Hi LaLaPaws,

Thanks for your interest in the book and will definitely let you know when it's published.

Regarding your question, yes finding and keeping good employees will definitely be the toughest thing you'll ever deal with in your business. I have found the following items have played the largest indicator of long-term success with my employees:

* What is the prospective employees monthly bills (rent, debt, living, etc.) vs. what they will make from the job? If they need much more than you can provide them this is a problem. Many will say they could get a 2nd job but make sure this will still give them the energy and concentration to be a good walker or sitter because we have found it often doesn't. Your ideal walker is a highly talented person who doesn't need top dollar yet in life because of a great living situation, help from the family, etc. but these are obviously not easy persons to find and I would recommend paying a competitive rate for the employees benefit and your business'.

* What is their career pursuit and how close are they to achieving it? Interesting questions to ask your prospective employees are what other jobs they are applying for? And what have been their past 3 jobs? If the prospective applicant was a photography major in college, worked in a photography studio for their last job and is also applying for nothing but photography jobs outside of your dog walking job, then it's likely they will leave you the moment a photography job opens up and likely with little to no notice );

* One of the first questions you should ask them on the phone is are you looking for part-time or full-time work? Just sit quiet and listen to their answer, their answer to this question will tell you much more than you expect, it will be a peak into their lifestyle and what they are looking for. Follow this question up by asking them how long they could see themselves doing a job like this?

* Lastly I'd recommend finding applicants looking for more than 6 months, more like 9-12 months at least.

Hope that helps and ask any questions you have, thanks!

Hi,

Many thanks for your quick reply! What a relief!

I also appreciate your advice which is very helpful. When I've been looking for a new dog walker, the ad describes in detail what the position is about, including the pay rate, working hours, and commitment time, and whether is a full or part-time position. when i call the chosen applicant for an interview, i again describe the job requirements and pay rates, however your second point is very interesting, and i will defineitely apply it this next time.
i will now have to walk the dogs this person was walking which it represents challenge for me because i also walk dogs on another route in the same area. I will surely take my time to hire another dog walker, but i am still concern about my clients.

I now have to introduce a new dog walker to them and their dogs,and i dont exactly know what to tell them when they ask me what happened to the other dog walker.

I've got a headache right now!

Thanks and I hear you, it is so terrible when a walker doesn't work out!

Regarding pay rate and time table, no matter what your ad says I'd highly recommend you assume they didn't even pay attention and/or think about what that really means. When I ask potential walkers what their monthly expenses are they often have no idea...I don't want them to discover what it is once working for me and realize it's not enough );

Regarding clients it's a sensitive thing and I feel for you, I've been through it. Honestly I don't think you need to give them the full story each time a walker doesn't work out. I think clients must understand this is not a career job for most walkers and I think they can accept that if the walkers are great, no matter how short or long they are with you and that you are great!

The fact that you are involving employees is impressive and I congratulate you. If you can ensure the dogs safety as the prime concern for the walkers then you and your clients should be able to get over the bumps in the road that happen to us "all".

best, Josh

Josh,

Once again thank you very much for your advices! And for relating to how i am feeling right now.You are right, safety is the main concern and is also look upon seriously, thus i do hope my clients understand.


Many thanks!!

My pleasure, happy to, and please post any other questions you run into, thanks!