Frequently Asked Questions

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Definitely not. All dogs are welcome at Empire of the Hound. If your dog is a cross breed and therefore bred to do more than one job, I take the time to find out which jobs are the most enriching and focus on providing outlets for those

Many dog walkers aren't confident and lack experience with high drive, reactive and nervous dogs so they don't want to take them as clients, or they can't accommodate them because it's a pack walk 

I welcome all dogs who need extra attention. It's the reason I started Empire of the Hound having had a reactive, anxious dog in the past

I have real world experience with these dogs and practice constant situational awareness on outings to ensure your dog is kept calm and safe at all times

One of the reasons I offer 1:1 Enriching Outings rather than group walks is that some dogs find group walks overwhelming and unfulfilling. The Instinct Play sessions are also tailored specifically to your dogs individual requirements, incorporating scientifically proven elements to address exactly what your dog needs, giving them fun and fulfilling outlets, resulting in calmer, more relaxed and confident behaviour

My signature 3 step safety system keeps your dog safe on every outing-

1. An air tag is fitted to your dog's collar before we walk out the door, so in the unlikely event of them becoming separated from me they can be located

2. I always carry a slip lead in case your provided collar or lead breaks

3. Your dog's lead isn't just held in my hand,  it's also attached to a harness around my waist  

I require 24 hours notice to cancel or your service will be charged at full price

The health and safety of your dog is my top priority and any decisions to reschedule or postpone sessions are made in accordance with current best practice in animal welfare

In the case of weather deemed too hot for your dogs safety, outings will be rescheduled to earlier in the day if possible, or postponed to another date. Play sessions can still take place indoors, or potentially in a suitably shaded area. In the case of other extreme weather events I will reschedule outings, but can continue with an indoor play session or covered outdoor area if your home allows 

Your average Melbourne rainy day doesn't stop the fun, and I towel dry your dog at the end of a wet weather outing or play session. 

Yes I do, because treats tell your dog they did a great job, and encourage behaviour you want to see more of. I only use premium air dried liver treats because they are a very high value reward. I source them from a 100% Australian-owned producer, not a mass market pet shop supplier. If you have a treat or something else you would prefer I give to your dog, just leave it out and I'll make sure to use that instead  

If on arrival your dog is deemed unfit to participate in a session due to illness or injury, the session will be cancelled and charged at the full rate

Please ensure your backyard is free of excrement if you've booked an Instinct Play session in your backyard. If it needs to be cleaned so I can start, a $25 surcharge will be added to your invoice