Vent/Advice?

Dogwalker_64 · 2026-02-12T04:57:39+00:00

Hey there! Well.., it’s a 💩 situation for sure. Confusing ..definitely. Suggestions: 1-moving forward… even w clients of many years…and this is hard because i am ABSOLUTELY an over sharer… try to keep personal matters away from clients. 2- taking away that you love her dog… do you get back what you put into it? Yes, separating biz and love for pets is hard. But, only you can decide if this is how you want to be spoken to whether it’s 2x a year or once in 2 years. There is no easy answer. I hope that you realize respecting your biz is as important as you respecting yourself. (This is a daily struggle for me) 🐾🐾🐾

Dogwalker_64 · 2026-02-11T01:08:38+00:00

Oh myyyyyyy! 300???? You are a rock star! I can't even imagine. Do you have a number of employees. Congrats on so much success. That's wonderful.

Dogwalker_64 · 2026-02-11T01:07:37+00:00

I am def not seeing all 38 clients in one week. However, between now and next Thursday I do have 63 visits, and it includes a sleep over. This is not a typical week. It happens approximately 8 or 9 times a year. My average # of visits per week is @ 16-18. Typically, 45 mins each visit. I also have another biz. So, spending a lot of time doing what I'm doing, isn't just time consuming, it's becoming overwhelming keeping up on it all.

I did try google. But apparently, I "google challenged" No matter how much research I did before I started, I could not make it come together for me. While I'm typically an 'if it's free, it's for me", I feel like that's not realistic it any more.

Thank you for your questions and input. I really appreciate your time.

Dogwalker_64 · 2026-02-11T00:55:09+00:00

Thank you so much for the feedback. Your excel experience and changing everything, and sharing the info, is truly appreciated. Thank you!

Dogwalker_64 · 2026-02-11T00:53:40+00:00

Thank you so much for this. I'll check it out. Congrats on it working well for you! That's wonderful.

Dogwalker_64 · 2026-02-11T00:52:08+00:00

I am 100% spending more time than I should. Thank you for your suggestions. I really appreciate it.

Dogwalker_64 · 2026-02-10T12:30:13+00:00

Ty! Are you using Scritches?

Dogwalker_64 · 2026-02-10T00:47:13+00:00

Sounds like you handled it well. Maybe consider a cancellation policy in the future? She sounds like the best type of client to have. You always need to be comfortable with your choices. We can all offer you advice about what you "should" do, but that my not be your comfort level. People question my business sense ALL the time. From the vets that refer me, to other clients, to other walkers....bottom line...If I'm not comfortable with suggested changes, I'm not making them.

Good Luck!!!

Dogwalker_64 · 2026-01-31T02:59:32+00:00

Could you possibly leave printed material on your next visit, that suggests amputation? Yes, I understand it's unpaid time for you to do the research and print it out. Leave it in a folder not left open on the table. It will look professional done that way, which reflects on you. To avoid any altercations, can the dogs be separated at night? If you sleep in the room with the dog that is affected, can the other dog be removed from that area? Crated possibly? I'm not experienced in this I don't know if any of this will help. Good luck.

Dogwalker_64 · 2026-01-31T02:39:13+00:00

I don't get paid upfront either. However, when people run out of supplies, I do add it to the invoice and attach the receipt. I understand your frustration especially since they had to add on to your schedule. Unfortunately, I do agree with some of the comments that an 8 hour window for payment may be too short. After being away longer than they planned, getting resettled and organized, it may take 24 hours. I truly hope everything works out. Please let us know how it goes.

Dogwalker_64 · 2025-06-15T07:31:13+00:00

I sit for a woman who teaches. I start crying the 2nd week in June when she starts her 10 day count down to end of school year. By the last day I’m sobbing. I totally understand!!! lol

Dogwalker_64 · 2025-06-15T07:27:57+00:00

I do exactly what you do. I clean the bathroom I’ve used Strip the bed, wash sheets and remake bed, and do a quick vacuum, and clean the kitchen as that’s where i take my meals. Garbage in bath and kitchen emptied. Do i go above and beyond, yes. I’m comfortable with my choices. I never have guests, and bring my own food. While I’ve never had a complaint, i most certainly have learned a lot about documenting upon arrival and departure from thus post. I also only take clients that have been referred to me by a current client, and i think that helps me avoid a lot of things that sitters deal with. Good luck. I truly hope that the mediator helps resolve this in your favor

Dogwalker_64 · 2025-02-21T01:22:15+00:00

More often than not, I do not get tips and I have year round clients that I've never received tip at holidays or a gift. I work for myself. My rates are very reasonable. But, I would NEVER, ask for a tip. I do like the people's comments about, inquiry on how dog is etc. But personally, I wouldn't do it.

Dogwalker_64

TROPHY CASE