Frequently Asked Questions

Harbour Tails FAQ – Dog Walking & Training in Poole, Hamworthy & Upton

Choosing a professional dog walker or dog trainer in Poole requires trust, so it’s natural to have questions. Below are detailed answers about our dog walking, training, and pet care services in Poole, Hamworthy, Upton, and surrounding areas.

1. How many dogs do you walk at any one time?

For group walks, Harbour Tails walks 2 - 5 dogs per group. This ensures every dog receives attention, care, and supervision while maintaining safety and welfare.

2. Can I specify a particular time for my dog to be walked?

We operate within a 1.5-hour collection window due to travel, weather, traffic, and daily schedules. This flexibility allows us to manage:

  • Travel time between clients

  • Cleaning dogs after muddy walks

  • Traffic and roadworks

This ensures walks remain safe, calm, and unhurried.

3. Where will my dog be walked?

Walks take place in green spaces, dog-friendly parks, recreation grounds, and suitable beaches chosen for safety and enrichment. Common areas include:

  • Poole

  • Hamworthy

  • Upton

  • Broadstone

  • Lilliput

  • Creekmoor

Locations are regularly rotated to keep walks interesting. Seasonal restrictions are respected. Here are some of our fave walking spots!

4. My dog is nervous around other dogs. Can you walk them?

Yes. Nervous dogs are offered private or solo walks or can be gradually introduced to suitable dogs if appropriate.

Dogs with a history of aggression are walked on a private basis only to ensure safety for everyone.

5. Can you provide dog training support during walks?

Yes. Harbour Tails incorporates behaviour support into walks where appropriate. This can include:

  • Recall reinforcement

  • Appropriate Socialisation with other dogs

  • Reinforcing cues and positive behaviours

  • Encouraging calm and confident behaviour in public spaces

  • Enrichment and breed specific activities

We can also arrange one-to-one training sessions for more in depth, specific and structured learning.

6. Do I need to be home when you collect or drop off my dog?

No. If you provide keys, they are kept securely and confidentially.

7. What happens in an emergency?

In an emergency, I will contact you immediately. If you are unreachable, your emergency contact will be called.

If veterinary care is required, your dog will be taken to your preferred vet or the nearest available vet, depending on the situation.

8. Can I book ad-hoc walks?

Yes. Harbour Tails offers ad-hoc walks. Requests are accommodated where availability allows.

9. Are you insured and qualified?

Yes. Harbour Tails is fully insured, with qualifications in dog behaviour, training, and canine first aid.

10. Will I be charged if I cancel a walk at short notice?

To avoid a cancellation fee, please give at least 72 hours’ notice. Fees may be waived or swapped if your dog becomes unwell or injured at short notice.

11. Can you provide weekend walks?

Yes. Weekend walks are available. Weekend rates apply — please contact us for details.

12. Can you feed my dog during visits?

Absolutely. Simply provide clear feeding instructions.

13. Can you walk multiple dogs from the same household?

Yes. Multiple dogs from the same household can be walked together. Please get in touch for details.

14. What equipment does my dog need?

You’ll need to provide:

  • A secure, well-fitting collar and/or harness

  • An ID tag

  • Any coat you’d like your dog to wear

We usually use our own leads. Please leave equipment in a visible place and ensure it is in good working condition.

For welfare reasons, Harbour Tails does not use correction-based collars or equipment. We are happy to discuss suitable alternatives.

15. Do you walk dogs in all weathers?

Yes — walks run rain or shine, but safety always comes first.

During extreme weather, adjustments may include:

  • Shortened or cancelled walks

  • Extra breaks and shade during hot weather

16. Do you know the signs of overheating and how to cool dogs down?

Yes. Harbour Tails staff are trained in canine first aid and aware of overheating signs. However to date we have never had dog over heat in our care:

  • Excessive panting

  • Vomiting or diarrhoea

  • Red or blue gums

If a dog shows signs of overheating, it is recommended:

  • Move them to a cool, shaded area

  • Offer fresh water

  • Gently cool them

  • Seek veterinary care i

17. What first aid supplies do you carry?

The van contains a fully stocked first aid kit, including:

  • Absorbent gauze pads

  • Bandages and adhesive tape

  • Cotton wool

  • Disposable gloves

  • Scissors and tweezers

  • Towels

  • Alcohol wipes

  • Saline solution

18. What happens if a dog goes missing?

Every off-lead dog wears a Tractive GPS tracker for real-time location tracking.

If a dog goes missing, I will:

  • Inform you immediately

  • Contact the council dog warden: T. 01202 261700

  • Notify local vets, shelters, and rescue centres

  • Alert other local dog walkers

  • Search the area

  • Help create and distribute posters

  • Post on missing animal websites and social media

Dogs are only walked off-lead with owner consent and reliable recall.

19. What if a fight breaks out between dogs?

Fights are rare, as dogs are carefully matched. Staff constantly monitor body language cues, such as:

  • Staring or whale eye

  • Showing teeth

  • Raised hackles

  • Stiff posture

  • Growling

Dogs are separated as appropriate to prevent escalation.

20. Do you carry fresh water and a portable bowl?

Yes. Fresh water and portable bowls are carried on walks and in the van for drinking and rinsing muddy paws.

21. Can you walk puppies?

Yes. For very young puppies, home visits or private walks are recommended to protect developing joints and focus on early learning.

Older puppies may join group walks after consultation, once they are ready.

22. Are vaccinations and insurance required?

Yes. All dogs must be up to date with vaccinations. Harbour Tails is fully insured, and all staff are trained in dog first aid and handling. This ensures a safe, professional environment for every dog in our care.

23. Are you qualified dog trainers?

Yes. Dani holds recognised certifications which are continually updated, and Dani is accredited with the IMDT

24. What happens after I initially enquire?

We’ll discuss your needs via phone, email, or message, then you’ll complete an online form, followed by a free meet-and-greet and trial walks (for walking services ), or a complimentary 20 minute consultation for training services.

25. Do I have to pay upfront?

For regular clients, Invoices are sent monthly in arrears, payable by bank transfer or cash.

26.How much do dog walkers cost in the Poole area?

Dog walking prices in the Poole, Dorset area vary depending on the type of service and level of care provided. Typical local costs are:

  • Average price of Group walk services in Poole as of 2026: £12 – £22 per hour with some walkers walking up to 10 dogs in a grou (BCP currently does not have a legal limit)

  • Average Private/one-to-one walk services as of 2026: £22+ per hour

At Harbour Tails, services start from £16.75. The cost of a services is competitive yet fairly reflecting investments that improve safety, and welfare

  • Use of reliable GPS trackers for real-time dog tracking and safety of off lead dogs.

  • Specially adapted and temperature-controlled van

  • Staff experience, qualifications, and training certifications

  • Dogs’ individual needs, including behaviour support

  • Walk duration, frequency, and number of dogs from the same household

  • Inclusion of training reinforcement, and enrichment activities

  • Small groups of dogs with their welfare and happpiness priortised

Professional dog training and behaviour support are reflected in pricing because they require skill, qualifications, and careful supervision, providing a safer and more effective experience for your dog.

If you have a question not covered here just get in touch. I would love to hear from you.