Customer Reviews

The Dog Walker's Startup Guide: Create Your Own Lucrative Dog Walking Business in 12 Easy Steps

5 star:		(6)
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3 star:		(1)
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After a brief introduction where the author talks about his life and what lead him to start a dog walking business I felt like I was reading a biography of my own life - particularly his discussion of himself as being in one of B.F. Skinner's experiments, and his feelings of "learned helplessness."

After that the book wastes no time getting into the meat of starting a dog walking business - chapter one lays the groundwork by encouraging a self-examination of one's personal finances and then quickly moves into planning a business that will meet those needs.

I will tell you if you are looking for a "small business nuts and bolts book" this isn't it - this book doesn't spend much time talking about the intricacies of running a small business and I was happy about that (see the small business for dummies series)- the author spends his time discussing the unique aspects of starting a dog walking business and where those issues bear relevance to a small business processes, he discusses them at length.


The chapters of this book proceed as "steps" and each builds on the next and at the end of the chapters is an action list which takes the recommendations from the chapter and basically creates an organized "to-do" list - I found the process to be rather fun. I found his chapter on advertising to be excellent and well informed - the author worked in the advertising world and seems to have a great handle on what works and how best to maximize a limited advertising budget - another favorite was the chapter on 'Earning Trust' which brought up many things I never would have thought of.


Later, the chapters begin to delve into the actual issues dog walkers face from difficult dogs, to difficult clients - he discusses dog aggression, behavior, and training and makes an excellent case for becoming more knowledgeable in each, both from a financial standpoint, and from a safety standpoint. I thought the book was extremely well written, clear, and humorous at times - the author, having been a professional dog walker and business owner speaks to you from a position of understanding and experience and I found that comforting and encouraging.

This single book has lead me to create my own dog walking service. I couldn't ask for more in such an enjoyable and informative guide. I would recommend this book to anyone who is even slightly entertaining the idea of starting their own dog walking business!

I finally had enough of my "career" and said the heck with it. I've always dreamed of working with dogs as a career but never could figure out how to make it work. I think I've finally found the answer.

I got this book a few weeks ago from the publisher (Amazon was out of stock) along with their DVD. I really wasn't sure what to expect but after finishing the book and watching the DVD I have to say the author did a great job and knows what he's talking about. He covered pretty much everything I need to get my business started.

It's a step-by-step guide so that's how I'm going to take it, one step at a time! At the end of every chapter there is basically a To-Do list which makes the process very easy. I'm looking forward to it. I hope to be able to hand in my resignation in the next six months. Yahoo!!

If you are starting you own pet sitting business this is worth the purchase. Offers valuable information.

I'm in the process of reading this book and find it excellent, easy to read, and it goes right along with my own life, so I feel this is the business for me. The information is laid out step by step without a lot of fluff and has all the information you need to feel confident in starting this business, including some good advertising ideas. I know I can do this using his instructions and information and am excited to get started.

Great book. This book provided me with alot of information on how to start up a dog walking business. It's definitely a recommend reading.

Very fun and easy read. Really enjoyed it and wish I could do it. Disabled at the moment but hoping for the health problems togo away soon so I may start up this business. I love animals and would prefer working with them to people and to being outside working part time.