Your Dog-Walkers

Dog-Trotters was set up back in 2004, and has gradually grown in size since then. We are now a thriving local company and walk a variety of different breeds. Each dog has their own character and personality, and we pride ourselves on our ability to treat each dog as an individual with its own needs. We also try to cater to your own requirements, such as walking your dogs at particular times of the day depending on your working hours, and helping out with extra jobs such as feeding, refilling water bowls, and wiping muddy paws upon return. The idea is that you don't have to worry at all about your animals welfare when you are unable to be at home with them yourself. We currently have two walkers who are dedicated to certain areas;

Flossie Allinson

Flossie studied Animal Care at Merrist Wood College, graduating with a triple distinction National Diploma, and then set up Dog-Trotters at the end of 2004. She has a 9 year old Border Collie called Rhys who comes to work with her every day and a tortoise named Ernie.

"Animals have always been my passion, and I loved my course at Merrist Wood and so went on to do several other courses, including Dog Psychology and Canine Care and Behaviour. I knew I definitely wanted to work with dogs, and as I walked Rhys every day I thought I'd earn some extra money walking other peoples dogs too. It grew from there, and as word spread Dog-Trotters was formed. I love my job, not only is it wonderful to see the dogs having fun and running round together, I also find it rewarding to know I'm taking at lot off owners minds and that they can happily trust in me to ensure their dogs are looked after and taken out when they are unable to do so. I know how important our dogs are to us all and I feel I play an important part in the peace of mind of my customers. I get to know the dogs very well, and I take great care in placing the dogs on walks they will get the most enjoyment from."

Carrie Sherd

Carrie has a BA Hons in Easrly Childhood Studies, and loves dogs as much as she loves children. She has recently joined Dog-Trotters to help out with the dogs in the Godalming area and loves the job so far. She has a Cocker Spaniel called Skylar and sixteen year old daughter called Jess.

“Working with dogs is not too dissimilar with children; cognitive behaviour and selective hearing amongst other traits I have found. My ‘childhood studies’ taught me many theories with regard to children and their knowledge to learn and in the same light, dog’s behaviour can be trained the same – simply reward on good behaviour.

Skylar, is a 3 year old blue roan cocker spaniel, and it is through her I have met Flossie who has helped enormously since March 2009. I am amazed at the sensitivity of my cocker spaniel; she has shared my life since December 2008, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I approached Flossie in March 2011 asking if she required help dog walking as I in the process of leaving my current position at Godalming College; I have enormously enjoyed getting to know the new dogs, them getting to know me and the many walks with Will, her brother throughout the summer. I fully appreciate as an owner how important it is to provide socialisation skills and a good walk. Day care is valuable to any owner and I am delighted to be walking other people’s dogs as I know how hard it can be; Flossie has been a godsend on times I have been called away on business meetings, working extra hours and juggling my single parent lifestyle with teenager as I cannot bear the thought of leaving Skylar alone for hours at a time.

I am very proud to be working with Flossie and I am currently in the process of studying Dog Psychology – Home study by The Canine Behaviour Centre and reading “Inside of a Dog – What Dogs See, Smell and Know” by Alexandra Horowitz. I have always had a great interest in psychology, thoughts and process of the mind and brain whether child or animal; I hope to continue my studies of Dog Behaviour with other similar courses as well as taking First Aid with Dogs.

Will Allinson

"Will Allinson has recently joined his sister Flossie in Dog-Trotters, making it a family-run company. He too studied Animal Care at Merrist Wood and also graduated with a Triple Distinction National Diploma. As well as having a natural affinity with animals, dogs in particular, he’s also a keen photographer and hopes to be a wildlife photographer one day. He gets a lot of practice taking photos of the dogs on walks.

"Our family has always had lots of animals, and I couldn’t imagine my life without their company. I don’t have a dog yet but would really like either an Akita or a Collie, possibly a cross of the two. I also love fish and have a tropical fishtank with varying species of fish. I leapt at the chance of working with Flossie, as I love dogs and being outside in all weathers. I get on really well with all the dogs I walk and enjoy meeting their owners too. I would like to be a wildlife photographer one day and I’m getting some good practice by getting some good shots of the dogs while we’re out and about."

Tel: 077333 04026 :: Email: info@dogtrotters.co.uk