How do you start dog walking?

[sammypetter]

I'm 18, full-time uni and part-time retail worker. I was considering doing some dog walking for fitness reasons and while I don't own a dog, I have helped my friends walk their dogs in the past. I was wondering if anyone can give me some tips on getting started?
Thanks!!

[Sweetypye]

You will need insurance
A canine first aid qualification would be advisable (Canine First Aiders provide the only nationally recognised qualification in the UK)
Join a professional body such as NARP

[Mudgie]

go help out at a local rescue centre - will get you used to working with lots of dogs and you can do some walking - also great experience for dog walking business and when dogs get rehomed you can pass your details on to them 

[Gemsy]

One thing I've learnt - Don't buy a franchise! 
In my experience (I've been doing it for 4 years now and making a reeeasonable living), going out to parks in the areas you want to walk dogs early in the morning and late in the evening (when people are walking their dogs before and after office hours) and chatting to people is the best option. Postcards in petshops and vets, shops... best advice though, is to get a really good web presence... make a proper website and get on Google, etc... People always look online first!

[info@followthelead.org.uk]

Hi - I have set up a website looking precisely at this.  Completely agree with franchise comment.  Please  take a look and tell me what improvements I cna make to the site.  http://www.followthelead.org.uk