Q. Can I book single days? or At Short Notice?
Unfortunately, we are unable to take on short term walkers or temporary requests. I’m afraid that services of Sniff & Wagg Trails are in very high demand with regular weekly walkers, so we do not provide services for people who just need the odd dog walk every now and again.
We are a members only service. Customers are required to commit to at least one fixed day per week, to retain a space within the group. This helps to create calm, safe and reliable groups of dogs. It ensures that I can form a really good bond with your dogs and understand their individual needs. Matching dogs who are similar breeds, age, size and enjoy the same things and can therefore get the most out of their walks. The dogs all know each other well and are not put in stressful situations having to tolerate lots of different dogs that they may only meet occasionally, putting them in a situation where they may not be comfortable.
Q. Can you collect my dog while I am out at work?
Yes, Sniff & Wagg Trails is fully insured for Public Liability and Key Holding. Kate is DBS checked, discreet and trustworthy for accessing homes. Keys are held unmarked so the connection with your dog or your address is known only to Sniff & Wagg Trails. Kate will access your dog as per your specific instructions and return them in the same way. Safe and Secure.
Q. How will my dog travel?
As a professional in animal care, you won’t be surprised to know that your dog’s safety is paramount and dogs travelling with me do so in total comfort. Your dog will be collected in an unmarked van (for discretion and safety). The van contains purpose-built, professional and independently crash tested, pet transportation cages for each dog, with at least two entry and exit doors per cage and the floor is entirely covered in rubber matting for easy cleaning.
For those warm days we have air conditioning and dog cooling mats for each cage and fans. Water is always carried as standard.
Q. Will my dog be supervised at all times?
Yes, your dog will never be left unsupervised while in our care. When collecting/dropping off other dogs, the van will be locked and always be parked in sight. Dogs are never left unattended in the van to walk another dog.
Q: How many dogs do you walk at any one time?
Although insured to walk 6 dogs, numbers when possible are limited to a maximum of 4 dogs, as greater emphasis is placed on training & safety over quantity. This ensures your dog receives lots of individual attention and enables me to play training games from my awesome list of games and activities. It also means less travel time for your dog in the van and no overcrowding.
Q. Do you walk all dogs off the lead?
Yes. Dogs on our group walks are given off-lead time, which is why a basic level of recall is required. For their first few walks, dogs will remain on a long line while they settle in and get to know me and the group. Once your dog has shown they can regularly check in, stay connected, and respond reliably, we gradually introduce off-lead time within the group.
Longlines are only used when your dog is wearing a well fitted, comfortable Y shaped harnesses. Long lines will not be attached to collars so as not to damage throats.
Your dog will be taught to exit the van calmly, appropriately, and safely. From the van, they will walk on lead to a designated safe area before being allowed off lead. Dogs are never let off lead in unsafe locations, including near roads or livestock. On some occasions, dogs may be briefly put back on lead during the walk if needed.
If your dog is unable to be off lead then solo dog walks will be more suitable initially.
Q. Where will my dog be walked?
Walks all take place locally in and around the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape. This beautiful area has many varying walks from stunning coastlines, woodlands, fields and rolling countryside. I’m committed to sustainabity, keeping journeys short and local, not only to reduce our environmental impact, but also to minimise travel time in the van for the dogs.
Q: What happens in an emergency?
In an emergency I will contact you immediately. If I am unable to get hold of you, I will attempt your emergency contact. If veterinary attention is needed, I will take your dog to your preferred vet or the nearest vet depending on circumstances.
Q. Do you have any First Aid Training?
Yes, I have attended numerous courses including an in person practical course with Rachel Bean RVN MCFBA and have been certified to provide canine first aid & CPR. I carry a mini first aid kit and tourniquet on all my walks and have a larger full first aid kit in my van.
Q. Are you insured?
Yes, I have specialised Pet Business Insurance.
It’s a comprehensive insurance that includes liability insurance, property damage coverage, and even coverage for lost keys.
Q. How long will my dog be walked for?
Group walks are 50 minutes to 1 hour. This does not include travel time, so your dog will be out for longer, depending where they are on the pick-up/drop-off routine.
Q. Can you provide any training for my dog?
As a qualified dog trainer, I proactively practise core behaviours such as recall, focus, connection, loose lead walking, emergency stop, door and gate manners, food manners, sit & wait, all accompanied by consistent marker works. So whether your dog is walking solo or in a group, your dogs will be working on basic skills and manners to be well socialised.
Breed specific walks mean that I focus on the genetics and traits of your pet gundogs and fullfill their individual appropriate needs through breed specific enrichment and training games.
* Please note, these are not ‘training done for you walks’, the games and activities we play will all help your dog to learn important life skills but are not a substitute for training your own dog.
Q. What are your training and handling methods?
All training is reward based which encompasses my own beliefs and ethics as a dog trainer. Harsh handling of dogs, physical force and the use of punitive methods/ punishment/ corrections or equipment designed to be aversive (including choke chains, check chains, head collars, prong collars, spray collars, e-collars or any other device deemed unacceptable) will not be used while walking your dog.
Q. What is your policy on walking female dogs who are in season?
For the wellbeing of all dogs in our care, we do not include female dogs who are in season in our group walks. Their presence can cause heightened excitement or tension among other dogs, so we avoid group settings during this time. Instead, we offer tailored home enrichment visits or solo walks to keep them safe, comfortable, and engaged.
Q. How will you ensure my dog is safe and enjoying their walks?
I have extensive real life experience as well as qualifications and I am committed to expanding my knowledge of dogs, so you can be sure your dog is in the safest hands possible whilst in my care!
I have training in various aspects of canine body language and behaviour, I am proficient at reading subtle cues and signals from your dog. This skill ensures that your dog is not only physically exercised but also emotionally understood, making each walk a happy experience.
For the dog's safety and owner peace of mind, I have invested in a Tractive dog tracker. This GPS tracting device can be worn on your dog's collar when requested for the duration of your dogs walk. * It will be switched off while travelling to comply with my privacy policy.
To minimise any potential risks when dogs are dropped off home alone, we have implemented a No Collar Policy: If your dog wears a collar during the walk, it will be removed before they are left home alone. This is to prevent accidents such as the collar getting caught on furniture, crates, or other household items.
Q. Do you have a cancellation policy?
Regular weekly slots are reserved for your dog, so visits cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice are still chargeable.