EXPERT CONCERNED BY ‘LACK OF ATTENTION’ SHOWN BY SOME DOG WALKERS

A professional dog walker says he is concerned by a “lack of attention” from some who have just started dog walking professionally, and understanding the behaviour of dogs takes “time and experience”.

In Christchurch, there are currently no limits on the number of dogs a walker can handle at one time. However, the council is considering reviewing its canine bylaws to potentially set a cap on how many dogs a single person can manage.

This review follows a tragic incident in May, when a family dog was euthanized after suffering severe injuries from a violent attack by four larger dogs during a “pack walk” in East Auckland. This event has raised concerns about the rise of inexperienced dog walking businesses in the city.

Dennis Nuberg from the dog walking company Happy Dog Owner expressed his worries about the lack of attention he’s observed from some local dog walkers.

“I’m frequently seeing people walking with their cell phones in hand while the dogs run loose, which is troubling,” Nuberg said. “Dog walking requires full attention and presence. It’s a job that demands constant focus, and distractions like phones are unacceptable.”

Nuberg believes it may be time to introduce new regulations—not overly strict but designed to ensure responsible practices. He also highlighted concerns about the safe transport of pets, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures in the industry.

“You’re taking on the responsibility of caring for people’s cherished pets, and that responsibility cannot be undervalued. Ensuring the safe transport of animals is crucial.

“Managing the dogs’ behavior is key. We must prevent situations where dogs can escape and cause chaos. I’ve seen this happen before, and it’s quite disappointing. It’s essential for those walking dogs in groups to understand and manage these behaviors effectively.

“Another critical factor is the number of dogs involved. It’s important to assess your competence in handling the unpredictability of dogs. Situations can change quickly, and when things go wrong, they can escalate rapidly.

“Understanding and interpreting dog behavior takes time and experience. It’s important to recognize how different dogs may react to various situations and anomalies.”

“Not all dogs will misbehave simultaneously. For instance, if one dog is sensitive to the presence of a horse, you should see the horse approaching from a distance and put that particular dog on a lead. Meanwhile, dogs that show no interest in horses don’t need to be on a lead.

“The key is to adapt to the circumstances and environment, ensuring you have control over your dogs as needed and are prepared for any situation.”