Edinburgh and Us: More Canines in her Life! So why is Fee Henry so happy?

Fee Henry was used to, and was comfortable with, the daily routine afforded her in six years as a Dental Nurse. But with no scope for progression she needed a change.

In 2017, Fee took a leap of faith and plunged into the world of domestic dog care. Now that her pet sitting and walking business ‘Tails of Edinburgh’ is up and running she has no regrets.

“I don’t think I could go back. The dog walking is very rewarding."

Fee Henry out walking with one of her Tails of Edinburgh groups.

Pets have always been present in her life.

“I love dogs, I had dogs growing up. As a child I always said I’d rather work with animals than people and when I was a teenager I worked through my summer holidays walking dogs at a boarding kennel.

“So, years later when I was thinking about a new career, someone I knew was using a dog walker and this sparked the idea.”

To find her feet in her new venture Fee first assisted a lady who already had a dog-walking company.

It then took her almost six months to get fully set up with her own company. Formalities included registering with the local council and obtaining appropriate insurance. Fee also completed her first aid training for dogs and continues to build experience through dog training courses.

Now into her second year, business is flourishing.

“It has grown hugely. You’ll be amazed how many people have dogs and people now have the luxury of working full-time too, because you can have a dog walker.

The 28-year-old has found that most of the dogs are well behaved and have learned her commands quickly.

“I love seeing them pick up new things that I have helped teach them. We practice things like sitting before leaving their house and sitting before being let off the lead. It gives us time to make sure they are safe and then they can have their freedom.”

Certain breeds are easier to manage. “The most obedient are Labradors - they are fast learners, and Shepherds are impressive as well.”

“It can be challenging when the dogs haven’t been trained fully on recall (coming back when you call them). For me, it’s the number one most important thing you should teach your dog. There can be areas that are not safe and not every other dog we come upon is friendly.

“I sometimes use treats, but I prefer to reward them with a lot of praise.”

Dogs playing together on a Tails of Edinburgh walk.

Fee is aware that her new job carries with it acute responsibility for the safety of the pets in her temporary care. She chooses walks in open spaces where it is easier to keep watch over the dogs. Holyrood Park is a particular favourite. Whinny Hill, Meadowfield Park, Dunsapie Hill, Figgate Park and Portobello Beach offer variety.

All destinations are enjoyed by her canine friends, but Fee now knows where their real passion lies.

“Their favourite walk is the beach, they love the beach! The dog owners probably don’t love having the beach in their house, so we don’t go all the time!”

In many ways the current trend for dog walking services is proving highly beneficial for pets generally. Yet, the Kennel Club UK recently stated that one in five dogs, sadly, don’t get a walk every day. We asked Fee why it is important for dogs to stay active.

“They need mental stimulation – if they are bored and don’t get exercise it’s not healthy for them and they can become destructive.

“Most humans wouldn’t live in isolation all day every day. Dogs are not meant to be on their own. In the wild they would get to run where ever they want and get to play with others.”

Each day is a new adventure.

“Our groups change through the week, so they don’t always see the same dogs. When they see their best friends, they get all waggy-tailed and excited.”

Fee explains that a high percentage of her dogs interact well.

“They get along great, you would be amazed. A new dog can take a little while to settle in because they all need to find their balance. They might have a little disagreement and then it’s sorted.

“Some breeds have a bond because they have similarities, but they are all mixed breeds and get on really well. I have never had any dogs that don’t but if that was the case then we’d recommend a solo walk.

“They are pack animals so usually they want to have a group to go around with. Quite often an owner says they are okay off the lead but sometimes they get distracted or go to see other people. However, when they are in a group they don’t want to go anywhere else, it helps them to stick together.”

Follow the Leader with Fee Henry.

Fee is also a dog and cat owner herself. She has a bulldog terrier cross called Alba and Luka a rescue from Bosnia who is a Shepperd mountain dog. Her cat Rufio makes it a full-house.

“Alba and Luka always come the morning walk and the afternoon ones if they can be fitted in. They are very lucky. They can have three hours of walking a day and then in the evening they still don’t look tired - I think they are spoiled.”

So, whilst it seems Fee’s dogs are having a whale of a time it is worth noting that the social aspect of her job is not confined to the animals. Fee’s new partner is also a dog walker with a separate business. Their paths crossed when both were out on their rounds.

“When you do dog walking you don’t meet many people, so it was just by chance.”

Their relationship is offering up unforeseen possibilities.

“Right now, we’re considering options of expanding. We are looking at possibilities of what we can do as a unit. It might be doggy day care or some sort of boarding – with a small facility for the dogs to stay between walks.”

Tails of Edinburgh currently offer dog walking services in areas including Leith, Lochend, Hillside, Craigentinny, Portobello, Restalrig, Newhaven and North East of the City Centre. Pet sitting and puppy sitting can include locations that are a further away.

“It is a very competitive business and more dog-walking companies are starting up all of the time because it is such a good job.”

Her advice to others contemplating a dog walking business is do extensive research.

“I would say definitely volunteer first at a local shelter. There are online courses you can do to get a wee bit of knowledge because it is harder than you think. Trying to watch six dogs at the same time is demanding.”

Her Fitbit activity tracker indicates that she walks 10 – 15km every day. The tracker does not record her sleeping habits. But for the record she sleeps, unsurprisingly, very soundly.

For details visit the Tails of Edinburgh website at http://www.tailsofedinburgh.com or their Facebook Page at https://en-gb.facebook.com/tailsofedinburgh/.