Release of our Android™ dog walking app
APDWS™ are pleased to confirm that our Android dog walking app is now available on our members page, please read our instructions on how to install. You can share your walks through social including facebook™ and Instagram™.
Work is due to commence on our IOS app in early November
We are hoping to have the IOS (Apple) app ready by Late February 2022, work should start as soon as the Android version is complete and has been signed off. This will only be available from the app store.
Roll out of first Elearning module
APDWS™ have now released the first elearning module, this is basic first aid course module one. On successful completion we will issue a certificate confirming completion of the course. Email us if you would like to take part.
APDWS™ Coronvirus Update
The Coronavirus situation is now much improved from a dog walking perspective and we find that virtually all coronavirus restrictions have been lifted. We would however still advise that where possible wear masks and use hand sanitser when visiting the elderly and the vulnerable.
Member featured website
At APDWS™ we are always looking for ways to promote our members businesses and in line with that, we would like to hear if anybody would like their dog walking / sitting websites featured on our webpages. This will be free of charge.
APDWS™ head and shoulders above the rest
The Association of Professional Dog Walkers and Sitters continue to add further content to our website and provide additional tools to our members free of charge. We do not charge for every extra.
Channel 4 The Dog House
The Association of Professional Dog Walkers and Sitters have been approached by Five Mile Films to see if any of our members clients would like to participate in the channel 4 show The Dog House. They are looking for dog owners who have behavioural problems with their dogs.
NEW APDWS Directory
APDWS™ are about to launch a brand new directory website for local dog walkers, local dog sitters, local dog trainers and domestic dog boarders. APDWS™ members will get 2 free featured listings free of charge which will cost non members £15. If you are providing both dog walking and sitting for example you can add 2 separate listings. Why not be one of the first to list on this website, you can find the site at https://www.localdogwalkers.org.uk
APDWS™ New Forum Active
The Association of Professional Dog Walkers and Sitters forum has now been updated and security changed to ensure only members are allowed to post, although anyone can view the posts. I hope our members will make use of the forum as it is a good way for new starters to the industry get advice and support. You can access our forum here https://www.apdws.co.uk/forum
Heat Stroke & Dogs
As we start to head into the summer we need to remember that dogs can get heat stroke too.The signs of heat stroke in dogs are panting, drooling, drowsy and can seem uncoordinated. Should you find a dog with these symptons during hot weather you should stop any exercise, use cool water to slowly reduce the dogs temperature and allow the dog to drink small amounts of water. The water should be cool not ice cold.
If you are transporting dogs in hot weather make sure that you leave windows open to allow air to flow through the vehicle and use air conditioning where fitted.
Fleas & Ticks in warm Weather
All professional dog walkers will be aware that fleas and ticks are more prevalent during warm weather and therefore need to keep a close eye on dogs in their charge. Remember to check with their owners to ensure a flea and tick regime is in place.
Ticks are usually found in the leaf litter of woodlands and shaded areas, they climb up the vegetation in search of food. Ticks do not have eyes but can sense carbon dioxide as dogs walk pass and can also pick up vibrations when walking our dogs.
Fleas also thrive in the warm weather and can be a major irritation in more than one way, fleas can cause skin irritations and some of these can be very severe. If you are walking a dog that is showing unusual signs of irritation, please let their owner know as soon as possible. If you do have a dog that is suspected to have fleas, but is being treated please walk the dog separately.Here at Association of Professional Dog Walkers & Sitters™ we hope you have a great spring and summer and stay safe and away from our irritating little insect friends.