What Kiwis Really Want When They Hire a Dog Walking Professional

Dog walking in New Zealand is more than just a stroll around the block - it’s about exercise, companionship, safety, and genuine care for man’s best friend. For dog walking professionals aiming to win over Kiwi clients, understanding local expectations and challenges can make all the difference. Here are 10 practical tips to help you connect, impress, and grow your dog walking service in Aotearoa.

Here are some tips that you might find interesting:

1. Keep Dogs Safe on Every Walk

Safety is front of mind for Kiwi dog owners, especially when venturing out in various weather conditions or busy city streets. Walk routes with good visibility, secure paths, and minimal hazards provide peace of mind for clients.

For example, winter evening walks in Christchurch benefit from well-lit parks like Hagley Park, while Auckland walkers often stick to popular, dog-friendly routes like Cornwall Park where off-leash zones are well marked.

Always be mindful of potential threats like aggressive dogs, traffic, or wildlife such as sheep on rural walks, and keep dogs under control and on leash where required by local rules.

2. Tailor Walks to Each Dog’s Needs

Kiwis appreciate personalised care-no two dogs have the same fitness level, temperament, or age. Whether it’s a gentle 20-minute sniff break for an older pooch or a brisk 75-minute dash for a working breed, matching walk intensity and duration to the dog is critical.

Dogs Best Friend, a Wellington-based service, highlights the importance of adjusting routines regularly, particularly as dogs age or develop health conditions, building owner trust through adaptable care plans.

Bring treats to encourage good behaviour and make walks fun and rewarding for your four-legged clients. This also helps with obedience and recall.

3. Communicate Regular Updates to Owners

Weirdly enough, dog owners love to hear all about their dog’s adventures while away. Sharing quick updates, photos, or brief notes about the walk keeps owners reassured and builds client loyalty.

Platforms like Yada provide an internal chat system that makes it easy and private to stay connected, even sending messages during walks to show happy and tired dogs enjoying their exercise.

Many Wellington clients value these touches so much they book repeat services just to get the peace of mind these updates bring.

4. Master Leash Skills and Dog Behaviour

Good leash handling can make or break a dog walk. Many New Zealand dogs have strong pulls or react to other dogs and distractions, so confident, calm control is essential.

Techniques like loose leash walking, quick direction changes, and positive reinforcement help keep walks safe and enjoyable. Training in behavioural handling sets you apart as a professional.

Sharing your knowledge with owners-such as how to practice loose leash walking at home-can be a bonus service that deepens their trust in your expertise.

5. Offer Flexible Scheduling Options

Kiwis lead busy lives, so offering flexible walk times including early mornings, evenings, or weekends can be a big selling point.

For instance, city workers in Auckland or Wellington appreciate dog walking services available during their work hours or right before they get home, while rural clients may need longer or weekend walks when they’re away.

Highlighting availability clearly on your website or Yada profile, along with easy booking and cancellation policies, makes life simpler for busy pet owners.

6. Know and Respect Local Dog Regulations

Every region in New Zealand has its own dog control rules. Understanding and respecting off-leash areas, leash laws, and local bylaws demonstrates professionalism and keeps dogs and walkers safe and legal.

For example, Auckland's Muriwai and Piha beaches have seasonal off-leash restrictions, while Christchurch has specific dog exercise areas in city parks. Being informed about these shows clients you’re responsible and trustworthy.

Sharing this knowledge with owners can also help build rapport and position you as a local expert in dog walking.

7. Utilise Local Platforms for Exposure

Platforms like Yada, Pawshake, and Trade Me Services are popular places for New Zealand dog owners to find trustworthy walkers. Joining these offers visibility without the hassle of personal marketing and lets you respond to jobs for free based on your rating.

Yada’s mobile-friendly, fast interface fits well with Kiwi lifestyles, letting you connect privately with clients via chat and offer competitive pricing without lead fees.

Registering on multiple local directories boosts your chances of getting noticed, especially if you collect and showcase positive client reviews.

8. Build Client Trust with Testimonials

Word-of-mouth is powerful in New Zealand’s close-knit communities. Positive testimonials from happy dog owners can be your most effective marketing tool.

Jo from Dash Dogs in Wellington shares how regular clients mention the peace of mind she provides with detailed emails, photo updates, and her calming way with reactive dogs.

Encourage clients to leave reviews on Google, Facebook, and platform profiles. A steady stream of genuine feedback attracts new clients who value local recommendations.

9. Prepare for Seasonal Weather Challenges

New Zealand’s weather can change fast. Dog walking professionals handle rain, wind, sleet, and hot summer pavements regularly-preparing for all seasons keeps dogs safe and happy.

In summer, stick to green, shady paths and check pavements for heat to avoid sore paws. Southern winters often mean mud and wet conditions, so being ready with dog towels and a drying area helps maintain hygiene and owner satisfaction.

Offering seasonal tips to clients-like paw balm for icy mornings-shows you care beyond the walk itself.

10. Manage Self-Employment Like a Pro

Many dog walking professionals in New Zealand are solo operators. This means juggling client management, scheduling, billing, and walking.

Simple digital tools like calendars, invoicing apps, and contact management systems save time and reduce stress. Having a clear cancellation policy and communicating expectations upfront helps prevent misunderstandings.

Platforms like Yada also ease the client connection and payment process, allowing you to focus more on your walks and less on chasing leads.

11. Add Extra Value with Training and Care

Kiwis appreciate dog walkers who offer a bit extra-like reinforcing training commands, socialisation skills, or basic health checks during walks.

For example, helping dogs practice recall or stay calm around other dogs while on group walks boosts owner confidence in your professionalism and care.

Sharing quick advice post-walk about hydration or stretches demonstrates your investment in their dog’s wellbeing beyond just exercise.