Walking With Dogs

Pet of the Week 🐾

This week’s spotlight is on Ollie — one very handsome Italian Greyhound who I’ve had the pleasure of walking for over a year now.

Italian Greyhounds are known for being a little anxious and sensitive by nature, and Ollie definitely likes to take things at his own pace. At the start of our walks, he can be a bit reserved… but once he settles in, his personality starts to shine.

Over time, getting to know dogs like Ollie has reminded me how important patience and consistency are — every dog is different, and building trust takes time. Once Ollie warms up, he’s a great little companion and always enjoys getting out and about.

Ollie also has a brother, Teddy, who you’ll definitely be hearing more about in a future post 🐶

🐾 Dog Walking Services with Walking With Dogs 🐾

Every dog is different - and that’s exactly why I approach every walk with patience, care and an understanding that no two dogs have the same personality, energy levels or needs.

Whether your dog loves a calm stroll, a fast-paced walk, extra sniffing time, or a bit more encouragement to build confidence, I’m passionate about making sure every walk is safe, enjoyable and tailored to them.

With experience walking a wide range of breeds and personalities, my focus is always on building trust, understanding behaviour, and making sure your dog feels comfortable, happy and well cared for.

Need a little extra time? If your dog would benefit from a longer walk, just ask - I’m always happy to discuss options to suit your dog’s needs 🐶

Oliver:
📞 0404 959 347
📧 [email protected]

Next up in the pet profiles series… Poodles.

A lot of people think of them as fancy “show dogs” (thanks to the classic haircut 😅), but from my experience walking and pet-sitting them, they are seriously clever dogs - in fact, they’re ranked as the second most intelligent dog breed out there.

That intelligence means they learn quickly and are usually great with training, but it also means they need a lot of mental stimulation. If they get bored, they can definitely keep you on your toes… and they can be pretty stubborn when they want to be!

Something else I’ve learnt is that poodles need good dental care. They can be prone to dental issues, so staying on top of their oral hygiene is really important for their overall health and wellbeing.

They’ve also got a unique woolly coat, which is part of what makes them popular, especially for people looking for lower-shedding breeds (although coat maintenance is definitely something to consider).

If you’re after a smart, loyal and active companion - and are happy to keep both their brain and body busy - a poodle can be an awesome dog.

More pet profiles coming soon 🐶

Check out Oliver in action! 🐶

There’s nothing quite like arriving for a walk and being greeted before you’ve even opened the car door.

Emmy is always the first to hear Oliver's car pull up, and she barks to let the other two know: “He’s here! Our best friend is here - it’s walk time!”

From there, it’s chaos in the best possible way. Emmy and Ruby (the sibling duo), along with their best mate Jeffy, are already waiting at the door, ready to go the second Oliver steps in.

What follows is a happy mix of wagging tails, excited energy, and three very enthusiastic dogs leading the way on their walk together.

These three absolutely thrive on their time out with Oliver - it’s routine, it’s fun, and it’s very clearly the highlight of their day ✨

If you have a dog or two (or even three, as you can see) that would benefit from a walk when you are at work, get in touch with Oliver today! DM for more information 🐾

Oliver’s ‘Proper Caring & Etiquette’ Series – #5 🐾

Not all dog toys are the same, and choosing the right one can make a big difference to your dog’s safety and wellbeing.

Some dogs will quickly destroy soft toys, which can become a hazard if pieces are swallowed. It’s also worth considering any allergies or sensitivities your dog may have before choosing materials.

For many dogs, especially teething or high-energy chewers, harder toys like durable rubber chew toys are often a better option. They help keep dogs occupied, reduce boredom, and can also support dental health.

In the wild, dogs would naturally maintain healthy teeth through chewing bones and carcasses - something our pets don’t do today. The right chew toy can help replicate that natural behaviour in a safe way.

Choosing toys that suit your dog’s needs, habits and behaviour makes all the difference 🐶

Pet of the Week 🐾

This week it’s all about Tala - a beautiful Italian Greyhound who I’ve had the pleasure of walking and dogsitting for the past year.

When I first met Tala, she was very anxious and unsure. It took a bit of time, patience, and consistency - but now she’s a completely different dog with me. These days, the moment she sees me, she runs straight in for a hug and is one of the cuddliest dogs I’ve looked after.

Tala absolutely loves affection - she’ll gently press her cheek against my face as if to say, “can I have kisses?”… and she expects them on both sides.

She’s also a big fan of being warm and cosy, so you’ll often find her tucked under blankets (like in these great pics!) completely content.

Watching her grow in confidence over time has been incredibly rewarding. She’s such a loving little dog once she feels safe - and now, she really does.

As we head into the last month before winter, now’s a great time to make the most of the milder mornings and afternoons... although I still recommend getting out during winter too (fresh air matters just as much for them as it does for us).

One place I always come back to is Morialta Conservation Park, especially around the Norwood side. It’s scenic, peaceful, and a really enjoyable place to walk.

While not all areas are dog-friendly, there are still sections where you can enjoy a great walk together, with plenty to take in along the way.

One of the dogs I walk, Howie (a greyhound cross staffy), absolutely loves visiting. It’s a great mix of fresh air, space, and a change from the usual routine.

If you’re looking for somewhere local to explore with your pooch before winter sets in, put this one on your list.

..When your dog has a side hustle you didn’t know about… 😂

So I was casually walking through Coles the other day, minding my own business… and then I see it.

A big billboard ad. With MY dog on it. Mabel. Just casually moonlighting for Coles like she’s got bills to pay.

Honestly, I’m not surprised though - she’s always had main character energy. Clearly I’ve just been living with a celebrity this whole time.

🐾 Pet Profiles by Oliver – Series 1: Huskies 🐺

I get to walk and dog-sit lots of different dogs, and one thing I’ve learnt is that every breed (and every dog) is completely different. They’ve all got their own personalities, energy levels, and needs… which is exactly why it’s so important to think about what suits your lifestyle before getting a particular breed.

First up - Huskies. In my experience… they are a lot! They’re super intelligent, full of energy, and definitely keep you on your toes. If they don’t get enough exercise or attention, they can get destructive pretty quickly - so they’re not the kind of dog that’s happy just hanging around all day.

They’re also very stubborn and opinionated. If you tell them off, don’t be surprised if they “talk back”. They’re incredibly vocal, which is part of their charm… but maybe something to think about if you’ve got close neighbours!

Huskies were bred as sled dogs, working in freezing conditions in places like Siberia, Canada and Scandinavia. Because of that, they’re built for cold climates — so here in Australia, especially in summer, you really need to be mindful of keeping them cool and not letting them overheat.

That said, if you love being outdoors, walking, and staying active — they can be an awesome companion.

More pet profiles coming soon 🐶