Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing a dog walker or care provider requires a great deal of trust so you’re bound to have some questions.
Q: How many dogs do you walk at any one time?
A: For group walks, Harbour Tails walks a maximum of 5 dogs per group. This ensures every dog receives the attention, care, and supervision they deserve, while maintaining safety and welfare at all times.
Q: Can I specify a particular time for my dog to be walked?
A: Due to travel, weather, traffic, and varying daily schedules, We operate within a 1.5-hour collection window. This flexibility allows us to manage:
Travel time between clients
Drying and cleaning dogs after muddy walks
Traffic and roadworks
Changing weather conditions
This ensures walks remain safe, calm, and unhurried.
Q: Where will my dog be walked?
A: Walks take place in green spaces, dog-friendly parks, recreation grounds, and suitable beaches, chosen for safety and enrichment. Common areas include:
Poole
Hamworthy
Upton
Broadstone
Lilliput
Creekmoor
Locations are varied regularly to keep walks interesting. Seasonal restrictions are always respected — for example, some beaches and heathland areas are avoided during spring and summer and enjoyed more in autumn and winter.
Q: My dog is nervous around other dogs, are you be able to walk them?
A: Yes. Nervous dogs are offered private or solo walks, or can be gradually introduced to suitable dogs where appropriate.
Dogs with a history of aggression will be walked on a private/solo basis only, to ensure safety for everyone.
Q: Do I need to be home when you collect or drop off my dog?
A: No. If you provide keys, they are kept securely and confidentially.
Q: What happens in an emergency?
A: In an emergency, I will contact you immediately. If you are unreachable, I will contact your emergency contact.
If veterinary care is required, your dog will be taken to your preferred vet or the nearest available vet, depending on the situation.
Q: Can I have ad-hock walks?
A: Yes. I accept clients who only require occasional walks and will always try my best to accommodate requests when availability allows.
Q: Are you insured?
A: Yes. Harbour Tails is insured along with reputable qualifications in behaviour, training and canine first aid.
Q: Will I be charged if I cancel a walk at short notice?
A: To avoid a cancellation fee, please give at least 72 hours’ notice to avoid charge. This is waived or swapped at our discretion if your dog becomes unwell or injured at short notice.
Q: Can you provide weekend walks?
A: Yes, weekend walks are available. Weekend rates apply — please contact me for details.
Q: Can you feed my dog?
A: Absolutely. Simply provide clear feeding instructions and I will follow them exactly.
Q: I own more than one dog. Can you help?
A: Yes. Multiple dogs from the same household can be walked together at a reduced rate. Please get in touch for details.
Q: What equipment does my dog need?
A: You’ll need to provide:
A secure, well-fitting collar and/or harness
An ID tag
Any coat you’d like your dog to wear
I usually supply my own leads. Please leave equipment in a visible place and ensure it is in good working condition.
For welfare reasons, Harbour Tails does not use slip leads or any other correction-based collars or equipment. I’m always happy to discuss suitable altermatives.
Q: Do you walk in all weathers?
A: Yes — walks run rain or shine. However, safety always comes first.
During extreme weather, adjustments may be made:
Walks shortened or cancelled in severe conditions
Extra breaks and shade during hot weather
Access to streams where safe
The van is insulated and air-conditioned
Q: Do you know the signs of overheating? And how do you cool dogs down if they appear to be too hot?
A: Yes. Although Harbour Tails has never had a dog overheat, we keep up to date with the signs and first aid qualifications.
Signs include:
Excessive panting
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Red or blue gums
If a dog shows signs of overheating, I will:
Move them to a cool, shaded area
Offer water
Gently cool them
Seek veterinary care
Q: What first aid supplies do you keep in your van?
A: My van contains a fully stocked first aid kit including:
Absorbent gauze pads
Bandages and adhesive tape
Cotton wool
Disposable gloves
Scissors and tweezers
Towels
Alcohol wipes
Saline solution
Q: If a dog goes missing what are your steps?
A: Every off-lead permitted dog wears a Tractive GPS tracker, allowing real-time location tracking, flashing, and sound alerts.
In the unlikely event a dog goes missing, I would:
Inform you immediately
Contact the council dog warden T. 01202 261700.
Notify vets, shelters, and rescue centres
Alert other local dog walkers
Search the area
Help create and distribute posters
Report on missing animal websites and social media
Please note: dogs are only walked off-lead with owner consent and reliable recall.
What would you do if a fight broke out between dogs?
This is rare as we incorporate dogs carefully. We constantly monitor dogs for early warning signs and separate as approiate. Body language to look out for includes:
Staring or whale eye
Showing teeth
Raised hackles
Stiff posture
Growling
Q: Do you keep fresh water and a portable bowl with you on walks?
A: Yes. I carry fresh water and portable bowls on walks and in my van for drinking and rinsing muddy paws.
Q: Can you walk my puppy?
A: Yes. For very young puppies, I usually recommend home visits or private walks to protect growing joints and focus on early learning.
Older puppies may join group walks following consultation, when they are ready.
Q: What happens after I initially enquire?
A: We’ll discuss your needs via phone, email, or message. You’ll then complete an online enrolment form, followed by a free meet and greet and trial walks.
Q: Do I have to pay upfront?
A: No. Invoices are sent monthly in arrears. Payment is accepted by bank transfer or cash.