What Should I Tell My Dog Walker About My Dog’s Behavior?
If you’re hiring a dog walker for the first time, you may be wondering how much you should share about your dog’s behavior.
The honest answer is: almost everything.
The more your dog walker knows before that first walk, the easier it is to keep your dog comfortable, avoid surprises, and make the experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
After walking thousands of dogs around Denver, I’ve learned that every dog has quirks. Some pull. Some freeze. Or some even bark at trucks, hats, squirrels, or objects that appear completely harmless to the rest of us.
You don’t need to convince me that your dog is perfectly behaved. You just need to help me understand who they are.
Tell Me What Makes Your Dog Your Dog
When clients ask, “What should I tell my dog walker about my dog’s behavior?” I usually tell them to start with anything that could affect the walk.
Let your walker know if your dog:
- Pulls hard on the leash
- Reacts to other dogs, people, children, bikes, or scooters
- Gets nervous around loud noises or construction
- Freezes or refuses to move
- Can back out of a harness or bolt through a door
- Tries to eat chicken bones, mulch, or mystery sidewalk snacks
- Has food allergies or treat restrictions
- Has arthritis, heat sensitivity, or another medical concern
- Knows certain commands or follows a specific routine
- Has a bite history or warning behaviors
None of these things are automatically deal breakers. They’re information.
A dog who pulls for the first two minutes because they’re excited is different from a dog who lunges whenever a rabbit appears. A nervous dog who freezes around construction equipment needs a different route than a dog who simply wants to sniff every tree between your house and the corner.
Good dog walking isn’t about forcing every dog into the same routine. It’s about adjusting the walk to the dog in front of you.
That’s also why some dogs do better with private, one-on-one dog walks . A familiar walker, a quieter route, and no group of unfamiliar dogs can make the experience much more comfortable.
Sometimes the Trigger Is Very Specific
One dog I walked had no problem with the mail carrier. In fact, this specific carrier had treats for the apartment dogs.
FedEx was fine. Amazon didn’t seem to concern him.
UPS was another matter entirely.
The moment that familiar brown truck appeared, it was time to alert the entire neighborhood.
Why UPS specifically?
I have no idea. I’m not sure he did either.
He simply wasn’t down with the brown.
Once I knew that, it was easy to adjust. I could turn onto another street, create some distance, or pause until the truck moved on.
That’s the value of sharing specific triggers. Dogs don’t need to justify what bothers them. Your walker just needs enough information to respond before the situation becomes stressful.
Reactivity and fear can also show up in ways that are easy to miss. A stressed dog may bark, freeze, pull away, pace, pant, lick their lips, or suddenly become very interested in sniffing the ground. The American Kennel Club’s guide to signs of stress in dogs offers a helpful overview of those signals.
Please Don’t Worry About Embarrassing Me
After years of doing this, I’ve seen leash pulling, barking, zoomies, stubbornness, selective hearing, and dramatic sidewalk protests.
I’ve watched dogs declare war on recycling bins or who seemed convinced the neighborhood squirrel population was coordinating something larger than ordinary acorn collection.
I’ve also watched a supposedly calm dog launch into zoomies at the exact moment their owner finished saying, “He’s usually pretty calm.”
None of that embarrasses me.
Even more serious behavior should be shared honestly. If your dog has bitten or snapped before, explain what happened, what triggered it, and what precautions you currently use.
That doesn’t mean your dog is bad. It means your walker needs enough information to decide whether the arrangement is safe and appropriate.
The goal isn’t to judge your dog. The goal is to understand them.
What to Share Before the First Walk
Before your dog’s first walk, tell your walker about:
- Known triggers
- Leash pulling or lunging
- Fear, anxiety, or unusual reactions
- Escape risks
- Medical conditions and medications
- Food allergies and approved treats
- Commands your dog knows
- Favorite routes and sniffing spots
- Previous problems with walkers, sitters, or daycare
- Anything you would tell a trusted babysitter
Not sure whether it matters?
Mention it anyway. The seemingly silly details are often the ones that explain the biggest reactions.
There’s probably another dog somewhere who shares the same concern. Unless it’s the pig oven mitt. Akiko may have had that category to herself.
The Best Walks Start With Good Communication
Every dog has quirks.
Some are obvious. Others don’t appear until a tape measure opens, a suitcase rolls across the floor, or a UPS truck turns onto the block.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s understanding.
At Mr. Woof, every walk is private and personalized. There are no group walks and no dog park visits. Your dog gets one familiar walker, a route built around their needs, and a photo update after every visit.
You can learn more about private dog walking in Denver or review dog walking and pet sitting services and rates .
Mr. Woof serves Mayfair, Park Hill, Congress Park, Hilltop, Montclair, Cherry Creek, and nearby central Denver neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few quick answers to questions I often hear from new clients.
Should I tell my dog walker if my dog pulls?
Yes. Explain when the pulling happens, how strong it is, and what usually triggers it. Those details help your walker choose the right pace, route, and approach.
What if my dog is reactive?
Tell your walker what your dog reacts to, what the reaction looks like, and how much distance they usually need. Many reactive dogs do very well with calm, private walks.
What if my dog has bitten before?
Share the incident honestly, including what happened, what led up to it, and whether it has happened more than once. Your walker needs this information to make a responsible safety decision.
Should I leave treats for my dog walker?
Treats can be helpful if your dog is allowed to have them. Let your walker know which treats are approved and whether your dog has allergies, dietary restrictions, or resource-guarding behavior.
What should a dog walker know before the first visit?
Your walker should know about triggers, routines, leash behavior, escape risks, medical needs, medications, food restrictions, commands, and anything else that could affect your dog’s comfort or safety.