Walk, Bark, Repeat: A Dog Walker's Tale

Ever wondered what it's like to spend your days knee-deep in wagging tails and puppy kisses? Welcome to the wonderful, wild, and woof-tastic world of dog walking! It’s a “ruff” job, but hey, someone’s gotta do it, right?

Early Mornings & Puppy Eyes

Imagine this: The sun’s barely awake, and you're already out the door with a coffee in hand (or let's be real, a whole thermos). You roll up to your first dog’s house, and bam, you're hit with a full-on concert of barking and tail wags. And those puppy eyes? Instant heart-melt! It’s like they know you’re the human who’s about to make their day 100% more exciting.

Leash Laws & Potty Breaks

Alright, time to leash up and hit the pavement. You'll soon master the art of untangling leashes (it’s basically a sport). You also get really good at dodging other dogs, cats, people, and, of course, the non-stop sniffing. And let’s not even talk about potty breaks... You’ll be a pro at spotting the perfect spot for a pup to “do their business” – sometimes that “quick walk” turns into an hour-long sniff-fest. Puppies, am I right?

Barking Contests & Tail Wagging Parades

When you walk multiple dogs, it’s like being the ringmaster of a doggy circus. The energy is wild! There’s always that one pup who wants to lead the pack, while another is totally cool just strolling along, tail wagging like they’re on a parade float. It’s like a never-ending barking contest with a side of tail wags – and I’m just here for the show!

Solo Walks: Peaceful or Playful?

Now, solo walks? Those are bliss. There’s nothing like a calm stroll with a dog who’s just vibing. But then, depending on the pup, a simple 20-minute walk around the block can turn into an hour-long workout. Guess who’s getting a cardio session in? This dog walker, that’s who!

Treat Time & Belly Rubs

The best part of the day? Treat time! You can practically hear the tails wagging in high-speed when they see you pulling up. And let’s not forget the endless belly rubs and ear scratches – it’s like a doggy spa on the go. Pure joy, every time.

Weather Woes & Muddy Paws

Of course, not every day is sunshine and rainbows. Some days you’re dodging puddles, wiping muddy paws, and praying that the rain holds off so your pups don’t get drenched. But hey, that’s just part of the adventure. Muddy paws, no problem. I’ve got towels, baby wipes, and a lot of patience!

The Driving... And More Driving...

And then there’s the driving. So much driving. But, we make it fun! Music? Check. Podcasts? Check. Coffee in hand? Oh, you know it. Honestly, the drive is where I get some me time, doing mindfulness and gearing up for the next round of tail-wagging mayhem.

Cardio, Cardio, and More Cardio

Dog walking might as well be a sport. It's basically an endless cardio workout with occasional sprints to catch up to a puppy who's decided they must chase that squirrel. So, to avoid turning into a puddle of jelly, I make sure to lift weights at least three times a week. Gotta keep those muscles strong for when a dog tries to yank your shoulder out of its socket during a walk!

Comfy Clothes & Layers, Lots of Layers

At the crack of dawn, it’s usually freezing, so I roll out of bed, throw on my Pink Staffy Club joggers, t-shirt, and hoodie. Can’t forget the trusty walking belt – it's my sidekick! As the day heats up, I shed layers like a snake (okay, not literally, but you get the idea). And let’s not forget the sunscreen – I slather that stuff on like I’m preparing to go into battle against the Aussie sun. My skin’s gotta survive these long doggy adventures!

In short, it’s a ruff life, but someone’s gotta love those dogs!