The safest dog walking job is the one you are willing to turn down

Avoid off leash walks, unfamiliar group walks and situations where the founder would need to physically separate dogs. The CDC advises not to try to break up dog fights and notes that any dog can bite when scared, nervous, sick, eating or guarding. It also reports that children are more likely than adults to be bitten, and more likely to be seriously hurt when it happens, which is the reason a young walker starts with one familiar dog and an adult who knows where they are.

The American Kennel Club warns that hot pavement can burn paw pads and recommends cooler times and safer surfaces when conditions are hot. The founder should follow the owner’s instructions and parent judgment, shorten or cancel a walk when conditions are unsafe and never improvise beyond their experience.

Do not pull harder, chase a loose dog into traffic or hide an incident. Move to the safest available position, contact the owner and parent, and follow the emergency plan. Bites and scratches should be taken seriously and handled according to current health guidance.