From the outside, it looks like a leisurely walk in the park. But in reality, there’s a lot of coordination behind the scenes.<\/p>\n
Diane Reddmann is a dog walker. She takes up to seven dogs out into the fields, the forest, and along remote paths \u2013 away from everyday life and into the routine of the dog group. What sounds like leisure is often a precisely organized and tightly scheduled job.<\/p>\n
“I work with the dogs purely on a positive basis,” said Reddmann, while her black Labrador, Leni, patiently waited beside her.<\/p>\n
Leni is more than just a companion \u2013 she is a co-trainer, mood barometer, and social interpreter. “She is basically always there,” Reddmann explained, “and she does a great job.”<\/p>\n
The business of dog walking<\/strong><\/p>\n Dog sitters are in demand. Many dog owners use the service because balancing a full-time job, children, and a pet often requires external help.<\/p>\n They also know that their dog is often more balanced in a group than alone at home. The groups Reddmann takes out in the Palatinate region are not randomly assembled. “The dogs must be socially compatible, healthy, and vaccinated.”<\/p>\n Age does not play a major role, “but male dogs should be neutered \u2013 that has simply been proven effective.” The routes, usually lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, and the service includes pick-up and drop off.<\/p>\n The logistical challenge begins not in the forest but on the street \u2013 collecting the dogs, getting them into the car, and dealing with different personalities.<\/p>\n “I have special dog walker insurance for up to 10 dogs,” Reddmann said. She also picks up dogs directly from her clients’ homes.<\/p>\n The German Animal Welfare Federation considers dog walkers a meaningful addition to dog care under certain conditions.<\/p>\n It is crucial that the carers have sufficient expertise, can handle the behaviour of the respective dog, and build a relationship of trust, said Nadia Wattad. “Trust can only develop if the walkers do not change unnecessarily often.”<\/p>\n Training instead of dominance<\/strong><\/p>\n On how Reddmann prevents aggression: “We play the name game,” she explained. Each dog receives its treat only after its name is called \u2013 this teaches the group to wait, listen, and trust.<\/p>\n Who joins the group is not just a matter of compatibility. There are initial consultations \u2013 preferably during a walk with Leni \u2013 followed by trial rounds without the owner. Does the dog show hunting instincts? How does it react in the group?<\/p>\n “If everything fits, they can join.” And if not? “I have already turned dogs away,” Reddmann said. Or removed them from the group after a few months. “You just notice when it doesn’t work.”<\/p>\n To ensure everything runs smoothly, she works with other positive reinforcements, such as the so-called marker word. Simply put, a word like “fine” helps the dog associate its action with, for example, a reward.<\/p>\n “It all comes from the principle of ‘training instead of dominating’,” Reddmann explained.<\/p>\n Are there ever runaway dogs?<\/strong><\/p>\n “It happens occasionally,” she said. “But they usually return to where they started.” Additionally, all dogs are equipped with GPS trackers.<\/p>\n Injuries? Rare. “Sometimes a thorn in the paw.” Accidents? More likely for her: “I’ve tripped over a few leads.” According to dog trainer Rainer Burisch, head of the dog walking division at the ProHunde professional association, a good dog walker can also be recognized by how they integrate new dogs.<\/p>\n It shouldn’t be the case whereby “all the dogs are let loose on the newcomer. Instead, they must first have the opportunity to get used to each other in a smaller group.”<\/p>\n Burisch believes any well-socialized dog is suitable for the walking service. Even a dog that is somewhat anxious could benefit from walks and playtime with several other dogs.<\/p>\n “They can really thrive in the group because they can attach themselves to a confident companion who guides and calms them.”<\/p>\n A second dog discount<\/strong><\/p>\n Since 2013, Reddmann has been active in the dog world \u2013 with a trainer’s licence, her own open dog meadow, and dog care services.<\/p>\n In 2023, she completed her training as a professional dog walker, and at the beginning of 2024, she became self-employed.<\/p>\n The costs: a weekly subscription costs \u20ac120 per month ($139), with twice-weekly walks costing correspondingly more. A second dog from the same family receives a 20% discount.<\/p>\n A romantic forest walk with dogs? Reddmann prefers to talk about safety, structure, and a loving yet professional framework for those dogs whose owners have no time during the day. Behind the seemingly simple walk lies planning, pragmatism, and mutual trust, she said.<\/p>\n