
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS
-
More than a walking service, the Paw House offers solutions and training on each outing. We pride ourselves on our consultation-based proactive approach to fulfilling your and your dog’s individual needs. We work with you to get the most out of your relationship with your dog. We offer the following services:
Half day (AM or PM) £17
Full day £25
Long day £30
Boarding £45
…For more details, please visit out services and rates pages.
-
We take bookings via WhatsApp, with regular customers recommended to book walks in 2 or 4 week rolling blocks to provide consistency to pack group walks. First time customers need to book in for a consultation before booking one of our services.
-
We’re walking with our pack Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. We can communicate with the owners after all our Pooches have been dropped off home and during weekends. Please note that we do not offer walks on weekends or bank holidays, but boarding remains open based on availability.
-
We’re based in Bedminster, Bristol and cover the following postcodes: BS1, BS2, BS3, BS4, BS6, BS7 and BS8. We try our best to cover as much of the Bristol area as possible, but we have to prioritise our pack’s time outdoors. Best way to ensure we can provide our service in your area is to doublecheck during an initial consultation.
-
Half day (AM) £17
Half day (PM) £17
Full day £25
Long day £30
Boarding (day care + overnight stay) £45
-
The Paw House accepts bank transfers to an account listed on our invoices.
-
We understand that changes to your schedule happen and last-minute bookings happen. Should you require any last minute service, please get in touch via WhatsApp.
24 hour cancellation policy is required. If less than 24 hours notice is given, a standard £10 cancellation fee will be charged. Any changes to booked schedules (i.e. swapping/rescheduling prebooked services) are processes upon request and subject to availability.
-
Yes. We are certified in dog training, dog behaviour as well as first aid to ensure our pack and team are safe. You can find out more here.
DOG WALKING-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
-
Each walk is at least 60 minutes long. This duration requires your dog to be physically fit enough to walk continuously for at least an hour. We recognize the importance of catering to different needs; therefore, we aim to eventually offer a dedicated session for slower or older dogs, as well as those recovering from injuries. However, this specific service is not available at this time.
-
Our walker is permitted to take up to 6 dogs on any given outing, adhering to our licensing regulations. This pack size allows us to ensure that all dogs receive adequate physical activity and mental stimulation while maintaining their safety. Each walk is designed to provide a well-balanced experience for the dogs, allowing them to socialise and engage in their natural behaviours within a controlled environment.
-
We don’t currently offer solo dog walks. We believe that group dog walks provide a fantastic opportunity for dogs to learn, play, and socialise. These interactions enhance their overall well-being, allowing them to develop social skills and build confidence in a fun and stimulating environment. Group walks also encourage healthy exercise habits while fostering a sense of companionship among dogs. We prioritize these enriching experiences, aiming to create a supportive community for both our furry clients and their owners.
-
While group dog walks can offer many benefits for your pooch, there is some preparation that needs to be done beforehand.
There are questions that have to be answered first, like: Is my dog fit enough to go on a group dog walk? Is my dog up to date on all the needed vaccinations and treatment?
Instead of sending you on a Google search, we'd rather offer a quick expert assessment of the situation. Get in touch for a free assessment with the Paw House expert!
-
We provide a flexible approach to training by offering both on-lead and off-lead options tailored to each dog's specific needs. This method is an integral part of our comprehensive training program, ensuring that every dog receives the appropriate support and guidance for their development.
-
Our commitment to ensuring the safety and comfort of every dog is paramount. We monitor weather conditions closely and make informed decisions to provide a positive experience for all participants. Whether it’s a sunny or a rainy day, our walks are designed to accommodate the needs of our furry friends while keeping their well-being as our top priority.
-
Before we take your pooch out, we make sure to gather details of your veterinary practice and relevant emergency contacts. Any incidents that occur during a walk will be reported directly to the owner, regardless of severity or fault, to ensure full transparency and allow for appropriate action to be taken. We believe in keeping the owner involved in the decision-making process at all times.
-
Yes! We love making sure you know what your Pooch has been up to during the day. We send you pictures from the day as well as summaries of how they’ve been behaving or how they’re progressing. This way, you can stay connected and fully informed about your pet’s experiences while they are with us. Whether it's playtime antics or quiet moments, we strive to keep you updated on every paw-some detail. Your dog’s happiness and well-being are our top priorities, and we want you to feel involved in their day-to-day adventures.
TRAINING-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
-
Our approach to training and dealing with behaviour management is built around reinforcing good behaviours. Offering solutions and training on each walk, we use rewards to maximise effectiveness and gain best results.
When done properly, dog training is fun and mentally stimulating. Our qualified trainers reinforce good behaviours and positive relationship between you and your dog.
-
Our priority is ensuring that your dog is safe and your relationship with them strong and. Some of the focus areas we cover include:
Basic commands - Commands that are useful for your dog to know are: sit, stay, leave it, and come.
Recall - Recall is one of the most important behaviours to tech your dog. It is essential that your pooch has a reliable recall before allowed off lead.
Self-control - Impulse control is vital for your dog to stay calm in exciting and stimulating environments. Teaching patience can also be crucial to your dog's safety.
If there are specific behaviours you’d like us to help you with, get in touch. -
Yes. It is important you create a consistent routine for your pooch and apply positive reinforcement techniques. Using treats, praise, or playtime as rewards can effectively encourage your dog to repeat desired behaviours. When your dog exhibits a positive behaviour, such as sitting on command or walking nicely on a lead, immediately reward them. This helps them associate the action with a positive outcome.
Consistency is key; ensure that all family members understand the rules and rewards. Practicing commands regularly, along with reinforcing good behavior, will help your dog understand expectations and develop good habits more quickly. Remember that patience and repetition are essential components in this process. Over time, with your guidance, your dog will learn to exhibit positive behaviors as a natural response.
SAFETY-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
-
Before we take your pooch out, we make sure to gather details of your veterinary practice and relevant emergency contacts. Any incidents that occur during a walk will be reported directly to the owner, regardless of severity or fault, to ensure full transparency and allow for appropriate action to be taken. We believe in keeping the owner involved in the decision-making process at all times.
-
We have comprehensive insurance specifically designed for professional dog walking, pet care services, pet transport as well as pet boarding.
-
Our pack’s safety and your piece of mind are out top priority. We are trained in dog behaviour and first aid and make sure these certificated are kept up to date.
CONSULTATION
Before you use any of our services, our trained Bristol dog walker will arrange a free consultation. This gives us all and opportunity to get to know each other and come up with a care plan that suits both you and your four-legged companion!