dog walker

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "dog walker" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to someone who is hired to take a dog on regular walks for exercise and potty breaks. Example: "I hired a dog walker to help with my busy schedule and ensure my dog gets enough exercise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

The Dog Walker (Melville House, £17.99) tells of his time working in Washington DC as a dog walker to the city's elite.

Independent

Dog walker.

The New York Times

The dog walker or the dog owner?

The New York Times

Tunder, another dog walker, joins us.

The Guardian - Money

"He was a professional dog walker.

The New York Times

One dog walker, Jennifer Bauch, fought back.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Paul stops a dog-walker and asks for help.

The New Yorker

Lyle the Crocodile returns as a dog-walker.

The New Yorker

Short of a babysitter or a dog-walker?

The Guardian - Opinion

The only dog-walker I pass doesn't know.

The Guardian - Sport

He willingly contributed most of the extra furniture to their dog-walker.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "dog walker", specify their experience or credentials to add credibility.

Common error

Avoid assuming a "dog walker" is also a trainer or vet; clarify their specific duties beforehand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dog walker" functions primarily as a noun, identifying a person whose occupation is walking dogs for others. As confirmed by Ludwig, this is a common term for someone who provides this service. Examples show its use in news articles, blogs, and everyday conversation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dog walker" is a common and accepted term for someone who walks dogs professionally. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, from news articles to casual conversation. While the term is generally neutral, it's essential to clarify the specific responsibilities of a "dog walker" to avoid misunderstandings. For more formal settings, alternative phrases like "pet walking service" or "canine exercise provider" can be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dog walking professional

Highlights the professional nature of the occupation.

pet walking service

Focuses on the service aspect rather than the person.

paid dog walker

Explicitly mentions that the service is paid.

professional dog exerciser

Emphasizes the exercise aspect in a professional context.

canine exercise provider

More formal and emphasizes the exercise aspect.

dog handler

Broader term that includes walking but may involve other care.

pooch stroller

Informal and playful alternative.

pet care specialist

Encompasses a wider range of pet care duties.

dog companion

Highlights the companionship aspect of walking dogs.

animal walking service

Broadens the scope to include other animals besides dogs.

FAQs

How can I use "dog walker" in a sentence?

You can say, "I hired a "dog walker" to exercise my dog while I'm at work", or "She works as a "dog walker" to earn extra money".

What's a more formal alternative to "dog walker"?

A more formal alternative could be "pet walking service" or "canine exercise provider", depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "dog walker" in professional writing?

Yes, "dog walker" is a commonly understood term and acceptable in most professional contexts, unless a more formal term like "pet care specialist" is more appropriate.

What responsibilities does a "dog walker" typically have?

A "dog walker" is usually responsible for walking, exercising, and ensuring the safety of dogs during their walks. They may also provide fresh water and administer medication, depending on the agreement with the owner.