn of my dog walking days, I've always taken pictures of the dogs to send to the puppy parents. What could be better than seeing your dog ruff housing and running at the park with his buddies? Well, it certainly would have been better if those initial pictures weren't blurry and, at best, of a dog's front end!
I adore capturing the dogs in action and wanted to improve ... there was no way to go but up.
Thankfully, me dog walking mentor and friend, Julie Posluns, also thought that my pictures were awful and shared a few tips I'm happy to pass on. Whether you're a dog walker or a dog lover, I hope this helps.
1. GET LOW: it's not just for the dance floor! The best shot will be level with your dog, rather than towering over him. If you're a dog walker, you're already pretty dirty ... so go for it!
2. Lighting:this is key to a good picture. The best shots may come during an overcast day but strive to get pix with some brightness.
3 .RELAX: if you're relaxed, the dogs are ... plus, who doesn't want to relax?
4. Be natural: this is my personal preference. I like pictures best where dogs are being dogs!
Last but not least, revisiting the initial thought of calling a spade a spade, let's be clear: I know very little about photography. If this is something you want to know more about, feel free to check out the following links:
https://digital-photography-school.com/top-10-pet-photography-tips-techniques/
https://www.popphoto.com/how-to/2015/01/tips-pro-gary-parkers-dog-photography
Welcome Meagan and Chloe
I want to extend a big welcome to Goldendoodle, Chloe, and dog mama, Meagan. The pair moved to Little Italy and were in search of a Toronto dog walker. Chloe, our most recent Poodle mix, is in good company; Chloe + Gert + Calle + Georgia + Phoebe + Hunter = a full Doodle pack and whole lotta silliness! Chloe, we love you already and can't wait for you to join our adventure as of this Wednesday!
Picture of the Week
Bernie! I love this dude so much. He returned earlier this week after a week-long vacation and, well, we're both pretty happy to see each other :) Bernie is half Bernese Mountain Dog/Half Golden Retriever and all heart.
Bernie was referred to me by his former dog walker Wendy Dowhan, when Bernie's family moved to Little Italy. When we spoke, it was clear how much Wendy adored this guy. He really is a very special dog and I am grateful to be his dog walker.
Good news: Wendy and I will meet up during our afternoon dog walk, so that she and Bernie can get some cuddles in. I can picture Bernie pulling his classic dog park move: stop, drop, and wait for belly rubs!
I am aware that one of "my" dogs is moving in a few months and am bracing for the impact. Wendy, I understand what you went through with Bernie and am happy that you will be able to paw-ty more in the future :)
Welcome Baymax, Melissa and Sebastian
Baymax is an Annex dog who I've known and admired since he was a puppy; for months, the stars have aligned and we've crossed paths at local dog parks where I was leading walks and he was partaking in them with his former dog walker. On such days, I couldn't help but run over to him and give him a quick (or not so quick) cuddle; he spills over with love and is so adorable that it's hard not to melt upon seeing him.
When Melissa reached out last week to inquire about dog walks with K9 Kate's Pet Services, I was happy to meet. When she mentioned that the dog she shares with Sebastian is the one and only Baymax, my face lit up.
As mentioned, Baymax did venture out with a former dog walker. This walker happens to be one who I deeply respect; he is incredible with his dogs, tremendously experienced, and kind to both his dogs and his fellow dog walkers. However, Baymax, being intact and young, was struggling with issues around overstimulation and recall that, if not addressed, pose threats to offleash dogs. Different dog walkers have different bars at which to proceed or not. There is no inherent right or wrong. Sometimes a switch to a new dog walker, for whatever reason, just works and can be worth a try.
I want to work with Baymax and get him in fighting form for group so that he can be offleash and play with other dogs; he has so much love and really stands to benefit from remaining in a group. Plus, he's neighbours with Blue- the subject of last week's blog- so it would be doubly rewarding to have helped out this pair of potential buddies who could play successfully together down the road.
Today is day 1. I'll be tracking Baymax's journey on Instagram as a Story, my first since joining the platform a few weeks ago. Please join me as I root, root, root for this amazing boy!!!! @k9katetoronto.
Bay, see you soon. Melissa and Sebastian, thank you for letting me work with this munchkin!!!
Welcome Sam and Blue
Sam first reached out to me in January after moving to Seaton Village and in need of a new dog walker. Since starting K9 Kate's Pet Services, I have yet to refer out a dog who may be a bit ... rough around the edges. Work with difficult dogs, not difficult people has been a personal belief since the beginning.
I am not a dog trainer. However, I do have significant experience with our furry friends and will always refer to one of the city's amazing trainers when something is simply over my head. Cue the shout out to Maggi Burt, Beverley McCee, France Daigle, Donald Roberts and, of course, Jessica Greenwell.
Blue was the first dog I've worked with that I simply could not take out with the group safely; he is extremely friendly and social but would get easily overstimulated at the dog park and not know when to stop escalating roughhousing. Given his size, this posed an obvious threat to other dogs.
Sam and Blue were stuck. I wanted desperately to help.
After one month of daily leash and train walks, Blue is thriving with K9 Kate's Pet Services. He may always need a watchful eye, but the progress is incredible; he can play safely with his new friends.
Majour thanks to Jessica Greenwell, who has acted as Blue's primary dog walker; if it weren't for her, Blue may not have been able to thrive this way.
Sam, welcome. Blue, looking forward to countless more adventures. Thanks for letting me be your dog walker!
Picture of the Week
Yesterday morning, at Cedarvale Ravine's offleash dog park, Maggie (Captain Destructor) Goldstein was a true Labrador: she played with her friends, chased a ball and, of course, took a mud bath. Mags, never change :)
Picture of the Week
Hands down. Picture of the week. I've worked with Phoebe since she was 2.5 months old, first giving twice daily puppy visits and then as her walker. I've seen her grow from a timid puppy to a confident teenager.
Having the opportunity to work with a dog throughout their puppy days is hugely rewarding, plus we get to work on key behaviours such as recall that help make the transition to group dog walking as smooth as possible.
Phoebe is a wonderful dog and I am lucky to be her dog walker. Phoebes, see you in T-1 hour.