Tools that Make Life as a Professional Dog Walker Safer and Easier

There's a lot that goes into being a professional dog walker so I'm always on the lookout for tools that make our days with dogs, safer and easier. This list is a work in progress and I'd love to know what others have incorporated into their own business!

1) Remote Starters

Even when dashing in to pick up or drop off a dog, your vehicle can become extremely hot in only a matter of minutes - even in the shade! Dogs can be kept comfortable and safe by using a vehicle equipped with a remote starter. They allow you to start the car and run the air conditioner, but they don't allow the vehicle to be driven away. If your vehicle doesn't already have this feature, a remote starter can usually be installed for a few hundred dollars.

2) Spray Shield Citronella Spray

This spray can shoot up to ten feet and can be effective at deterring coyotes or aggressive dogs should they approach you. It claims to be just as effective as 10% pepper spray, without the harmful side effects.

While dogs' body language should always be monitored in order to prevent fights in the first place, they can still occur. Rather than immediately using a a tool like a break stick (which can put you in a prime position for a redirected bite), citronella spray could provide a safer way to interrupt fights until all dogs can be safely secured. Thankfully, fights are rare, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

Spray Shield retails for approximately $20.

3) GPS Trackers for Dog Walkers

Doggy Logs is one of the few different apps available that provide GPS tracking for dog walkers. Leaving notes for clients, sending photos, and keeping track of everyone's "business" is all made simple, directly through the app. At the end of each walk, it sends a report to clients which includes a map with the duration and distance. This can provide your clients with added peace of mind and saves you from writing notes when dropping dogs off.

Depending on how many clients you have, a Doggy Logs subscription costs approximately $20-$90/month.

4) Martingale Collars

Martingale collars are by far the most secure form of epuipment your dogs can wear (though still not escape-proof!) When fitted correctly, they tighten only enough to make it difficult for the dog's head to slip out but not enough to choke them. Using these collars can help prevent dogs from slipping away and running into traffic, or becoming lost.

5) Safety Straps or Double Hardware

Harnesses, halties and flat collars can all easily slip off, even when fitted snugly. The most secure equipment your dog can wear is a martingale collar. If you prefer to attach the leash to a different form of equipment, secure it to a martingale as back-up (in case it ever slips off). Double up on your leash hardware or check out these awesome Safety Straps made by Oh My Dog! in Toronto. Their Safety Straps come in three different sizes so you can be sure you get the perfect length. Safety Straps retail for $5.

6) Rinse Kit or Aqua Bumper

Rainy days and six muddy dogs can be a nightmare to deal with! Fortunately, there are some great tools on the market that can leave our cars and clients' homes a little cleaner.

The Rinse Kit is a portable shower that holds two gallons of water and provides the pressure of a garden hose without batteries or pumping. It retails for approximately $120.

The Aqua Bumper is made specifically for Jeep Wranglers. It turns the rear bumper into an eight gallon tank and has a high pressure removable hose. It retails for approximately $240.

7) Key Identification

Identify your keys by painting them or label them with randomized numbers instead of names or addresses. Should they ever be lost and end up in the wrong hands (a horrible thought that we all go to great lengths to prevent), this would make it more difficult for a potential thief to match a key to a house.

8) Identification Tags

Carry extra identification tags that you can secure on your dogs if they happen to be missing their own. Keep a few on your keychain so that they're always handy.

Bonus: If your keys are ever lost (again, something we all do everything to prevent), a tag can provide a contact number so that you can hopefully get them back as soon as possible.

*Obviously don't leave your number on your keys if it's linked to your address!

9) Carabiner

Providing your dogs are of similar size, attach all of your leashes to a carabiner, and you won't have to worry about dropping a leash and risking a dog dashing into traffic or becoming lost. Make sure that your carabiner is made for climbing. This one is rated for 5000 pounds, but there are some on the market that will bend very easily.

10) Heavy-Duty Blunt-Tipped Scissors

I've seen it happen a few times: dogs are engaged in heavy play, and all or a sudden, one of them has their arm or jaw caught and twisted in another dog's equipment. It's dangerous for the dog who's caught, but also dangerous for the other dog who can end up being strangled. Carrying a pair of heavy-duty blunt-tipped scissors in your dog walking bag can give you the option to cut away equipment if you are unable to otherwise unbuckle it.

While it's important for dogs to wear collars with ID tags, it's a good idea remove any additional equipment prior to any heavy play sessions, in order to decrease the risk of dogs getting caught.

11) Styptic Powder

A small container of this powder is a great little item to add to your first aid kit. It can be used to stop the bleeding of minor superficial cuts or damaged nails. Styptic Powder retails for approximately $15.

12) Squeaker (or other high value items)

As great as your dogs' recalls may be, it doesn't hurt to carry something high value, like a squeaky toy, or a baggie of yummy novel treats (in case somebody finds a raccoon carcass and suddenly forgets what "come" means!) If you don't want to carry around a squeaky toy, just keep a little squeaker in your pouch.