The Shocking Truth about Exercise

Here is it, are you ready for it?

I don't exercise the dogs I walk.

There. I've said it. I've confessed. This dog walker does not exercise the dogs in her care.

So what do I do with them?

The dogs and I go on expeditions around Brentwood instead. I don't even 'lead' the expeditions. I guide the dogs around interesting places, and let them find out things for themselves, by sight, scent, sound and skin (ie touch, I do like my alliterations).

I don't cycle, I don't jog, and I don't force the dogs to keep moving. We walk briskly, but there is always time to stop if there's a particularly interesting smell somewhere.


We'll also stop for a few minutes if we see another regular walker with dogs. The scary truth is that dogs will meet other dogs through their lives, and although there are times when it's best not to let the dogs greet, seeing regular dogs on our travels is a good thing. The more dogs interact appropriately, the more they practise their communication skills. And practise makes perfect! Plus they get to learn that sometimes they just have to hang around for a few minutes while the grown-ups talk and they learn to do so politely, quietly and calmly, as they know the fun will start again very soon.

I'll also randomly drop treats, and send the dogs to find them where possible. Or ask for a sit or two. To begin with at the end of a walk, slowly moving towards being able to get calm behaviour as they leave the van ready for their walk, and eventually, to sit and focus on me in the presence of other dogs, humans, or other distractions.


Or we might do a bit of 'wild' agility, climbing over logs, ducking under low hanging branches, jumping over puddles, dragging the biggest branch in the world along with us for a few feet (the smaller the dog, the bigger the branch they want to bring on the expedition), or just zooooming around as fast as they can for a mad few minutes. I prefer that as a spectator sport...

The dogs really appreciate being taken outside to explore the world, especially when they have members of their own species to explore it with. Another dog might pick up the scent or sight of something not to be missed! Two sets of eyes, ears or noses are better than one!


The dogs are always keen to come with me, happy to be taken home at the end of the walk, and, according to the owners who are home, content to spend all afternoon sleeping off the energy burned!


'Exercise' happens while we're doing other things.

(Ab)Using the Local Media

When I got my domestic dog boarding licence in February, I was very proud to be the first dog walker in Brentwood to gain such a licence. Finally, a complete service for local dogs, a home from home with someone they know.

So excited was I that I sent a press release to a few local papers. Today a little piece, and a photo of myself, Fred, Scarlet and Max appeared.



If you want to read the article, click the image, it's large enough to read. I'm very pleased with it, although vanity says it would have been nice to look awake in the photo!

I have since found out there are plenty of dog walkers in the local area who take in boarders. They're just doing it unlicenced, and therefore illegally and potentially uninsured.

I'm still proud of my licence.

Brentwood Dog Walker's Van

No question it's mine, or who I am or what I do. I have seen people noting down my number from the posters in the window, hopefully this will attract people from further away! Fred really stands out from a distance. Looks a bit mad close up now he's blown up. Think he's larger than life on the van!

Signs going on - first fitter, nice chap.


Last minute touches - different fitter, mmmm.. lovely. The signs that is...


And the back, my name, what I do, and where to get hold of me. Ideal for people sitting behind me in traffic to memorise my very easy URL - I'm in Brentwood, and I'm a dog walker - www.brentwooddogwalker.co.uk - what could be simpler than?



Many thanks to Morgan Signs for their attention to detail, and for fitting, removing, resizing and refitting the signs on the front, at no extra cost. Highly recommended!