Question 1

Do you walk in groups?

Accepted Answer

No - Dottie PAWS is one to one only (or dogs in the same household).

Your dog will never be walked with other client's dogs. This is intentional, and it’s what makes the service also suitable for nervous, reactive, older, young, or simply sensitive dogs.

While many dogs thrive in group walks and busy environments, others benefit from calmer and more individualised focus.

We can recommend some excellent dog walkers in the area if you are looking for that type of service - please get in touch.

Question 2

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We currently cover LS29 only - Ilkley, Burley in Wharfedale and Addingham.  If you are from outside this area, do not hesitate to contact us for a chat though to see if we can help.

Question 3

Are you insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes, fully insured and DBS checked.

Question 4

What are your areas of expertise?

Accepted Answer

Dottie PAWS main focus is on one to one walks or enrichment focused home visits that are tailored to your dogs individual needs.

We are not behaviourists or trainers - what we do offer is consistent, behaviour-aware handling and a positive reward based approach to our walks and visits, that supports your dog’s welfare and mental wellbeing.

This has come from many years experience living and owning dogs, as well as ongoing training and learning through the British College of Canine Studies.

If your dog is working with a trainer or behaviourist, we're very happy to follow their training plan to keep things consistent.

We can also recommend some excellent dog trainers in the area, who we have first hand experience of.

Question 5

Can you walk my dog alongside their current training plan?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely - we're happy to follow any guidance from your trainer or behaviourist to keep everything consistent for your dog.

Question 6

How do you get know my dog?

Accepted Answer

Getting to know your dog starts before the first walk.

We begin with a relaxed discovery meeting and a short questionnaire so we can understand your dog’s routine, preferences and any things they find tricky. From there, we take time to observe, how your dog moves, what they’re drawn to, how they respond to their environment and what helps them feel settled.

Because all walks and visits are one-to-one, there’s space to adapt as we go. 
We don’t expect dogs to fit a set routine - instead, care is shaped around what works best for the individual, building familiarity, trust and consistency over time.

Question 7

Do you do home visits as well as walks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely.

Alongside one-to-one walks, I also offer home visits. These can be a great option for dogs who benefit from staying closer to home or shorter walks, perhaps due to age, recovery from illness or surgery, bad weather days, or simply preference.

Home visits can include enrichment games, gentle interaction, companionship and routine care, all shaped around what suits your dog on the day. They’re never rushed and are designed to be calm, thoughtful and supportive.

Many dogs benefit from a mix of both - shorter walks, followed by time spent with enrichment and interaction at home.

As our service is one-to-one and tailored around your dog, this can be adapted and flexible to their individual needs on the day.

Question 8

Do you take dogs off lead?

Accepted Answer

Only if it’s appropriate for your dog, safe and agreed in advance. Many of the dogs we support are happier on lead or a long line, and that is absolutely fine.

We can also arrange to take your dog to a secure, enclosed private dog field if this is preferable, so they can have the freedom to run and you have peace of mind they are safe (additional cost for hire and subject to availability).

Question 9

My dog is older, slower and sniffs everything. Is this ok?

Accepted Answer

It’s more than ok. Sniffing is extremely valuable, especially for older dogs. We are very happy to do slower walks, shorter routes, or more frequent breaks. The aim isn’t distance or keeping up with others - it’s about doing what is right for your dog.

We also offer our enrichment home visits, when gives your dog the chance to have companionship and interaction with their home.

Question 10

Will you have a key to my house?

Accepted Answer

If you need home visits or pick-ups and are not going to be in, then yes.

Keys are stored securely and never labelled with your address. We’ll follow your instructions carefully regarding alarms, access and locking up.

For peace of mind, we also are DBS checked and have full insurance cover.

Question 11

How do bookings work?

Accepted Answer

The first step is a message or call so we can understand what your dog needs. Then we arrange a relaxed meet and greet discovery session to find out more about you and your dog.

After that, we agree a schedule that suits your routine and your dog’s needs.

Question 12

Do you do ad-hoc bookings or regular slots?

Accepted Answer

Both, depending on availability.

Many clients prefer a regular routine (which dogs often love), but we can also help with occasional cover when you need a “helping paw”.

Question 13

How are you different from a typical dog walker?

Accepted Answer

There are lots of excellent dog walkers out there, and many dogs absolutely thrive with traditional group walks and a faster-paced approach.  If you are looking for group dog walks, we can certainly recommend some walkers to you.

Dottie PAWS offers an alternative for owners who are looking for one to one care and a more individual approach.

Our walks are often suitable for dogs who don’t always cope well in busy environments or larger groups. That means calmer walks, quieter routes, more time to sniff and decompress, as well as thoughtful home visits that focus on enrichment and wellbeing.

We work at the dog’s pace, adapting as we go, and paying close attention to body language and emotional needs.

Our services are ideal for those that need a more personalised, understanding approach, and for owners who value that kind of care.

Question 14

How much do you charge?

Accepted Answer

Because every dog is different, pricing is tailored to the type of support your dog needs rather than a one-size-fits-all list.

Factors such as walk length, visit type, frequency, location, and your dog’s individual needs all play a part. This ensures you’re not paying for services your dog doesn’t need, and that we can give each dog the time and attention they deserve.

Once we’ve had a chat and met your dog, we’ll clearly explain the options and costs so everything is transparent and straightforward

FAQ's

Frequently asked questions

Do you walk in groups?

What areas do you cover?

Are you insured?

What are your areas of expertise?

Can you walk my dog alongside their current training plan?

How do you get know my dog?

Do you do home visits as well as walks?

Do you take dogs off lead?

My dog is older, slower and sniffs everything. Is this ok?

Will you have a key to my house?

How do bookings work?

Do you do ad-hoc bookings or regular slots?

How are you different from a typical dog walker?

How much do you charge?

Something we've missed?

Contact us and we'll be in touch.

FAQ's

Frequently asked questions

Do you walk in groups?

What areas do you cover?

Are you insured?

What are your areas of expertise?

Can you walk my dog alongside their current training plan?

How do you get know my dog?

Do you do home visits as well as walks?

Do you take dogs off lead?

My dog is older, slower and sniffs everything. Is this ok?

Will you have a key to my house?

How do bookings work?

Do you do ad-hoc bookings or regular slots?

How are you different from a typical dog walker?

How much do you charge?

Something we've missed? Contact us and we'll be in touch.

Something we've missed?

Contact us and we'll be in touch.