How to Start Dog Walking Without Experience: A Real Beginner’s Guide
So, you love dogs. You’ve probably walked your neighbor’s pup once or twice. But now, you want to turn that love into a hustle — maybe even a full-time gig. Sounds amazing, right ?
But wait…
What if you’ve never done it professionally?
What if you’ve never had your own dog?
Or worse — what if you’re terrified of charging people for something you’ve only done casually?
Here’s the good news: you don’t need prior experience to start dog walking. You just need the right mindset, basic knowledge, and a little hustle. This guide will walk you through every step of starting as a dog walker from zero — and actually earning from it.
1. Understand What Dog Walking Really Is
Dog walking isn’t just strolling with a leash. It’s:
🔹A responsible service to pet parents who can’t always walk their dogs
🔹A form of exercise and care for the dog
🔹A job that needs trust, timing, and sometimes… poop bags 💩
You are not just walking a dog — you are giving that pet joy, health, and social stimulation. Once you start seeing it this way, you’ll treat it with the respect (and pricing) it deserves.
2. Build Your Basic Dog Knowledge
You don’t need a vet degree, but you do need to know:
🔹How different breeds behave (e.g., Labs are chill, Huskies pull like tractors)
🔹What to do if a dog gets aggressive or scared
🔹Basic dog body language (tail up = alert, tail down = scared, ears back = unhappy)
👉 Free YouTube Channels to Learn:
🔹Zak George’s Dog Training
🔹Dogumentary TV
🔹McCann Dog Training
Spend 2-3 hours a day for a week, and you’ll be more confident than 80% of newbies.
3. Start with People You Know
Before you post on apps or Craigslist, start with:
🔹Friends who own dogs
🔹Neighbors who might need help
🔹Local Facebook groups in your area
Offer to do 3 free walks in exchange for testimonials and photos. Trust me, these testimonials are your new experience.
4. Set Your Rates Wisely
Don’t underprice yourself.
Here’s a beginner-friendly rate guide:
🔹$10–$15 for 30 mins
🔹$20–$25 for 1 hour
🔹Add $5–$10 per extra dog
🔹Offer discounted packages (e.g., 5 walks for $70)
💡 Pro Tip: Set slightly lower than competitors when starting out, but don’t be dirt cheap. Clients trust pros who charge with confidence.
5. Sign Up on Trusted Platforms
Once you’ve done 2–3 successful walks, list yourself on:
🔹Rover
🔹Wag!
🔹Care.com
🔹TaskRabbit (yes, they also list pet services!)
📸 Use high-quality profile photos with dogs, add those testimonials you got earlier, and keep your bio personal and warm.
6. Create a Simple Brand for Yourself
Even if you don’t have a website (yet), act like a business:
🔹Pick a name: “Happy Paws with [Your Name]”
🔹Create a free logo on Canva
🔹Make a free Google Form to book clients
🔹Start a free Instagram page showing dog photos & behind-the-scenes
It builds trust. And makes you look like you’ve been doing it for years.
7. Safety First — For You and the Dog
Always carry:
🔹A leash (even if the dog has one — backup matters!)
🔹Dog waste bags
🔹Treats
🔹Your phone fully charged
🔹Emergency vet contact for that area
🚨 Never walk aggressive dogs if you're not trained. Trust your gut.
8. Keep It Legal (Yes, Even Dog Walking!)
As your business grows:
🔹Get a simple service agreement (you can Google free templates)
🔹Look into pet liability insurance (Rover covers it if you work through them)
🔹Keep a basic invoice or payment record
Don’t worry, this isn’t complicated. But it makes you look 10x more professional.
9. Ask for Reviews After Every Walk
After a walk, always ask:
> “If you’re happy with my service, I’d love it if you left a quick review!”
Use those reviews everywhere — your profile, Instagram, and when reaching new clients.
10. Stay Consistent and Keep Improving
Dog walking isn’t a get-rich-quick job. But if you walk 3–4 dogs a day, even at $15 each, that’s $1,000+ a month. Not bad for fresh air and furry cuddles.
Plus, over time, clients will refer you, and you can start raising prices.
Bonus Tips: Go Pro Faster
🔹Invest in a fanny pack for treats & poop bags (hands-free = pro)
🔹Take an online dog first-aid course (adds trust instantly)
🔹Use Google Maps to plan your walking route
🔹Track your steps — you’ll burn calories and get paid.
FAQs: Dog Walking Without Experience
Q1: Do I need any certification to start dog walking ?
No. You don’t need any formal certification to walk dogs. But learning basic dog behavior and first-aid helps a lot.
Q2: How do I convince people to hire me without experience ?
Start with free walks for friends and family. Collect reviews. Use those to show potential clients you're trustworthy and responsible.
Q3: How much can I earn as a beginner dog walker ?
Beginners typically earn $10–$20 per walk. With a few clients a day, you can easily make $800–$1,500 a month.
Q4: Can I walk multiple dogs at once ?
Yes, but only after you’re confident and the dogs get along. Start with one dog at a time.
Q5: What if a dog misbehaves or gets aggressive ?
Stay calm. Avoid yelling. Use treats and redirection. If unsafe, end the walk and inform the owner.
