Questions for Humans
How many dogs do you walk at one time? I specialise in one to one walking, because I know from experience that some dogs don't enjoy being walked in a big pack – for example if they are nervous around other dogs. This also allows me to be sensitive to the needs of your dog in terms of the level and duration of any activity. I walk with a maximum of three dogs, and only where there is a good match between pups. We can discuss what best suits your dog at our initial free no commitment, 60 minute meet and greet.
Are you able to offer day care / sitting services for more than one dog? Yes, if the dogs are from the same household and get along. We can agree the charge for this when we speak.
Is the 60 minute meet and greet mandatory? Yes, I will need to meet with you and your dog so we can get to know each other before I start caring for your dog. This is important to see if we all get along okay, and I can understand the needs of you and your dog.
What do I need to provide for walking, day care or sitting?
Which areas do you cover? What do you mean by North London? I walk dogs who live in the following postcode: N1, N4, N5, N16, E5, E8 For boarding and sitting of three days or more I cover zones 1-4.
Are dogs walked off lead? Yes, with your written permission and if I am confident that the dog will come back when called. Prior to this I have a 20 metre training lead that allows your dog to roam freely in complete safety.
Will you walk dogs that have not been spayed or neutered? Yes. The important part is the relationship your dog has with me and their environment while we are walking. I cannot walk a dog that has ever bitten another dog or a human, without a muzzle. As a dog owner it is advisable that you are aware of the advice regarding spaying / neutering. The Royal Veterinary College's most recent advice can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/2vtpnv7s
Do you offer ad-hoc / occasional walks? Yes, at a rate of £25 for 60 minutes. (£30 at weekends.)
Do you offer day care? Yes, at a rate of £50 for 8 hours. (£60 at weekends.)
Do you offer any other services while house sitting, visiting? Yes. I can also carry out basic house admin at no extra charge - to make sure everything is safe and secure in your absence. This includes watering plants, feeding fish or other animals, seeing in deliveries and so on. I can also be available for deliveries of recorded items etc.
How do you collect my dog from my house? I can collect your dog by foot, or via public transport if further away. I am able to collect your dog if you are out if you provide a key. Alternatively you can drop your dog at my house for day care. I do not walk any dogs that live further than two miles from Stoke Newington. In these cases I advise contacting a local walker. All of your address information is stored confidentially and I am bound by the Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR).
Are you insured? I have liability insurance with Cliverton Insurance. This covers all dog care and transport.
How do I pay? Bank transfer, within 7 days. For sitting and boarding of more than three days a 50% deposit is required to ensure your booking. This is non refundable for bookings with less than seven days notice.
What do you do in the case of emergency? I will contact you. If you aren’t available I will contact your emergency contact. I ask all parents to sign consent to allow a Veterinarian to carry out any critical treatment or surgery, if both you and your emergency contact are unreachable.
Are you able to train my dog? I am not a dog trainer, but am able to work with your dog around recall and incentivising desirable behaviour. If you specifically want your dog trained then I advise that you seek a qualified trainer.
Can you administer medication? Yes, providing you agree to this and provide comprehensive instructions.
What is your cancellation policy? 24 hours for walks, day care and sitting of up to three days. 7 days notice for sitting or stays of 4 days or more. I charge the full rate for cancelled bookings outside of these times.
What did you do before starting Gentle Paws? I worked as a housing adviser and advocate for people sleeping rough or threatened homelessness for 23 years, most recently at Crisis UK. After such a long time I wanted a change and to be working in my local community – so I decided to start Gentle Paws because I am a dog lover, and enjoy walking with them in nature. The inspiration behind the idea and name is a dog called Lenny who I met through Borrow My Doggy. I have been walking with him since 2019, and we have had such fun, not to mention that he helped me recover after my dad died. I am currently training as a counsellor, and once qualified I want to offer therapy to people, but including dogs as a therapeutic element, where appropriate. Please contact me if you have any further questions.
Questions for Dogs
When are we going to the park?
Well this really depends on you, because I am a full time dog carer – so we can go out as often and for as long as you want. Generally I find that a 90 minute walk suits most healthy dogs, but obviously we can discuss this when you arrive.
What does dog centred mean?
It means that the care I provide is all about the dog, in this case YOU. I generally walk one to one, and only ever with a maxiumum of three dogs, so will be very attentive to your needs. Also, if you are happy to then when we walk together I will let you lead. Of course I will keep you safe at all times and ensure you don’t just spend the whole walk rolling in fox poo. I understand that some dogs like to lead the way and others need more guidance, so I adapt to whatever is appropriate. I will speak with your parents so I know what you prefer and all your favourite places to walk.
Is it okay to bark at the foxes at night?
Yes, that’s fine. I don’t mind. I realise that you are just trying to keep our household safe. Obviously if you are barking too loudly I’ll be there to help you calm down so we don’t wake the neighbours.
What treats and snacks do you have?
Only the most delicious, nutritious snacks. Every dog has their own favourite so I will be sensitive to that. Obviously if your parent has any snacks they know you particularly enjoy you can have those. You’ll have to speak with your parent though if you want more snacks than they tell me to give you.
Do you walk in the rain?
Yes, absolutely. However, I do understand that some dogs don’t enjoy the rain so I have a big umbrella to keep you dry, and we can take shelter in the park should there be a particularly big downpour. Obviously if you are the kind of dog that likes the mud and wet, we can play in the park as usual, of course.