Nowadays, people are always running out of time, either because of job responsibilities or the multiple daily tasks and house chores. So, many times, dog owners don’t have enough time in their days or don’t feel like going outside, especially when the weather is not very pleasant, to take a walk with their dogs. Dogs can no longer solely depend on their owners to have their so necessary, relaxing, and deserved daily walk. But now there is a new type of professional that you and your best friend can rely on, they are known as ‘dog walkers’.

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The growing demand on this kind of services made it a very good option for people that wanted to establish their own business. Rui Tojo, owner of "DogWalkers Lisboa" since 2012, one of the first companies offering these services in the city, says that loving animals and having an in-depth knowledge of the different dog breeds and how to handle each and every one of them are the key factors to be successful in this field. The walks are 1 hour long and include a grooming session. There is also always the option to enjoy discounts on monthly package.

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Rui would like to remind you though that it is not enough to put a leash on your dog and get out on the streets. If no previous effort is made to create a connection with the dog, your animal may become dangerous to people walking and other animals. The Dog Walker must ensure the dog will obey their commands and this is done through techniques that Rui learned in various taming courses. ‘I will be a student the whole of my life.  The world is my classroom.’ Being a Veterinarian Technician himself, Rui understands the value of having first aid treatment experience, in case any accident occurs during the dog walk. Additionally, it is necessary to verify if animals of different owners get along well before taking them together for the same walk. Rui’s experience in Canine Taming, Education and Psychology helps him communicate with your dog, maybe even better than with you, since his English is still not proficient. Water for the dogs to drink during the walk and plastic bags to collect the dog’s faeces are included in the service.

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Another fundamental point in the success of a professional dog walker is to be in peak physical condition since keeping up and monitoring the animals requires a lot of alertness and physical training. ‘To lose a beloved animal during the course of my work would be heart-breaking for the owner and also very damaging to the reputation of my business, so I personally take all the dogs on leashed walks’. This year (2016), in collaboration with the Veterinary Clinic “MarinaDog” in Spain, Rui created a book of guidelines to be used on a course for Dogs, Cats and Exotic Animals Grooming. When he relocated from Spain to the UK, he left behind a lot of very sad clients, all of whom will gladly provide a recommendation on request. In his opinion, it is better to adopt an animal than to purchase one.  There are many reasons why he says that, but my main point is that when you adopt a pet, you are saving a life.  When you buy a pet, you not only deny a homeless pet a home, you are supporting an industry that thrives on short-changing the welfare of animals. ‘When you leave your pet with me, you can rest assured that I will dedicate the same love, care and respect to it as you would yourself’ Rui promises.