Does your dog need some help meeting new people? Why not consider a walker?
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This week’s interview with Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn, owner of Let The Dog Out talks about how dog walkers can help to keep your pup engaged both physically and mentally, and will help them to socialize!
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Find Danielle and Let The Dog Out here –
Facebook: https://www.
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Now, let’s get to the interview!
Transcription:
Laura Wombwell
Hi there, it’s Laura from Laura Wombwell Photography. And joining me today is Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn, the owner of Let The Dog Out. Hi, Danielle, I’m so excited to be chatting with you today.
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
Hi, Laura, thank you so much for having me, I’m very excited to be here.
Laura Wombwell
So you’ve been working with animals for quite some time, I’d love to hear a little bit about your history in animal care, and what brought you to Let The Dog Out.
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
So I basically have been born into animals. So my dad is a small animal vet in Toronto, and I’ve always had the opportunity to have animals in my life, I grew up on a small hobby farm, just outside of Toronto. And so I got to really immerse myself with pets and different animals at such a young age, which I think is so amazing, I’m very fortunate for that. I worked with my dad, so I’ve worked at his clinic for a number of years as a receptionist, and an animal care assistant, and really, you know, got the bug pretty young. And what I just had, have always had a passion for caring for animals and, and helping people take care of their animals. Um, I went to the University of Guelph for animal biology. And then partway through my degree, I decided I wanted to make it a little bit more well balanced. And so I minored in Business Administration, just to give myself some business course experience as well, because it was so heavily math and science based. I mean, the, the goal at one point was, you know, I wanted to go to vet school, and I kind of had those vet school blinders on that I was going to go to the University of Guelph, do my like two year undergrad, and then apply and get in. And that is, I learned very quickly that that is not how it works, it is a lot harder. And just realizing other interests that I had, while I was in university, you know, made me change my course, I still wanted to be within the industry of taking care of animals. And so when I came out of university, I had the opportunity to work for a pet nutrition company. So that was really exciting, I learned a lot. It was definitely more of a corporate based environment. So I was there for over four years. And I enjoyed my time there for sure, learned a lot got to still take part in the industry, which was amazing, but just a different avenue. And then I decided that I needed to change. So realizing that you know, the nine to five behind a desk all day was just not for me. So I decided to leave that position. And then I landed actually working for Let The Dog Out. So the old owners of the company were really great, great guys that started Let The Dog Out. And so I thought you know, like I’m just need something a little less stress right now. Love to just be active outside and still getting to care for animals. So I decided to start working for Let The Dog Out and dog walking. And then I also in that time got a job at the OVC here in Guelph. So I was working part time at the OVC as a client service representative there. And again, it was really cool to see all the different cases that came our way. Unfortunately OVC animals come there when they are really sick. But it is still really nice to be able to help them and help their owners. You know, find a solution for a more complicated case. So I was working there and dog walking and then and I had like a really good mix and I loved the balance of you know getting to be active all day and out with all the dogs And, you know, even caring for cats as well. And then the owners of Let The Dog Out decided that just with change in you know, their childcare situation and COVID affecting their life, they decided that it was time to move on. And they approached me about buying Let The Dog Out. So this was a great opportunity for me in terms of getting to have something of my own, and really getting to step in to entrepreneurship and having my own business while still getting to care for animals and do something that I’m very passionate about. So, um, it’s been a short ride so far, but I am really enjoying it. Right now. It’s definitely you know, learning to navigate being a business owner, but also during a pandemic, with all those challenges that come with it. But I think just from getting to grow up watching my dad run his business, and having all the different connections that I do amongst the, you know, veterinary and animal industry has set me up really well for being able to take over Let The Dog Out.
Laura Wombwell
So for folks who haven’t heard about Let The Dog Out, what does the business specialize in? What do you folks offer?
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
So we specialize in, basically, for the busy pet parent that you know, needs help either getting their dog out exercise, so we offer 30 and 15 minute dog walks. And then we also offer like, if your dog just needs to get out for a potty break, we can pop over and let them out for a 10 minute bathroom break before when the world was open and normal and we could do things and a lot of the time people would go out for dinner or they might do a day trip to Toronto and not want to be worried about rushing back or if they’re stuck in traffic and worried about their pets at home not being able to get out there in their crate crossing their legs. So that’s where we come in, we can step in and help you know take them for their walk to burn off some of that energy and also get them out and then we also help with pet sitting in terms of cat so it’s a really great option for people. Cats I know get really stressed when their environment changes and how if they have to do boarding or going to clinic or any type of boarding facility it just really throws throws them so we offer you know visits where we can go into our client’s homes and you know check in on the cat feed them refresh their water change their litter and do that a couple times a day if you know the owners are going to be a way back when travel was was a thing. And um and so the great thing about us is we are on demand so we don’t have a specific like you need to book with a minimum of like book with us three walks per week or three visits per week. We are we have some clients that use us every day and then we have some clients that only use us maybe once or twice a month or even once a year it’s it’s really tailored to the busy pet parent schedule and and what they need us for which is great because I know a lot of you know animal owners, they they prefer to be able to walk their own dog and be out there with them but sometimes life gets in the way work or travel or other social events. And so just knowing that, you know, their important family members are being taken care of, well, while they’re away, is that something that we can offer.
Laura Wombwell
Excellent. So for someone who is new to hiring a walker, or a sitter, what’s the process?
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
So I usually start out with, like, a meet and greet. So it’s a free just to see if it’s gonna work for both of us. I’m just to get to know, you know, our, our potential clients in a more personal manner, and them to get to know me as well and explain the process to them. So we use a booking app called Time to Pet. This is really convenient for, you know, scheduling, and then also for our clients to receive photo updates and little report cards of, you know, if they needed to be fed, or if anything was out of the ordinary. So it’s a great communication tool for our clients. And it’s always nice like to receive a picture update of, you know, your puppy or or kitty during the day, while you’re at work of just how they’re doing. And so really the meet and greet is to go over that and to assess, like, what the client’s needs would be like, are you just looking for coverage for maybe a couple days on the weekend because you’re going away. Or are you needing something more regular like during, during the week, so like, right now a great example is, yes, people are home. But some people have gotten roped into those COVID puppies, I’m guilty for it as well, I got myself up. Wait, my husband and I have a seven month old black lab puppy named Eleanor Rigby. So keeps us very busy. But sometimes during the middle of the day, when you have meetings and you’re busy, you just need someone to come and take your dog out for a walk so that you can, you know, get some productive work time done. So we’ve been offering those services as well. Or even just taking your puppy in the backyard and playing with them and tiring them out. So that you can attend, you know, to your meetings or get some stuff done around the house. And then also socializing because right now, of course, that’s not like going to puppy playdates and having people over to meet your new puppies is not in the cards. So having a walker come has been, you know, a great option for people to try and just get their dogs used to new people.
Laura Wombwell
Well, all of the vets and trainers that I’ve talked to over the past year, have said how important it is to start earlier like before you go back to work, getting your pet used to someone coming to walk them or getting used to those new people. And so even if folks are home with their new COVID puppies, giving a walker a call is a great idea to just open that door.
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
Absolutely. So I know that at some point in time, there is going to be some new normalcy and we are going to have to go back to work. And so as opposed to scrambling at the last minute, and trying to introduce a new walker, you’ve already established a routine and established you know that relationship which is really great. So we’ve been doing that as well with a lot of people and I highly recommend it. Just being able to set them up young with the tools so that it’s not a huge change when you do have to go back for sure.
Laura Wombwell
So what is your favorite thing to help people out with within your business?
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
I think it’s just me being a pet parent myself. I think it’s so important giving people that peace of mind of knowing that their their dogs or their cats are being taken care of the way like as it as it would be like our own so we make sure that they it’s so rewarding being able to help you know our busy pet parents still live their lives still be able to go to social events or or work but still also have the opportunity to have a pet and you know know that their pet is being taken care of. So it’s it’s so nice getting to send those happy puppy pictures to pet parents and getting you know The responses like Oh, thank you, like, these just like, brighten my day. And, and that is just like really rewarding for all of us like not just myself, but my team as well. Because we know, all of us being pet owners, we know how it makes us feel. And so it’s really nice to be able to pass that on to all of our clients.
Laura Wombwell
Excellent. So what’s something that you wish the general public knew about? The dog walking industry, you know, not everyone has experience hiring a walker. And I think it’s one of those things that if people knew a little bit more about it, they’d be keener to book.
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
For sure. And I think one of the the main things that we focus on is safety. So we don’t do group walks, I know that those are a great option for some dogs. But just for us, it’s a safety thing. So I commend dog walkers that are able to wrangle, you know, a group of dogs.
But just with as well, like the trails getting busier, with everyone being out, it’s always a factor of, you know, you may have a really good dog with you, that’s super friendly, but you never know what the other dog is going to be on the other end of the leash. So you never know how that dog is going to react. So I think just mainly, like, we focus so much on safety and preventative so that we don’t have any sticky situations that happen. And so that’s why we we just walk from individual accounts, and we walk around the trails or neighborhoods of our clients, just to mainly ensure our clients and like pet safety, and then also our staff safety. But that’s really important to us here at let the dog out that safety is the number one priority for them. And that, but they’re, they’re still getting that energy out and you know, a fast pace, like brisk walk, and it’s tailored to their needs. Um, I think, and then I also understand that like, it is, you know, a comfort level of people having somebody come into their home, and that’s their home, and I get that for sure. And that’s why like we are insured and bonded, and we all come with clean criminal background checks, to make sure that not only myself is the owner of the company for peace of mind, but also our clients peace of mind knowing that, you know, we do take that very seriously. And we do respect the fact that we are going into their their home and and we want them to be comfortable with that.
Laura Wombwell
Great, I think, you know, opening up the door a little bit on on what walks actually look look like is so helpful for people who might think like, Oh, no, you know, my dogs fine for those eight hours where I’m at work. Have you seen any, any really great benefits to the pets that you’re letting out? Because I think you know, our pets, that’s a long time to be alone.
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
For sure. It’s sometimes it’s not even like, oh, well my dog can hold it through the night, like when we sleep but it, it’s not even sometimes, you know, the fact that they need to go to the bathroom, that’s a major thing, getting them out, but it’s also the mental stimulation. So being able to get them out, let them have like their sniffy walks, so that they can have that as an outlet. And I’m also just burning, like some of those higher energy breeds, like some of the herding breeds that we get out there on those walks, I think it’s and then the puppies that just have that energy and I experience it myself that if my puppy doesn’t get you know, out for a couple of walks a day to burn off some of that energy and be stimulated in a different way. Then she just gets destructive and you know, will destroy her toys will destroy shoes, furniture. So I think it’s so important to be able to break up their day to you know, help them have that outlet to burn off that energy and then then as the owner to you get to come home and enjoy. Like you’re not having a dog that bouncing off the wall or constantly in your face of like I’m bored, I’m bored, I’m bored. You can come home to a relaxed you know, content dog that’s been out for their their walk and burned off some of that energy and then you can Take them out as well. But it’s just I think it’s just more of a more of like a fulfilling environment for them to be able to get them out and release that energy and, and, you know, have that stimulation that environmental stimulation for them.
Laura Wombwell
Fantastic. So I know you’ve mentioned your new puppy a couple of times. I would love to hear about who the pets are that live with you and and how they came to live with you.
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
So our first our firstborn is Balmer. He is an 11 year old black lab. And he actually came to us from on like, I find, I say that the dogs find you in your life. And I definitely stand by that. Um, it was my husband and I had just moved into the place at the time that we were renting and literally moved in on the Wednesday, then we had like a business work thing for him in Niagara for the weekend. And then we’re driving back, you know, the Saturday morning from that, and my dad gives me a call being like, so you know how you were joking that you would always look after so and so’s pet. If you know she got too old or wasn’t able to take care of him. And I was like, Yeah, he’s like, Well, I think we need to call him that favor. So we actually got Balmer from a client of my dad’s. She was an elderly lady. And she had Balmer for six years. And then it was just she was starting to get a bit of dementia, it was becoming too difficult for her to care for him. Um, so we ended up taking him it was you know, at the time I told my husband Oh, it’s just a trial like, meanwhile, I knew we were keeping them. But um, so and as soon as we got him literally like he had been in our house for a couple days. And then my husband’s on the couch cuddling him being like, how long do labs live for? Like? Yeah, we fell in love with him big time. And he’s been amazing dog. Like he’s just fit right into our lifestyle. He’s so good. Like, we have neighborhood kids that come knock on the door asking if Balmer can come out and like play with them. Like it’s, like, couldn’t ask for a better, you know, first dog for my husband and I together. It was really, he was what got us hooked on labs. And then we decided that we really wanted to get another one. And that’s when Eleanor Rigby came into play. And she is a lovely dog. She is a lot of energy. And especially coming from Balmer who just kind of stepped into our life and picked up the routine No problem, Eleanor has been a big adjustment, but it just goes to show like I even book like right now she’s out on a walk with one of my walkers so that I could do this interview. Because she is like, she is so well behaved if she gets her walks and burns her energy off. But if she doesn’t, she is like in your face barking, like, wants attention. And so it’s been, it’s been a big adjustment for us. But it’s been awesome because she’s a lovely, lovely dog. And we get to see and learn more about her each and every day like and it’s crazy to like, I’ve always had dogs, but I haven’t had a puppy in so long. So seeing like, just how quickly they mature to like and how much she’s changed in the short amount of time that we’ve had her. Um, so I know probably in like, two, three years, she’ll settle down and be a really, really good dog.
Laura Wombwell
And what are some of your favorite things to do with Balmer and Eleanor Rigby here in southwestern Ontario.
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
So I love being able to take them, we are so fortunate here in Guelph, we have some amazing trails behind our house. So I love being able to take them on like the trail walks. Balmer is an absolute lab and loves the water. So any opportunity that we can take him to a lake or to the water is the best to be able to watch him, you know, in his element, Eleanor still hasn’t had the opportunity really to figure out water yet. So hopefully she’ll follow suit when that happens. And then even just like, wealth is a really dog friendly town. Like we have breweries here that allow you to bring your dogs. We have, you know, the Boathouse, so taking them for ice cream and getting them a little puppy cone like those are just awesome things to get to do with them. And then I my husband’s an avid golfer, and I said I would come more often if I could bring the dough. I think that would be so awesome if they could come but obviously for certain reasons. They can’t come but they should have like a dog days of summer or something like that for golf courses.
Laura Wombwell
Amazing. I think so many pet parents would love that. So before we end off, I have a few rapid fire questions for you.
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
Okay.
Laura Wombwell
All right. cat or dog?
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
Dog
Laura Wombwell
Favourite breed?
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
I have to say labs right now.
Laura Wombwell
What are your dog’s favorite treats?
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
The liver, just the freezer dried liver treats. So right now we have some from Crumps, and they absolutely love them.
Laura Wombwell
Are your pets full of beans, full of dreams or full of something entirely different?
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
I’d have to say Eleanor is full of beans. Balmer is just say he’s full of swagger, because he’s just the coolest dog ever.
Laura Wombwell
Love it. If your dogs were to be played by a human actor in a movie, which actor would play them?
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
Ooh, that’s a tough one. Balmer I feel like would be like a Denzel Washington.
Laura Wombwell
Nice.
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
I’m just very classy, you know? Cool, mellow guy. And then Eleanor. Oh, she’s a tough one. I think maybe for Eleanor she’d be played by like a young spunky actress that have lots of energy. I can’t think of anyone right now though.
Laura Wombwell
She’s a child actor.
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
Yeah. Yeah. Like maybe like a Disney, like Nickelodeon super star.
Laura Wombwell
And one last rapid fire question. If money were no object and time were no object, what’s one incredible thing that you would do to spoil your pets?
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
I would absolutely love to be able to fly them out to out west to be able to take them on the trails there. It’s just such a beautiful part of Canada. And just getting to hike with them there. And let them kind of see that part of Canada. And obviously, if we could travel more even, I would totally do that as well. And then, I mean, I tell Balmer and Eleanor that I work hard so that they can live in the lifestyle they’re accustomed to. So they’re already pretty spoiled. But I would love for them to be able to get like doggy massages and chiro and all of that because I think it is so beneficial for them.
Laura Wombwell
Wonderful. So I really appreciate you sharing some of your time with me today. Before we close out, I’d love to, to know, first of all, where folks can find you if they’re interested in learning more? And how can this community best support you and your business?
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
So people can find us at our website, there’s tons of more information there. So what let the dog out.ca. There, we have tons of information, you can walk a free meet and greet with us just to chat and see if it is a good fit or find out more information. And I’m available all the time. So happy to always share. You can follow us on Instagram, you can see our regular dogs that are out walking every day and our stories and then just helpful tips like we you know, do a health tip of pet health tip of the month. So, um, then we just other little tidbits of you know how to help cope with fireworks and thunderstorm season. And we have a blog as well. So there’s lots of information even if you just want to check in and follow along that way. And then sorry, what was the other part of your question, Laura?
Laura Wombwell
And how can folks best support you and your business?
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
Oh, well, you can always book with us, we are always more than happy to add to our client lists and meet new furry friends. We love getting to take the help you guys out and walk or pets it for you. So by all means, feel free to book a meet and greet with us and we are more than happy to get the process started. Or even just engage with us on social media and follow along. And you know, we have contests and collaborations with other local businesses trying to support each other right now even more so in this time and so follow along and participate and engage in social media.
Laura Wombwell
Excellent. Well, thank you so much, Danielle. I really appreciate you sharing some of your time today. It’s been such a blast chatting with you.
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
You as well. Thank you so much Laura.
Laura Wombwell
This is Laura from Laura Wombwell Photography and I’m here with Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn of Let The Dog Out in Guelph and we both hope that you and your pets have an awesome day. Bye!
Danielle Roberts-Littlejohn
Bye!
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