Frequently Asked Questions
Do you pick up in my area?
I offer convenient pick up locations throughout Christchurch, including Burwood, New Brighton, Waimairi Beach, Queenspark, Richmond, St Albans, Merivale, Mairehau, Dallington, Wainoni, Parklands, Marshlands, Prestons, Waitikiri, Shirley, Northwood, Belfast and surrounding areas. Please inquire for specific locations, as I do sometimes pick up out of the catchment area, so reach out and I will try to work something out!
How long are the walks?
Each of our adventures lasts a minimum of 1 hour. Your dog will be out of the house for 2 to 4 hours, depending on their scheduled pick-up and drop-off times. You will be notified via text, upon your pooches pick up and also drop off, for your peace of mind.
Does my dog have to be neutered?
Yes, in order to participate in group walks, is a requirement from 1 year of age - as this makes the group walks more harmonious.
Why should my dog go on a group adventure?
- Great for socialisation, building confidence and helps reduce social isolation
- Provides excellent mental and physical benefits, allowing dogs to engage in natural behaviours without restrictions and ultimately burn off energy - which is crucial for their continued well-being
- Sniffing, digging, exploring and interacting with the environment off-lead, stimulates a dogs mind and can prevent boredom and destructive behaviours that can result from a lack of mental engagement. Off-leads walks provide ample opportunities for these activities, engaging their senses and releasing beneficial endorphins
- I promote good habits, recall training and appropriate play styles while out and about, allowing the dogs to explore and socialise in a controlled environment
- Off-lead walks allows dogs to move naturally. Running, jumping and playing freely can help dogs maintain a healthy weight, improve cardiovascular health and strengthen their muscles and bones.
Does my dog have to be registered?
Yes, this is a requirement to participate on group walks. These must be worn on the walks. It would also be a good idea to have a named tag with a phone number attached to their collar.
How many dogs are in a group?
Every group has a maximum of 6 dogs (sometimes 7 if a customer needs a helping hand that day) to ensure all the dogs are well cared for, engaged with and kept safe throughout the walk.
Can I see what my dog gets up to on their adventure?
Absolutely, I love sharing in the joy and happiness our adventures bring your dog, so I post daily photos and videos for your enjoyment. Make sure to follow Mad About Dogs on Instagram and Facebook fo the lastest pup-dates!
How old does my dog have to be?
I accept dogs from 8 months of age, but they are required to have a reliable recall. To maintain our very high standard, every dog will have a one on one assessment walk first to determine this. They are then placed on a 4 day + induction trial to determine whether group adventures are a good fit for your dogs temperament, social skills and play style.
In a nutshell - why choose Mad About Dogs?
I am a qualified Vet Nurse, with a degree in Zoology, who is passionate about what I do. I am also Pet First Aid trained, police vetted and with years of experience, have a very good understanding of dog body language and behaviour. I use force free training methods for common commands and can cater to your dogs specific dietary requirements if needed. Each dog is transported in individual cages to ensure maximum comfort and safety, where we are out adventuring for a minimum of 1 hour. I always have emergency contact details on hand during walks and constantly look out for possible health issues or behavioural changes, that you will then be informed of. I endeavour to build a personal bond with your pooch and will go the extra mile for them. I provide daily photos and videos for you to enjoy and to share how our walk went. Lastly, I only use environmentally friendly, biodegradable poo bags.
Mad About Dogs is a member of the Canine Industry Standards Association, NZ
