Q: How long has Doggone been in business?
A: Since March 2005.

Q: Who would walk my dog?
A: Luke is the owner operator of Doggone and offers a personal service. Luke is the only person who would come to your home to pick up and walk your dog, ensuring the best and consistent quality of care.

Q: Is Doggone insured?
A: Doggone holds Public and Product Liability Insurance and Insurance for Property in Doggone’s custody or control which includes your dog. This insurance is not intended for minor injury but in the event of a major incident.
However it is the pet owner’s responsibility to ensure that adequate pet insurance is in place. Doggone will not be held responsible for any accident, loss or injury howsoever caused.

Q: My dog is microchiped why is a name tag also needed?
A: By NSW law your pet must be both microchiped and have a name tag with a phone number. In the unlikely event your dog became separated from the walk group your dog will be returned much quicker than with a name tag than without, otherwise you dog would need to go to a Vet or pound to be scanned. You would also need to ensure you registration details are up to date at all times. A simple tag with a mobile phone number can avoid a lot of heartache.

Q: Do I have to be home when you pick up and drop off my dog?
A: No. In most instances the owner will be at work or otherwise busy when Luke comes to walk your dog. Every now and again you may bump into Luke if you are home or we can communicate through notes or text messages. If I feel we have seen each other for a while I will email or call you and I encourage all clients to do the same.

Q: Who has keys and access to my home?
A: In most cases Luke keeps possession of your keys. Keys are labelled with the dogs name only and with Luke’s phone number. Luke has have never had any problems regarding keys and has often rescued clients who have locked themselves out.

Q: Don’t the dogs fight?
A: No or very rarely does this happen. After 5 years dog walking I have never had a serious fight in my group. There is the odd scuffle but a good experienced dog walk can break these up quickly or avoid then altogether. Dogs are naturally friendly, social animals much like humans, a little argy bargy is to be expected now and again, much like humans. Group dog walking is a great way to socialise your dog and teach your dog the skills to avoid conflict.

Q: Do you offer boarding?
A: Yes, but only for selected regular walk clients or new clients after a trial overnight stay. Your dog would usually be the only dog staying over and would need to comfortably fit into Luke’s home life. Feel free to request this service if Luke is unable to help he can recommend a reliable better suited to your needs.

Q: My dog has never walked in a group before. Do you think this will be a problem?
A: No. Rarely do I find that a dog is not suitable.

Q: Do you only accept well-trained dogs?
A: No. As a matter of fact group walks often help with training. Many owners have noticed improvement in their dog’s behaviour after starting professional dog walking. However, we only accept nice, social able dogs.

Q: How will I know if my dog is suitable for group walks?
A: We start with a phone consultation before providing service. During this consultation, your dog’s health, (both physical and mental) are discussed. Then we meet with you and your dog prior to our first walk. Most dogs take to group walk like ducks to water.

Q: When the weather is very hot, are the dogs given water?
A: Of course. Luke carries water bowls, and water in car which is offered on all walk, hot weather or cold. Dogs should have access to fresh water at all times.

Q: If it is raining or really cold, do you still go out walking?
A: Normally, yes. Luke walks rain, hail or shine (almost). If Luke sees the dogs are truly having a hard time, we will cut the walk short but these are rare extreme weather events. During torrential rain and storms the dogs will generally quickly return to the car themselves when they have had enough and politely ask to be driven home please.
Leave a towel out on wet days if you would like them to have a rub down after walking in the rain. You can cancel the walk at short notice during extreme weather without penalty.

Q: If it is really hot, do you still go out walking?
A: Normally, yes. Often on hot days we often go swimming at the beach, to a park where the dogs can cool off in water or a cool shady forest. Drinking water is always available. Luke is experienced enough to gauge if a dog seems stressed. Some breeds and tiny dogs are more vulnerable to heat stress and are best at home on very hot days. You should feel free to cancel your walk in extreme weather events. Walks are only cancelled during extreme weather events such as forecasts over 40C.

Q: Can I cancel my regular walk booking.
A: Yes, but we do ask for at least three days notice for a one off cancellation or as much time as is reasonable if you need to cancel for a week or more would be appreciated.
Doggone is a small business and has capacity for a limited number of clients. Your regular booking is accepted on the basis that you will use and pay for that booking just as you should expect I will honour your booking and walk your dog as agreed.
Short notice cancellation will incur payment in full if you wish to maintain your regular booking.
If you dog is sick or injured you may cancel any time without penalty, or on days with extreme weather.

Q: Do you have references?
A: Yes. Several long-term and past clients are happy to give phone references. Please see the testimonials on this website.

Q: My dog is elderly. Would a group walk be too much?
A: The answer to this question varies from dog to dog. Many elderly dogs can easily enjoy a group walks. In off leash group walks the older and quieter dogs tend to potter and sniff about while the young dogs run and play like there is no tomorrow, this way your dog can self-pace. Luke will tell you if he feels the dog is stressed by the activity.

Q: At what age can a puppy start walking in groups?
A: This is a very individual decision. That said I love walking puppies as they are so cute, it makes my day.
Generally, after about 4 to 5 months of age but the answer to this question varies from dog to dog. I advise you to consult with your veterinarian regarding its vaccinations and development. With puppies less than 5 months I take special care that they don’t exhaust themselves, often carrying the puppy for part of the walk but I can’t stress enough the importance of seeking personal vet advice before making your own decision to have a young pup walked.

Q: Where are the dogs walked?
A: Dog friendly beaches and parks.

Q: What do you do if my dog does not get along with another dog?
A: I would put them in a different group to see how if that works. I some cases I have been unable to walk a dog because of unsociable behaviour and would refer you to another walker, but this rarely happens.