Dog walking is one of the most common and profitable pet-related services to offer. It’s also among the most competitive, which means you’ll need to stand out in every area of your business if you want to grow it into a successful venture. To make sure you’re prepared for every aspect of dog walking, here are 25 of the top dog walker interview questions and answers.
1. What Is Your Experience In Dog Walking?
I have a lot of experience with dogs. We always had 2 or 3 dogs in our family growing up and even as an adult. Additionally, in my teen years, my mom used to pay me $10/hr to walk other people’s dogs. I appreciated the opportunity to earn money as a teenager. Plus, it gave me valuable experience and insight into how to deal with other people’s pets. I have also been on the other end of dog walking as someone who has hired someone to walk my dog so I understand all of the perspectives that revolve around this job.
2. Why Did You Want To Be A Dog Walker?
I’m currently a university student and could use the extra income. I figured that this would be a good opportunity to earn while also doing what I love. I think that this job will also be a very good stress reliever for me and will be a good break away from my classes. In addition, I don’t have much time to exercise anymore, so this will also be great for my health.
3. What Do You Think The Most Important Thing About This Job Is?
I think the most important thing to consider about dog walking is that it’s more than just playing with dogs. I think the most important thing to consider about dog walking is that it’s more than just playing with dogs. You’re responsible for making sure your dogs get the exercise and attention that they need and that they stay out of trouble, and above all, that they’re happy. That requires a lot of patience—and a special understanding of animals in general. A good dog walker has to be able to recognize each animal’s particular idiosyncrasies: every animal acts differently when outside its home, so how it reacts when you take it for a walk will tell you what kind of pet owner you have. The other big requirement here is the love of animals.
4. Are You Able To Deal With Health Issues On The Spot?
Yes, I am a very healthy individual and I’ll make sure to get plenty of rest before the job so I should be fine. As for the dog’s health, I do have my own car so if there are any medical emergencies I can take the dog to the vet straight away. Depending on the urgency of the situation, I’ll make sure to call you and inform you of the situation when I get the soonest chance to.
5. Can You Juggle Multiple Tasks At Once?
Yes, I have to multitask throughout every aspect of my life, especially now that I am in university. To multitask, I also have to manage my expectations of what is achievable during that moment. Multitasking can be a skill that you learn over time but there are a few techniques I have found very helpful. For example, if you are working on multiple projects at once; make sure to list all of them and assign yourself timelines for their completion. It is also important to note that it is not always necessary to work on all your tasks at once and switching between projects will allow you to give each project more time and energy. Additionally, when you are working on certain tasks it can be helpful to set specific focus times where distractions such as TV, music, or texts can be turned off.
6. What Is Your Availability Like?
I am able to set my own schedule so I’m actually quite available. I actually attend night class so mornings and afternoons are the best time for me to do this job. That is not to say that I wouldn’t be willing to walk at different times as needed though. In fact, if you need someone last minute or at a specific time then feel free to contact me; I even wouldn’t mind dog sitting for a while.
7. What Is One Of Your Greatest Strengths?
I have confidence in my problem-solving skills and believe that it’s one of my greatest strengths. When faced with a situation, I focus on finding multiple solutions to handle a wide range of problems. Some people might feel trapped or are only able to come up with one solution, but I feel more capable when faced with these scenarios. Another strength is that I am self-motivated and can act as both a leader and a follower when needed.
8. Is Dog Walking Just A Means To An End For You? What Is Your Dream Job?
Well, I’m a student right now so I could use the extra income from this job. I don’t think anyone really goes in and says “dog walking is my dream job” but this job is the perfect job for me right now and is a stepping stone in achieving my future career goals. I’m currently studying as a Chemistry major and do have plans to work in that field after graduation. I don’t believe that there is such a thing as a wasted experience. Experience is still growing and I’m sure I can learn and develop many skills both personal and professional from this job. Patience, discipline, time management, communication, are all areas where I’m sure I can gain further experience through this job.
9. How Would You React If A Dog Got Loose From Its Leash?
First of all, I would never run after a loose dog, it just makes matters worse. Rather I would get the attention of people in the surrounding so that no one would get hurt. If possible I would try to get someone to help me to slowly attempt to corral him back to where I want the dog. I do not think you should ever tackle a dog unless you’re sure you can control it as dogs can be unpredictable and can potentially bite when they are scared. I would try to hide my leash to show that I mean no harm and I would slowly try to reaffirm the trust that I mean no harm.
10. How Would You Deal With A Nervous Dog?
The first thing I would try to do is to build up trust. Although it will take time to build up trust, there are many ways to do it. It’s important to find ways to connect with an individual dog. Every dog wants something different from its caretakers. The only way you can learn what works for each one of the dogs is through trial and error. So every day even walking the dog I would always keep in mind what works for each of them. Although giving them attention and giving them treats is always the best way to their heart, I would be careful not to overfeed any of the dogs since they all have different needs that may require unique nutrition levels based on gender, age, and breed size. Overall if you make building trust a priority I don’t think there would be any issues with trying to communicate with any kind of dog even ones that may seem initially nervous at first.
11. What If A Dog Is Aggressive? Can You Ensure The Safety Of Those Around You?
First, it’s important to know that there are two kinds of aggression: defensive and predatory. Predatory aggression, which stems from excitement, hunger, or territorialism, is what most people think of when they imagine dog-on-dog violence: dogs fighting over a bone or protecting their territory from potential invaders. Defensive aggression, on the other hand, can be triggered by stress, pain, or fear. My strategy for dealing with a potentially dangerous situation is simple: check for signs of predatory behavior first and then move to deescalate before assuming you’re dealing with fear-based aggression.
12. Are You Able To Walk Multiple Dogs At Once?
Yes, I would be able to walk multiple dogs at once, though it would get out of control with more than 3 dogs. Here’s how I would do it. To start, I would give each dog as much of its own space as possible. If there are more than 3 of them with me at any given time, then it will require some extra effort on my part to make sure that they each get their space.
13. How Familiar Are You With The Dog Parks Around This Area?
I grew up around this area so I know all the parks in the neighborhood. I also grew up with multiple dogs in the household so we would take them for walks all the time.
14. How Would You Approach A Dog You Are Meeting For The First Time?
I would approach the dog with caution and patience, but wouldn’t be afraid to make my presence known. I would have good eye contact with the dog and try to establish trust by speaking in a soft and friendly voice. It’s important to take into account that a dog is likely to behave differently depending on who they are around or what their current mood may be; it can take several encounters before I would really get to know the dog, but this wouldn’t deter me from maintaining a positive attitude.
15. Would You Let People Pet The Dog While You’re On A Walk?
If it were my own dog I would base that decision on a person-to-person basis. However, since I’m not the owner of this dog that I will be walking it would be best that I do not let anyone pet the dog while on these walks. Of course, I would also consult the owner of the dogs first before making any decisions.
16. How Will You Handle The Situation If You Are Unable To Come To Work One Day?
If I am unable to come to work for whatever reason one day I will let you know. For the most part, there would never be any short notices, but in case of emergencies where there are short notices of course I would let you know as soon as possible. I would also be willing to make up days that I’ve missed by coming in for the weekend.
17. Do You Have Any Knowledge Or Experience In Identifying When A Dog Might Have Health Issues?
I do not have any experience to the point where a medical professional would, however, if a dog is clearly distressed and I would be able to tell straight away. For example, if the dog is panting too much perhaps they’re hungry, thirsty, or tired, in that case, I would immediately take a break and check on the dog. If the dog has some sort of issue that I am unable to identify, I will notify you as soon as possible to discuss what I should do. I will look more into this with any resources I find online so that I am prepared when the moment comes that I may need to know how to deal with the situation. I would also be willing to take any courses or classes that may involve identifying when a dog may have health issues.
18. How Would You Guarantee To Me That You Are Actually Working?
I would be communicating with you every step of the way while I am on my shift. I’ll message you prior to walking the dog, send you pictures of me walking the dog, and notify you when I am about to drive back to your home. There are also a lot of phone applications that can track dog walking or just any navigating in general. I would be willing to download these applications so you can keep a close eye on where we are and how the walk is going. If there is ever any doubt that you may have that I am not working as efficiently as you intended please let me know as soon as possible so that we can work through the situation together. I highly value communication and I believe that talking things through while it’s still early is the best way to come to a mutual understanding.
19. Will You Be Driving The Dog From And To The Walking Location?
Yes, I will be driving the dog to and from the location that we will be walking at. Sometimes we may just walk around the neighborhood, but I think it would be a good change of pace to take the dog out to an area with more space where the dog can run around and roam freely. I do have my own car and I wouldn’t have any issues at all with driving the dog, and I wouldn’t need any reimbursement for gas either since I wouldn’t be going far. I already have some locations and parks in mind that are not far from here. If you have any recommendations for locations as well please let me know.
20. In The Case That I May Cancel A Job On Short Notice, For Example, If A Family Member Has Already Walked The Dog That Day, Would You Be Okay With That?
Yes, I will be completely fine with that. Even if it’s short notice or at the last minute, I would be comfortable with changing my plans. I understand that you only want to pay for the service you receive so if the service was not needed on a particular day I have no issue with that. My schedule is quite flexible around the time that I will be walking your dog so if any plans change or if my service is not needed on that day just let me know and it will be completely okay with me
21. Would You Be Able To Administer First Aid To An Injured Dog?
Unfortunately, I don’t know how to administer first aid to a dog however I would be willing to learn prior to my first day. That being said, if the dog got injured during a walk I would not hesitate to do what I can to help it. Depending on the type of medical emergency I may be able to help the dog. For example, if it was just a simple scratch, I would have no problem with bandaging its wounded area. If it were more of an urgent medical emergency, I would have no problem with driving the dog to the vet.
22. What Other Services Do You Offer?
I would also be willing to dog-sit, but not too late into the evening. I can also act as transportation for when the dog may have an appointment somewhere. With all these extra services, I would prefer to be paid hourly. If there’s ever any other things that you think I can help with don’t hesitate to ask me and I could consider the proposal.
23. How Long Do You See Yourself Being With Us Working This Job?
I see myself as a dog walker for at least until I graduate from University. That would mean for at least three more years. After graduating college I would like to pursue a new career, however, I would be very thankful for this opportunity and the experience that I can gain from this position. I’m also not from here so I was be moving back home to find a new job there. I’m sure that I’ll develop a lot of relationships with both the dogs and you so I would hope that we can stay in touch afterward.
24. Tell Me About A Time When You’ve Received Difficult Feedback
I can handle any difficult feedback or criticism without being overly emotional. Giving and receiving negative feedback is part of life, so I have learned to accept it and not take it personally. Sometimes people need to hear things that are unpleasant in order to better themselves and grow as individuals.
25. How Do You Go About Setting Goals For Yourself?
I like to set both short-term goals and long-term goals that are achievable. For example, a short-term goal might be walking more dogs per week while a long-term goal might be earning a new certification in dog behavior psychology.
Conclusion
Dog walking is a good job to have as you work in achieving long-term goals. The hours are fairly flexible and not stressful, making it a very suitable job for those who want extra income and enjoy caring for animals. It is also an ideal part-time or full-time career for college students, retirees, mothers with small children, and people who don’t need much money to live on since dog walkers generally rely on tips from clients. Before applying for any dog walking jobs that require an interview, make sure you are able to answer all interviewer questions about dog training and taking care of pets properly without getting nervous or showing signs of lacking experience!
