How to Choose a Dog Walker in Christchurch in 2026

Why Your Choice of Dog Walker Matters More Than You Think

Dog walking looks simple. Clip on a lead. Go for a walk. Bring the dog home tired.

In practice, dog walking sits at the intersection of safety, behaviour, liability, and long-term wellbeing. When it is done poorly, owners pay later through injuries, anxiety, reactivity, or loss of trust.

If you are selecting a dog walker in Christchurch in 2026, these are the criteria that matter.

Start with experience, not convenience

Kuri has been operating since 2017. That matters.

Experience is not about years alone. It is about exposure to real situations and knowing how to respond without escalation.

Inexperienced walkers often create problems without realising it.
• Poor leash handling reinforces pulling.
• Inappropriate groupings increase stress.
• Off-lead decisions made too early lead to fights or runaways.
• Lack of support leaves walkers guessing in high-risk moments.

A qualified walker knows when to slow things down, keep dogs leashed, or change the plan entirely.

Ask who supports the walker

One of the biggest mistakes owners make is choosing a solo operator with no backup.

If something goes wrong, who helps?
If a dog is injured, who carries liability?
If behaviour issues emerge, who provides guidance?

At Kuri, walkers are not operating alone.
• They are supported by an on-site trainer.
• They work within clear SOPs.
• They have access to behavioural support.
• They are covered by liability insurance.

This structure protects the dog and the owner.

Insist on trials and single walks first

A walker who skips trial walks is skipping the most important step.

Dogs should never be dropped straight into group walks without assessment. Temperament, leash skills, recall, confidence, and stress signals all need to be observed first.

Red flags include:
• No trial walk.
• No option for single walks.
• No questions about your dog’s history or needs.
• Immediate group placement for convenience.

At Kuri, dogs start with individual assessment and controlled exposure. Group walking is earned, not assumed.

Understand group walking rules in Christchurch

Christchurch has clear council regulations around dog walking. Reputable services follow them without shortcuts.

At Kuri:
• Group walks are capped at four dogs.
• Dogs remain on lead until familiarity and recall are proven.
• Off-lead walking happens only in approved, secure, dog-friendly areas.
• Every walking location is risk assessed and visited in advance.

These rules are not about control. They are about predictability and safety.

Ask about real-world incident handling

Marketing language tells you nothing about competence.

Ask for examples.

At Kuri, walkers are trained to manage pressure. One example involved a walker handling large, powerful dogs who were leashed and under control while being harassed by off-lead “friendly” dogs. The situation stayed calm because the walker had skill, confidence, and support.

That outcome is not luck. It is training.

Know what happens if something goes wrong

Every owner should ask these questions before booking:
• What happens if my dog is injured?
• Who is responsible?
• How do I contact you during the walk?
• How do I know the walk happened?
• When will my dog be picked up and returned?

If answers are vague, walk away.

Kuri provides clear communication, accountability, and systems. Owners are not left guessing.

Why Kuri should be your first choice

You do not need to match your dog to a walker yourself. That is our job.

Kuri is the only team in Christchurch offering fully supported dog walking backed by training, structure, and experience. Dogs are matched thoughtfully. Walks are planned intentionally. Risk is managed, not ignored.

If you want walking done properly, start here:
https://kuri.co.nz/dog-walking/

Selecting a dog walker is not about price or availability. It is about who you trust with your dog when you are not there.

Choose the team that has already done the thinking for you.