Author: Tegan

08:24:32 GMT • 15 November 2024

Which are the Best Gadgets for Dog Walkers?

27 January 2023

•

5 mins read

Contributors

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

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Dog walking seems like such a simple thing to do: grab a lead, attach it to the dog, work out your route and away you go. But when you’re running a professional dog walking business, things aren’t necessarily quite that simple.

First of all, you’re likely to be walking several dogs at the same time, all with their own characteristics and energy levels, giving you lots to manage and think about. Then you’ve got all the hazards around you to avoid: people, bikes, traffic and other dogs, to name just a few. And on top of that, then there’s the weather to consider, and how your dogs might be affected if it’s too hot or too wet, for example.

All this means that owning a few nifty bits of kit can make the whole act of professional dog walking much easier for you, and potentially much more enjoyable for the dogs, too. In this blog, we’ve picked out some of the best gadgets for dog walkers.

Our choice of the best gadgets for dog walkers

There’s a huge marketplace for dog-related gadgets nowadays, but not all of them serve the needs of those walking multiple dogs simultaneously. With that specific consideration in mind, here are some of our favourites:

Pet Room Pouch Bag

There’s seemingly a million and one things that a dog walker has to carry with them: poop bags, treats, water bowls, phone, wallet/purse, keys, and so on. This can lead to some very full pockets, or the need to wear a big jacket in summer, which is where a handy pouch bag comes in handy. It’s full of space for treats and valuables, can be slung over your shoulder to free up your arms for lead control, and can even have things like water bowls clipped to the outside.

Portable Poop-Scoop

Clearing up dog mess isn’t pleasant, but it’s a necessary evil of the job when you’re a dog walker, so anything you can use to make it a bit more palatable is a worthwhile investment. A portable poop-scoop looks just like a giant Bulldog clip and works a treat: it even has an expandable chamber so it can handle even the biggest piles that the dogs you walk leave behind. The ability to clip it to a belt (or the pouch bag mentioned above) makes it especially user-friendly, too.

Biodegradable Poop Bags

No dog walker ever leaves the house without a copious supply of poop bags in their pockets, but the plastic nature of them isn’t especially kind to the environment. Instead, it’s worth looking at biodegradable poop bags made with a blend of corn starch that will eventually degrade over time. And don’t worry about leaks: they’re made from an especially thick material.

Car Seat Covers

If you’re collecting dogs from their owners, or taking them out for a walk in the countryside, then you may have to transport them in your car. Understandable, you won’t want to get your seats dirty, which is where you can benefit from car seat covers specifically designed to carry dogs. Not only do they protect your upholstery, but they can also come in the form of a basket that can give smaller dogs stability when they’re in the car.

Portable Dog Washer

If you do venture into the country, then it’s easy for dogs to get wet and muddy. However, a portable dog washer can solve the problem of getting everything dirty, or of you returning a dog to an owner much muckier than it was when it left. All you need to do is fill it with water, use the hand pump to build pressure (no electricity required) and use the brush attachment to clean the dog. It’s small enough to fit in the boot of your car, too.

Get Dog Walking Insurance with Protectivity

As useful as all these gadgets can be for dog walkers, you never know what might happen when you’re out on a walk. Whether it’s dogs jumping out in traffic, attacking other dogs, or their leads tripping people up, there are many things that can happen that could lead to a claim being made against you.

That’s why Protectivity provides comprehensive insurance specially tailored for the needs of professional dog walkers. With our competitively priced policies, you’ll be covered for injuries, accident damage, public liability, vet bills, and ‘Care, Custody and Control’, so you can grow your business with confidence. Find out more on our dog walking insurance policies here.

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What is Mediumship?

25 January 2023

•

5 mins read

Contributors

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

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We all live in a challenging world, and it’s perfectly understandable that many people feel they need spiritual help to guide them through their lives. This is especially the case for those who have lost someone close to them, and feel they need some guidance to help them along the way.

It’s for that reason that many people turn to mediumship for this spiritual guidance, which is helping mediumship become a viable business option. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the basics of mediumship, the different types of practice, and how to set up a mediumship business.

What’s the difference between a medium and a psychic?

Put simply, a medium is a type of psychic who specifically uses their powers in order to communicate with the spirits of the dead. By being able to make contact with deceased people on behalf of the living, mediums can help the living better deal with the loss of a loved one or gain spiritual advice to help them in the future.

A psychic, on the other hand, refers more generally to anybody who can connect with the paranormal in any way.

What types of mediums are there?

There are six different types of mediumship skills. Some mediums will focus mainly on one of them, while others will be able to spiritually connect through several. As this list demonstrates, the types are based around the five ‘traditional’ senses, plus one that’s emotional:

Clairvoyance: the ability to see people, places, colours, symbols or objects within the mind
Clairaudience: being able to hear sounds or speech from a spirit
Clairgustance: understanding a spiritual presence or substance through taste
Clairtangency: using the sense of touch to hold or touch an object or person, and garner information through it
Clairscent: the ability to smell a spirit’s odour or fragrance and derive information
Clairsentience:being able to receive feelings and emotions from a spirit

How do you become a medium?

Firstly, it’s vital to discern whether or not you have any psychic abilities. You may feel that you do, but it’s important to know for sure before you start marketing and selling your services to the public. A good starting point is to ask for some advice or assessment from a renowned industry professional. Many offer training courses on how to harness your psychic abilities to best effect as a medium, and these may be the best people to get in touch with.

There is no official or legal requirement to possess any qualifications or licences in order to become a medium. However, taking some courses and gaining some credentials can give you some gravitas that makes you look authentic to the public. It can also help you learn new skills at the same time.

Aside from the mediumship-related areas, there are also a number of business factors and costs to consider, as is the case with any kind of therapy. For example, are you going to operate as a sole trader or as a limited company? How are you going to market your business? How will you set up your website and social media channels, and what information will they provide? Researching other mediums can give you an idea of what to do in these areas, and help you understand if there are any gaps in the market that you can exploit.

Finally, you should also work out where you are going to provide your mediumship services from. Do you want to operate from your own home, from the homes of clients, from a dedicated venue, or from a combination of all three? Working this out will help you understand the likely costs you’ll incur, how much you’ll need to charge for each session, and any insurance cover you might need to protect your interests, revenue and equipment (if any).

Get mediumship insurance with Protectivity

However you operate as a medium, it’s important not to overlook the value of good-quality insurance cover for your business. After all, some things really are impossible to predict, and you don’t want to end up out of pocket.

At Protectivity, we offer specialist insurance policies for mediums, including Public Liability cover in case of injury or damage to a third party, equipment cover and Professional Indemnity. Our cover is available from just a few pounds a month, and is available through flexible payment plans, so you can get peace of mind for minimal outlay.

Take a closer look at our options for mediumship insurance policies here.

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Top 7 Apps For Event Planners

20 January 2023

•

4 mins read

Contributors

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

If you’re already working as an event planner or manager, you’ll know that it’s nowhere near as easy as it looks. There are a million and one things to keep track of, and make sure they all happen in the time and place they’re supposed to happen. It only takes one mistake to derail all that hard work – and you’ll often be the person who has to take the blame.

Thankfully, tech solutions such as apps for event planners are here to minimise the risk of that happening. In this blog, we’ll highlight some of the best event planning apps around.

About us: Event Insurance from Protectivity

Our event cancellation insurance policy offers a range of benefits including public liability, employers’ liability, event cancellation cover and much more.

Why use an event planning app?

Event planning apps come into their own because they can help you bring the vast majority of your functions and to-do lists into one place. From booking catering and arranging table layouts, to coordinating audio-visual systems and organising marketing, they can put all your tasks into the palm of your hand.

Many apps integrate with other platforms and solutions, so work that you do in one will automatically update the other. For example, events you create in some apps can automatically update Facebook or other social media platforms, so that those interested in attending can start to register straight away.

Our favourite apps for event planners

There is a vast range of apps for event planning out there, all of which fill their own specific niches or target market. To help you find one that might suit your own needs, we’ve picked out seven of our favourites:

Asana

Asana is used by many businesses to coordinate work tasks and collaboration, but it can be just as useful for event planning, too. You can easily create tasks, assign them to other people, set due dates, then track progress within schedules to keep on top of everything.

Bizzabo

If planning large events that require substantial marketing duties, then Bizzabo should be your first port of call. Not only does it incorporate task management to keep everything running smoothly, but there’s also the ability to build registration websites, marketing emails and event agendas, all from one place.

Boomset

Guest registration and check-in can be a real headache, especially at larger events with lots of attendees. Boomset enables fast check-in processes, the ability to print customised badges and wristbands, and other innovations that makes check-ins easier for you and your guests.

Localist

If your top priority is getting information about your event to a wider audience, then Localist can help. It’s a relatively simple events calendar that can be made publicly accessible and interactive, so that anyone can see what’s going on, where and when. Localist also connects to Facebook so that attendees can fit your events in with their own plans.

Planning Pod

Planning Pod is the platform that does a little bit of everything. This includes (and isn’t limited to): managing attendees, scheduling and managing tasks, arranging seating, building registration websites, coordinating budgets, managing guest lists, and much, much more. If you feel that you lose a lot of time navigating different platforms day-to-day, then this might well be the app for you.

Social Tables Check-In

This free app is an excellent replacement for organising guest lists through Excel or on paper. It enables guests to be checked in within a matter of seconds, and seating layouts to be designed in either 2D or 3D, so that every attendee gets a seamless, stress-free experience when they arrive.

Decibel Ultra

One area often overlooked in event planning is sound and noise, especially if there are restrictions on volume in a particular place. This free app is ideal for measuring decibel levels in any given area, to make sure that any music, speeches or performances won’t cause any issues on the day.

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What Is Hand Stripping In Dog Grooming?

19 January 2023

•

5 mins read

Contributors

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

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Every breed of dog is different, and it’s fair to say that some of our furry friends are furrier than others. Because of that, certain breeds need regular and careful attention from professional dog groomers, which is why dog grooming has risen in popularity as a career option of late.

One vital part of any top dog groomer’s repertoire is hand stripping. This is the act of using hands to take out any loose fur and coat coloration on the dog. It often accumulates around the face, chest and legs in particular, and is an important job to keep dogs cool, clean, healthy and stylish.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at why hand stripping is so important, the benefits and drawbacks of doing so, and the particular breeds that need it most often.

Which dog breeds need hand stripping?

Generally speaking, it’s dogs that have wiry coats that need hand stripping the most, so that their fur (and therefore skin) doesn’t get clogged up with dirt. It can also be especially helpful in summer as it ensures that the dog doesn’t end up with an overly thick coat which leads them to overheat on particularly warm days.

The following breeds are some (but by no means all) of the breeds for which hand stripping is recommended: Airedales, Border Terrier, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Irish Wolfhounds, Poodles, Schnauzers, Scottish Terriers, and West Highland Terriers.

Why should you hand strip instead of clipping?

The reason hand stripping can be so beneficial compared to clipping is that it removes the entire hair including the root, rather than just trimming it back. Wire hair on dogs generally only lives from around six months, after which it dies off, so removing these dead hairs entirely frees up space for new, healthy coat to grow in its place.

As they die off, they become weak and loose enough that it’s easy and painless for dog groomers to remove them with their bare hands. Alternatively, some groomers prefer to use a serrated stripping knife to make the job a little easier, but this comes down to personal preference.

The pros of hand stripping

There are a number of reasons why hand stripping is favoured, by groomers, dogs and owners alike. For starters, it’s generally a less stressful process compared to clipping, as it doesn’t cause any anxiety for the dog in terms of feeling or noise. A more relaxed dog makes for a far easier and more enjoyable experience all round, and reduces the risk of groomers being bitten. Indeed, it’s not uncommon for some dogs to fall asleep while they’re being hand-stripped.

Most of the time, hand stripping generates better results in overall grooming as it brings healthy coat to the fore all across the body of the dog. And as mentioned earlier, taking away old, dirty fur can reduce health risks to the dog, as a build-up of dirt can easily lead to flea bites, allergies or skin irritations.

The cons of hand stripping

There are, however, also some risks relating to hand stripping. While it can be quicker than clipping, in some cases it can actually take longer, especially for dogs that need particular attention in certain areas. For dog groomers, this can impact profitability if selling appointments at a fixed rate.

Dogs also have to be handled with care during the process, especially those who have sensitive skin. If hair is removed too roughly, then skin can be irritated and the process can become painful for the dog. If the tissue underneath the skin is damaged, this can even lead to infections and bleeding for the dog.

Finally, dogs that are hand stripped generally need it to take place on a regular basis – potentially as often as once every few weeks. This can be expensive for some owners if using a dog groomer rather than doing it themselves, so offering a discounted rate for multiple appointments can help groomers generate repeat business.

Useful hints and tips

If you’re still getting up to speed with hand stripping within your dog grooming business, then there are several tips that can make the job easier, quicker, safer, and kinder for the dog:

Don’t rush the job for the sake of fitting it into a certain amount of time. If the dog looks uncomfortable or agitated, stop for a minute or two before carrying on more gently
For particularly wiry dog fur, a soft-bristled brush can often be highly effective in removing large quantities of hair without causing the dog any pain
Consider using petroleum jelly to soothe any areas of skin that you feel might get irritated
Use gloves in order to keep your hands clean
Apply some insecticide at the end of the process to ensure that fleas and ticks don’t attack the dog

Get dog grooming insurance with Protectivity

However, you groom a dog, there’s always the risk that something can go wrong, and that’s why having the best possible dog grooming insurance in place is vital.

Taking out Protectivity’s policy for dog grooming insurance can demonstrate to owners that you care just as much about the wellbeing of their pet as they do. Incorporating cover for public liability, specialist equipment, and Care, Custody and Control, it ensures you won’t be out of pocket if the unforeseen occurs.

Find out more on all of our competitively-priced dog grooming insurance options here.

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Personal Training Business Software: the Top 10

13 January 2023

•

6 mins read

Contributors

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

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Many personal trainers start out in the industry with plenty of expertise and enthusiasm for delivering great sessions, but don’t have the necessary support from the business side of things. Thankfully, technology is here to help, in the shape of personal training apps that allow many functions to be run from smartphones, but also from personal training business software that allow an entire business to be managed from a single platform.

These solutions have the ability to make a personal training business easier to run, deliver better customer service, help clients achieve their goals and maximise revenue. Whether you’re just starting out with your own PT business, or want to make a change to improve things, the benefits can be transformative – in this blog, we’ve picked out ten of the best solutions on the market.

Our top personal training business software choices

There are so many personal training business software options around that we couldn’t possibly list them all here. So, to give you a guide on the best ones to explore for your business, we’ve picked out ten of our favourites, covering a broad range of different training types and business models:

PT Distinction

PT Distinction is one of the most well-known personal training solutions around, and with good reasons. It gives PT business owners an all-in-one experience, whether they need to manage a few clients or several hundreds. As well as offering website integration, bespoke online coaching, nutrition support, client technique analysis and the ability to create fitness challenges, you can apply your corporate branding to the app to align it with your overall look and feel.

Booksteam

Keeping track of who has booked you, when and where is often a task that many PTs struggle with. Booksteam is a leading solution for solving that problem, as an online scheduling service that can ease and automate appointments and bookings, both for individuals and groups. As well as being able to manage your schedule in one place, clients can make bookings through the platforms themselves for a more seamless experience.

Hexfit

Hexfit is a good choice for PT businesses that are starting small and intend to grow and scale up in the future. That’s because the software is available across a variety of tiered price points that differentiate access to services depending on budget. But it’s also the home of some really helpful innovations, such as aggregating smartwatch data, the ability to plan with the help of artificial intelligence, and a database of thousands of exercises to make use of.

Dietmaster

Many solutions in this area are focused more on fitness and athletic achievement, and less on the very different space of diet and nutrition. For this specialism, Dietmaster stands out as a leading software option. It makes it easy to create and manage personalised diet plans for your customers, analyse their food journals to track their progress, and even develop and distribute shopping lists to help keep them on the right track.

Virtuagym

Virtuagym is a stand-out choice if you want to add virtual and home-based training services to your portfolio. Your clients can access the platform 24/7 and explore a range of classes and workouts online, complementing the training that you deliver in-person. You’ll also be able to keep in touch with your clients through private messaging and push notifications, and take payments and bookings within the platform.

ClubWorx

If it’s help with business administration that you need the most, then it’s definitely worth taking a look at ClubWorx. Designed principally for those running a studio, it encompasses attendance monitoring, marketing communications, payments, invoicing, enrolment and other vital paperwork duties. This makes it quicker and easier to handle all the back-office work, so you can spend more time on growing your business.

10to8

10to8 is ideal for larger personal training businesses who want to take a more corporate, professional approach. It’s full of integration opportunities with calendar solutions like Google Calendar, iCal and Outlook, finance software like Quickbooks, communications tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, and even sales management software like Salesforce. If you want to become a major personal training player, 10to8 can help you bring everything together in one place.

Exercise.com

Exercise.com is a recognised player in the PT space, and its business management software takes into account virtually all of the daily activities and admin jobs that a PT business might encounter. This includes (but is by no means limited to) giving feedback to assessment, dovetailing training with an eCommerce store, advanced marketing and schedule management, and reporting on progress and performance.

TrackActive

Some PT businesses like to specialise in helping medical patients improve their fitness, or help with their rehabilitation. TrackActive is the perfect platform for this specialism, coming with an extensive database of professionally-guided exercises based on proven medical evidence. With these, you can go on to develop customised workout plans that give clients the best chance of achieving their goals.

Training Tilt

If you’re training your clients specifically for endurance, then keeping track of their key metrics is vital. Training Tilt is one of the leading choices for taking these measurements, including speed, pace, elevation, heart rate and much more for runners and cyclists alike. The app can be connected with leading GPS tracking apps like Strava and Garmin, enabling that vital link between client activity and their performance data.

Get personal trainer insurance with Protectivity

Whichever software option you choose, and whatever the type of personal training business you want to run, good-quality insurance cover for you, your clients and your equipment is absolutely essential.

Protectivity provides comprehensive personal trainer insurance to professionals just like you, with years of success covering ambitious newcomers and experienced industry leaders alike. When you take out one of our policies, you get Public Liability and Professional Indemnity cover, £250 of free equipment cover, and the ability to customise your policy to suit the specifics of your business. Find out more about our competitively priced insurance for personal trainers.

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8 Tools and Resources for Mental Health Therapists

10 January 2023

•

6 mins read

Contributors

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

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As a mental health therapist, you’re sure to want the best resources at hand to support your clients on their mental health journey. If you’re looking for tools to improve your day-to-day work as a therapist, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of valuable resources to support both your work and those who are receiving value from your services.

Here are some of the best tools for therapists to help support your day-to-day work as a mental health professional.

Recommended books for mental health therapists

Learning and developing doesn’t need to stop once you’ve graduated from university. While there are several books aimed at psychology students, licensed professional therapists should aim to continue learning and developing their knowledge throughout their careers.

Here are some of the best reading materials to help develop your expertise and refresh your knowledge.

1. Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More Than IQ – Daniel Goleman

First published in 1995, Goleman’s bestseller argues that emotional intelligence is actually a stronger indicator for success than your IQ. The book covers topics such as self-awareness, impulse control, empathy and social deftness, which Goleman explains are all integral to the workplace. This famous work is an insightful exploration into the role of emotional intelligence at work – a great perspective for therapists looking to help their clients.

2. On Becoming a Person: A Therapist’s View of Psychotherapy – Carl R. Rogers

First published in 1961, Carl R. Rogers’ renowned book offers a therapist’s perspective on psychotherapy – making it a must-read for those interested in clinical psychology. Rogers was the founder of the humanistic psychology movement – a movement in psychology that supported the belief that humans are unique beings and should be treated as such by psychologists and psychiatrists. Rogers’ influence spanned decades and became an influential part of mainstream psychology. While the book was written several decades ago, Rogers’ work remains topical and relevant in today’s world.

3. The Makings of a Therapist: A Practical Guide for the Inner Journey – Louis Cozolino

Starting out as a newly qualified therapist can feel daunting. If you’re looking for some words of wisdom by a veteran therapist, Louis Cozolino’s classic text is a must-read. This book works as a go-to guide for new therapists seeing clients for the first time, with all the things Cozolino wishes someone had told him in his first few months of clinical training. The book includes guidance about working with your clients, from handling direct questions to encouraging them to talk more. It’s an honest and thoughtful text that should give you some reassurance if you’re just starting out in your career and are in need of some guidance.

Recommended blogs for mental health therapists

Following blogs can help you keep up-to-date with the latest trends in therapy, have resources on hand for career development and be aware of any challenges faced within the practice. Each of the blogs below offer unique perspectives to therapy that you can resonate with.

1. Kim Rosenthal – kimrosenthalmd.com

Kim Rosenthal is a practicing psychiatrist who has spent most of her career as a travelling doctor. Her blog covers a range of topics from addiction to marriage and relationships, and she has also produced two workbooks on addiction to support both those in recovery, and clinicians. Each of her articles are filled with information, passion and intellect making her blog one not to be missed.

2. Psychotherapy.net

Pyschotherapy.net believes that great therapists never stop learning. Their blog is home to a variety of articles, spanning across several areas of psychology from trauma to couples therapy. Each article is written by a professional in psychotherapy, from therapists to counsellors. If you’re looking to keep in touch with the latest news surrounding the therapist field, Psychotherapy.net’s blog is the place to go. You’ll find in-depth articles written by like-minded professionals, sure to leave you inspired.

3. The British Psychological Society’s The Psychologist

The Psychologist is an official publication of the British Psychological Society. Their well-established blog includes articles, interviews, reviews and career opportunities. It’s a great way to keep in the know with all areas of the psychology discipline. The team all have qualifications in psychology and related subjects, so are well-versed to guide and inspire therapists like yourself.

Useful worksheets and downloads for mental health therapists

1. Get Self Help worksheets

Get Self Help offers free, downloadable worksheets suitable for CBT sessions with your clients.

2. Therapist Aid

Therapist Aid offers free, downloadable worksheets for mental health professionals, to help support them with their clients’ therapy sessions. They offer a variety of worksheets and information booklets on several topics to help support your clients.

Recommended social media groups for mental health therapists

Social media is a great way to get your name out there, advertise your therapy services and meet like-minded professionals.

Facebook is a valuable resource for therapists looking to connect with one another. Groups such as Online Therapist Group are a space for licensed therapists and other mental health professionals who are looking to create an online psychotherapy practice or expand their in-person private practice.

Instagram is also a great place to connect with like-minded individuals. If you’re a therapist looking to grow your online profile, advertise your services and share your thoughts – Instagram is the answer. Take a look at Dr. Nicole LePera (the.holistic.psychologist) for example – with over five million followers, her Instagram profile has become a hub of knowledge and community, allowing her to connect with others and share her expertise.

What are the benefits of using tools for day-to-day work?

As a therapist, using tools such as worksheets and books can greatly benefit your day to day work, and improve the therapy sessions you conduct with patients.

Using worksheets can help you document sessions your clients have with you, and offer you new approaches to explore in therapy sessions. They also complement the behavioural therapy you may be running with a client by allowing them to dig deeper into their emotions and meet their mental health goals.

Get your mental health therapist insurance with Protectivity

As a therapist, you’ll want to go to work each day with the confidence that should the unexpected happen, you have the support to put wrong to right. Our therapist insurance will cover you for compensation claims should you accidentally injure a client or damage their property while conducting your therapy service. You’ll also be covered for Professional Indemnity should you ever be sued for any negligent advice given to your clients. Get a quote for therapy insurance today and get the peace of mind that you deserve.

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11:59:56 GMT • 14 November 2024

How To Start A Dog Walking Business

By Steffi Cavaliere

3 June 2021

•

10 mins read

Contributors

Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

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How to become a dog walker

Britain is a nation of dog lovers, and everyone wants to make sure that their treasured terrier or cherished cockapoo stays fit and healthy.

The only problem is that with people living such busy lives, because of work, family and other commitments, it can be hard for them to find the time to give their dog proper exercise.

But their challenge could be your opportunity. All over the UK, many people are setting up their own dog walking businesses, taking people’s four-pawed friends out on a stroll for a pre-arranged fee.

It can be great fun and an excellent way to keep yourself fit – but it isn’t quite as simple as knocking on your neighbour’s door and grabbing hold of a lead.

Like any business, there are lots of things that need to be addressed to ensure that a dog walking business runs successfully. In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the steps you need to take to develop a successful dog walking business:

Experience is key!

Dogs can be challenging, especially if they’re not familiar with you, and that’s before considering that the temperament of dogs can vary substantially from one breed to another.

That’s why it’s vital that you have good experience of walking different types of dog (and not just your own if you have one!) before you start.

You’ve also got to be prepared for the weather. If pet owners have enlisted your services to walk their dog, they’ll be expecting you to provide that service even if the weather is bad.

Ensuring you have not only the right equipment and clothing, but also the right mentality for all-weather dog walking, is therefore very important.

Once you’re properly up and running, you should find yourself walking multiple dogs simultaneously. While you may feel confident and experienced enough to handle a large number of dogs, it’s worth considering what your realistic and practical limit would be.

Additionally, you may find that a limitation is placed on you by your insurer (read more about insurance below) – many insurers insist on a maximum of between four and six dogs at any one time.

Dog walking laws and regulations

It might seem like walking a dog is a very simple exercise, but when operating as a walking service, there are lots of rules and regulations that you may have to comply with. These include (but are not necessarily limited to)

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)

PSPOs are put in place by local councils in particular areas to restrict the number of dogs in that space. These are typically local parks or areas where large numbers of dogs may congregate.

Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005

Offences such as failing to clear up dog poo properly or not keeping a dog on a lead fall under this legislation, in places where Dog Control Orders apply. Penalties can reach up to a maximum of a £1000 fine.

Control of Dogs Order 1992

All dogs in public places are required by law to wear a collar that includes the name and address of the dog’s owner. This can be written or engraved, but as a dog walker, you should ensure this information is present before you start each walk.

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

If a dog is considered to be ‘dangerously out of control’, then a criminal offence is being committed by the person deemed to be responsible for its control at the time.

Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953

If walking dogs around farmland or other rural areas, you should always keep them on leads and well away from any livestock. In the case of farmland, dogs must not chase or attack any kind of livestock; in this scenario, farmers are legally entitled to take measures to protect their animals, potentially up to the point of shooting the dog in question.

The Countryside Code

Although not necessarily legally binding, the UK Government’s Countryside Code provides helpful advice for walking dogs in rural areas responsibly. In particular, it advises to always keep a dog in sight or on a lead, ensure that a dog will return when commanded to do so, and to make sure a dog doesn’t stray into an area where right of way doesn’t apply.

Dog walking qualifications – do you need one?

There is no legal requirement to possess any specific qualifications to run a dog walking business. But getting some dog walking qualifications can be helpful: it can give you additional expertise and experience, and can give you some extra credibility when marketing to potential customers. Potential qualifications to explore include:

Animal care qualifications

Credentials that show an aptitude for taking good care of animals – such as animal behaviour or animal first aid – look good on any CV or website.

City & Guilds

There are a range of City & Guilds Technical Competence Certificates available that relate to dog walking. Of particular relevance are the Level 2 certificates in Dog Walking; Pet Sitting; and Animal Health, Husbandry and Handling; and the Level 3 certificate in Animal Nutrition.

Dog-specific qualifications

A variety of different bodies offer their own courses and certifications aimed at improving the standards of dog walking and animal care, including those at the National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers, and Think Dog.

Cost and finance considerations

There are plenty of things to take into account on the business side of things when starting out as a dog walker.

Formulating a good business plan should form part of your initial work, helping you establish how you’re going to attract and retain customers, how you can stand out from your competitors, and how you’ll operate day-to-day.

The business plan should also consider any costs you may incur in your operations, in particular around transport.

In bigger cities, it may be possible to use public transport to travel from one client to another (as long as the dog walking market isn’t already saturated).

However, in most cases, your own vehicle will be needed to get yourself around – and your dogs if you want to travel for walks further afield.

You will also need to make a decision about your business status. Initially, it may make more sense to operate as a sole trader, but if your business grows (especially to the point you start to employ other people) it may be beneficial to register as a limited company with Companies House instead.

Dog walking business administration

There are several other business-related duties that you’ll need to fulfil, both as part of the set-up process, and on an ongoing basis once you’re up and running. These include:

Checks

You will need to undergo and pass a criminal record check if you are to enter the houses of any of your customers, or hold their house keys at any point. This means applying to the Disclosure and Barring Service if you’re in England or Wales, Disclosure Scotland, or AccessNI if you’re in Northern Ireland.

Contracts

A solid contract, along with terms and conditions, are vital for clearly defining what you’ll do in return for payment, and to ensure you get paid. It also gives you valuable legal protection in the event of a dispute.

Accounting

Whether you’re a sole trader or limited company, you’ll still be expected to keep and file accounts for tax purposes. You should set up a small business bank account in order to keep business and personal money separate.

Marketing your dog walking business

Getting your dog walking business noticed is one of the most important parts of the job, and it can be one of the trickiest.

There are lots of different ideas you can pursue, but ideally you need to think of ways that stand you out from the crowd, whether that be through different services you offer, attractive pricing, good qualifications (as mentioned above), or through offers, referrals and incentives.

Then you can put these ideas into practice across a range of platforms and mediums. Don’t neglect the more traditional ways of marketing such as leaflets, placing adverts in the local paper or good old word of mouth – these marketing materials may be low-tech but they can still be very effective.

Then of course there’s social media (especially including videos), which should have a clear focus on driving interest towards people making bookings or enquiries, ideally through your website.

A website is essential but it doesn’t have to be overly complex: a few pages explaining who you are, what you do and what stands you out as the best choice gives customers all the information they need to know.

To take your marketing to the next level, consider the ways you can join the dots of all your marketing methods together and build a brand.

In the same way that big businesses have logos, imagery, colour schemes and a tone of voice that makes them instantly recognisable, you can apply many of the same principles on a smaller scale. If you can get these key communication skills right, then your business will be the first one that people think of when they decide to find a dog walker.

Obtain dog walking insurance

Like the qualifications, dog walking insurance is not a legal requirement, but we strongly recommend you take out a policy for a host of reasons.

Firstly, you never know what may happen to you or the dogs that you walk when you’re out and about. Dogs can jump out in front of people, cyclists or cars; they can attack other dogs or cats; their leads can trip up other people (or yourself if you aren’t careful!) – and that’s just three of the things that can happen.

Ensuring that you’re protected if you’re unable to work for whatever reason, and that you can cover any claims arising from injuries or accident damage, including any vet bills incurred.

Exploring public liability insurance and ‘Care, Custody and Control’ cover can ensure that both you and your business are protected, whatever the future may hold.

At Protectivity, we provide a host of dog walking insurance policies so that you can start your new business with confidence. Take a closer look at dog walking business insurance today, and find a wide-ranging policy at a price that suits you.

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11:33:28 GMT • 14 January 2025

What is the Average Cost of a Personal Trainer?

By Mandy Czyz

10 December 2020

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Mandy Czyz

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

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Working with a Personal Trainer can be a great way to get the best out of your workout. They can work with you to design a fitness programme and reach a target. You might be looking to lose some weight, get in shape for a holiday or big event or might be training for a sports event such as a marathon. Whatever your goal, a Personal Trainer can build a programme tailored specifically for you.

But how much can you expect to pay for a Personal Trainer? The average cost of a Personal Trainer is between £40 and £60 per hour but the cost that you will pay will be influenced by a few factors such as location, experience and specialist skills.

Does the cost vary by location?

The amount that a Personal Trainer charges will be influenced by the cost of living in that area. So, you will probably find that a Personal Trainer in London will charge more than one in Yorkshire as costs such as rent are higher in London.

The location of your sessions will also have an impact on the amount that a Personal Trainer charges. For example, one who runs their sessions in the park might have a lower hourly rate than someone based in a gym as their overheads will be lower. Someone gym based needs to consider and cover the costs that the gym will charge them to hold the sessions there.

Does a higher cost mean a more experienced trainer?

All Personal Trainers must complete a series of qualifications before they can start working with clients so all trainers will hold the required certification but some might have a lower number of years working with clients and so might not be able to charge the same premium that those who have years of experience behind them can.

Are there any other factors which impact the hourly rate?

Other factors to consider might include any specialist training or experience that a Personal Trainer has. For example, someone who has gained a qualification in marathon training, sports massage or obesity and diabetes might charge a higher fee due to their specialist experience. If you are keen to employ the services of a trainer who has worked with celebrity personalities, then you might find that their hourly rate is higher as they attract a premium client base.

Are packages or block bookings possible?

You might just need a one-off training session to help to get you on the right path to reaching your goal and this will always be possible to book. However, if you are looking to attend more than just a solo session, for example on a weekly basis, then you might find block booking a regular slot the most cost-effective solution. With offers available when you book a certain number of sessions, when you attend a group session or a couples discount received when you book together, there are a range of ways of securing the best possible price for the programme that you are looking to follow.

So, although there is an expected range of rates that you are likely to be charged when employing the services of a Personal Trainer, you might find that there is some variety in the hourly rate impacting the cost of each session depending on your location, your requirements and the skills and experience that your chosen Personal Trainer holds. Do some research and consider a trainers style and experience, any specialist skills they have and session times that they have available to find the right Personal Trainer for you who is within your budget.

About Us

As well as Personal Trainer Insurance and Gym Insurance we offer insurance to other leisure section entities such as Sports Clubs. Get your quote today by visiting our Sports Club Insurance page.

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09:53:10 GMT • 14 January 2025

What Clients Look For in a Personal Trainer

By Mandy Czyz

29 September 2018

•

5 mins read

Contributors

Mandy Czyz

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

Finding a personal trainer who makes you feel comfortable is priority number one. In order to achieve your goals, whether that’s getting fitter, stronger, or losing weight, you need to be comfortable enough to expose your biggest flaws. It is only this that can ensure future success. The clue is in the title, and they’re called ‘personal’ trainers for a reason. You are investing in the privilege of one to one contact, to have someone there to customise your personal goals and tailor your workouts.

Don’t be fooled by the influence of a trainer’s persuasive personality, bulging biceps, and extensive use of jargon! As an average gym-goer, fitness and training is not your field of education or occupation, so seek advice and help if you need to. With the growth of the PT industry, you are now spoilt for choice, so have a think about your priorities and never forget these when choosing your trainer.

Here are our top qualities that we believe you should look for in a personal trainer:

1. Check for certification

Don’t risk assuming that because a PT is working at a gym that they are certified and check their certification is from a legitimate body. Beyond this, you want to check that the PT is keeping their certification current. The fitness industry is constantly evolving, and to stay ahead of the pack, a trainer should be attending classes, seminars, and continuing their learning. A trainer should also be certified in first-aid, CPR, and automated external defibrillator for medical emergencies.

2. They should ask you questions, LOTS of questions

Before conversations about programs, schedules, and pricing, a PT should simply listen. They need to gather as much info as possible about you, about your medical status, your fitness history, your background, body image, your job, dietary habits, etc. To put together a program that will guarantee success, a trainer must ensure it is tailored to their client’s habits, and they will only come to know those if they keep asking WHY!

3. They don’t promise results too fast

We’re inundated with fitness ‘success’ stories that condition us to believe that results can be achieved at a much faster rate than is actually possible. Losing 70 pounds in a 10-week programme going by the name of something like ‘AbSculpt’ sounds too good to be true – and it probably is, especially if it’s promoted as part of an advertisement for a new product on the market! Similarly, in the ‘reality’ of a gym environment, any drastic weight loss in a short time can likely be attributed to an elixir of supplements and an unsustainable dietary plan. While this may seem great at the time, the rebound effect is just around the corner…

4. They can explain exactly why you’re doing an exercise

You can quickly tell the PTs with genuine know-how apart from those who don’t really know what they’re doing. At any stage during a workout, your PT should be able to tell you about that exercise, in more detail than ‘it works the….’. A dedicated PT will welcome your questions as it gives them a chance to educate you and show how much thought they have put into your programme.

5. They know, love, and use the simple basics

‘Innovative’ new equipment such as wobble boards, Bosu balls, slosh pipes, valslides certainly look good, and do a great job of bringing attention to a PT session. However, trainers using unorthodox, ‘flashier’ methods won’t be on track to achieving faster results, and a lot can be said for simple methods. This signals a sound knowledge base, without trying to disguise any knowledge gaps or trainer deficiencies with ‘cool’ equipment. Particularly if you are in your beginning stages, less is more, and performing complex movements using ‘new’ equipment can be risky.

6. They know when to progress you

You should always leave a PT session having been pushed and challenged…but not injured! To make progress towards your goals, it is important not to stagnate, and a good trainer will know how and when to change up your program. As you get stronger, your workouts need to get harder, and if your trainer does not keep challenging you, your investment is wasted.

7. Are you achieving your goals?

Though aesthetic results may take more time, you should notice changes fairly quickly when training with a PT. You should feel fitter, have more energy, be sleeping better, and generally be feeling good about yourself. A good PT will take responsibility for your goals – it is their job – and if they are unable to meet your goals, they are not doing their job properly and may not be the trainer for you.

Being insured is another important factor to consider when trying to attract clients. Get a quick quote and instant cover today by visiting our Personal Trainer Insurance page.

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