Your questions answered

At David & Michele | How4you Hounds, we understand you have questions about trusting your beloved furry friend with a new dog walker. We're here to provide clear, comprehensive answers to all your concerns, ensuring peace of mind and happy pups.

Frequently asked questions

We pride ourselves on our transparency and dedication to your dog's well-being. Below, you'll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive, designed to help you understand our professional and caring approach.

1. Are you insured and DBS checked?

Absolutely. We are fully insured, DBS checked, and NARP UK compliant. Our team holds high-level certifications, including Veterinary Nursing (Level 4) and Canine Behaviour, so your dog is in expert clinical hands. We are happy to provide copies of our documentation during our initial Meet & Greet for your total peace of mind.

2. Do you take reactive or aggressive dogs?

To ensure the safety, well-being, and harmony of all the hounds in our care, we unfortunately do not take on reactive or aggressive dogs. Our service is designed for social dogs who thrive in a calm, positive group environment.

3. Do I need to be home for collection or drop-off?

No. Most of our clients provide us with a key. We are experienced, professional key-holders and follow strict security protocols to ensure your home remains safe and secure at all times.

4. What equipment do you provide for the walks?

We provide a total premium package so you don’t have to worry about gear! We supply high-quality harnesses and use premium 8m Flexi leads to allow for maximum exploration. On wet days, we provide waterproof terrain bodysuits to keep your dog's coat protected. Additionally, every hound is equipped with a Pawfit 3 GPS tracker as standard.

5. Will my dog always be on a lead?

We walk a mixture of dogs on and off-lead, tailored entirely to your dog's recall ability and your personal preference. Our 8m leads ensure that even on-lead dogs enjoy a "freedom" experience during their Sniffari while remaining under our secure, professional control.

6. How do you keep my house clean after a muddy walk?

Our signature "Show-Home" finish ensures your home stays tidy. Between the use of our waterproof terrain bodysuits and our onboard portable power wash with Wahl grooming products, we ensure paws and bellies are clean and dry before your hound is dropped back home.

7. What exactly is a "Sniffari"?

A Sniffari is a mentally enriching walk where we let the dog’s nose lead the way. Using our 8m leads, we give dogs the space to decompress and explore their environment. This mental stimulation is often more rewarding and tiring for a dog than a standard brisk walk.

8. Do you offer feeding services?

Yes! As a complimentary service, we are happy to feed your dog or refresh their water when returning them home if you are not there. Just let us know their routine during the Meet & Greet.

9. How do you celebrate a dog's birthday?

We love to celebrate our pack members! We offer a free birthday walk for your dog as our way of celebrating their special day.

10. Do you offer dental hygiene services?

For dogs using our services three times a week, we provide a complimentary teeth cleaning service using premium Petsmile toothpaste to keep their dental health in top shape.

11. Can you help with training for young dogs?

Absolutely. When a young dog enters our service, we proactively help incorporate recall training into their walks. This helps them build confidence and safety habits while they socialise with the pack.

12. What are your hours of operation?

We are here for you every day of the week! We offer a full Monday to Sunday service to ensure your hound never has to miss an adventure.

13. What happens if How4you Hounds needs to cancel a walk?

Reliability is a cornerstone of our service. If we ever need to cancel a scheduled walk due to unforeseen circumstances, we will proactively offer our weekly customers an alternative time slot on the same day or a rescheduled walk on a different day.

14. What areas do you cover?

We currently provide our premium walking services in Eastbourne, Pevensey, Hailsham, and surrounding local villages.

15. How many dogs do you walk at once?

To maintain our high safety standards and provide personalized attention, we limit our groups to a maximum of 5 dogs. With two walkers, this means your dog receives a much higher ratio of care and interaction than a standard group walk.

16. How will my dog be transported?

We prioritise both the planet and your pet’s comfort by using electric hybrid cars. Our vehicles are chosen with safety in mind, and we provide all the necessary safety harnesses for the journey. To ensure a spacious and stress-free environment, we transport a maximum of 5 dogs at any one time (depending on their weight and size).

17. Can I see where my dog has been?

Yes! We provide free Pawfit 3 GPS tracking for every dog on our walks. You can see their real-time location and activity levels through the app, giving you total peace of mind.

What we wish you knew

There are a few key aspects of our service that often surprise new clients, and we believe they truly set us apart. We'd love for you to know more about what makes How4you Hounds special.

The importance of mental stimulation

People often don't realize that a dog's mental health is just as important as their physical exercise. That is why we specialize in "Sniffaris"—mentally enriching walks where we let the dog’s nose lead the way. Using our premium 8m Flexi leads, we give dogs the freedom to explore and decompress, leading to a truly happy and satisfied pup.

Our show-home finish

We also want people to know that we provide a complete "Show-Home" finish; between our waterproof terrain bodysuits and onboard power wash, your dog returns home clean, tired, and happy, so you don't have to worry about muddy floors. Your home stays pristine, and your dog gets to enjoy their adventure without you stressing about the mess.

Addressing your worries

We understand that entrusting your dog and home to someone new can bring anxieties. At How4you Hounds, we proactively address your most common concerns to ensure complete peace of mind.

Dog safety and supervision

The most common worry is the safety of their dog in public. We solve this concern by using a unique double-handler system for maximum supervision and providing Pawfit 3 GPS tracking as standard, so owners always have peace of mind.

Home security and reliability

Owners also worry about their home security, which is why we are fully insured, DBS-checked, and follow strict key-holding protocols. You can trust us to be reliable and respectful of your property.

The messy dog dilemma

Finally, we address the worry of "messy dogs" returning home by providing a full "Show-Home" clean, ensuring their dog is returned happy, tired, and spotless. No more muddy paw prints or wet fur worries!

Ready for happy hounds?

Have more questions or ready to book a walk for your furry friend? Contact us today to discuss your needs and let us provide the best care for your dog.