Life with pets
Write an introduction for a new dog walker
A walker introduction covers what your dog does reliably, what sets him off, and how you want specific situations handled. It gives the walker something to refer back to, which a rushed verbal briefing doesn't.
A text to start with
Write a dog walker introduction for my three-year-old mixed breed, Scout. He pulls toward other dogs and needs to be redirected with the verbal cue 'leave it' before he gets close. He's nervous around men in hats. He shouldn't be off-leash outside our yard. If he's limping or seems hurt, the walker should end the walk and call me at [your number] before going to the vet. Our vet is [Clinic Name] at [phone number].
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.What to check before sending it
Read the behavior instructions as if you had never met Scout. Are the cues and handling steps specific enough for a stranger to follow? Remove anything that sounds like a training guarantee, since dogs respond differently. Confirm the emergency contact and vet number are current. If Scout has a medical condition or takes medication, add that section yourself with the exact details.
Handing it off
Send the introduction before the first walk, then do a short in-person walkthrough where you demonstrate any cues it mentions. Ask the walker to read it while you're there so you can answer questions. Update it whenever Scout's behavior or your contact information changes.