FAQs

Do you offer a free meet & greet?
Yes. Before any walks or visits, I’ll arrange a free meet & greet so we can meet, discuss your dog’s needs and make sure Leash & Laurel is the right fit for you both.

What areas do you cover?
I cover the following areas across Midlothian and East Lothian. If your area is not listed below, please feel free to contact me and I will try to help.

Midlothian: Dalkeith, Woodburn, Eskbank, Newbattle, Pathhead, Cousland, Mayfield, Easthouses, Gorebridge, North Middleton & Newtongrange

East Lothian: Musselburgh, Whitecraig, Wallyford, Tranent, Elphinstone, Ormiston, Blindwells, Prestonpans & Port Seton

Do you take on new dogs?
Yes, subject to availability and making sure the service is a good fit for your dog’s needs.

How many dogs are in a group walk?
Group walks are limited to a maximum of four dogs. Keeping groups small allows me to give each dog individual attention while creating a calmer, more manageable walking environment.

Will my dog be walked off lead?
This depends on your dog, their recall, confidence, behaviour and the environment we're walking in. Off-lead walking is never assumed, and I’ll always prioritise safety.

My dog is nervous/reactive. Can they join a group walk?
Every dog is assessed individually. Some dogs may thrive in a carefully managed small group, while others may be better suited to 1:1 walks initially. We’ll discuss your dog’s needs at the meet & greet and decide what’s appropriate.

Do you walk puppies?
Yes, puppy walks are part of the Puppy Foundations package, designed to give young dogs a positive start to exploring the world while building confidence, focus and everyday life skills.

The amount of time spent actively walking on lead is tailored to each puppy and will depend on their age, development and individual capabilities. Sessions aren't about covering a certain distance or simply tiring your puppy out — we'll take things at their pace, incorporating exploration, enrichment, socialisation and appropriate rest along the way.

What happens if my dog is struggling on a walk?
Your dog’s wellbeing comes first. If a dog becomes overwhelmed or goes over threshold, I won’t simply continue walking for the sake of completing the allocated time. We may slow things down, change our environment or return home and allow them time to settle.

How do bookings work?
I use Bearwalk, an online dog-walking management platform, to keep everything relating to your dog's care organised in one place.

Once you're registered as a client, you'll be able to use Bearwalk to manage your bookings, view invoices and make payments. It means less back-and-forth messaging, fewer things to keep track of, and all your important information in one convenient place.

How do payments work?
Invoices and payments are managed through Bearwalk, making it easy to see what you owe and keep track of payments. No chasing through old messages or trying to remember which bank transfer was for which walk!

What is your cancellation policy?
I require 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule a walk. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are charged at 50% of the walk fee. No-shows, lockouts or no access are charged in full. 

Will I receive updates about my dog's walks?
Yes! After each walk, I'll share a walk report and photos through Bearwalk, so you can see how your dog got on and enjoy a little glimpse into their time with me.

Depending on the walk, reports may also include useful observations about how your dog behaved, what they enjoyed and anything worth sharing with you. It's about keeping you connected to your dog's day, not simply letting you know they've been out.

Do I need to download an app?
I'll explain how to access Bearwalk when you become a client. It's designed to make managing your dog's care straightforward, with your bookings, invoices, payments and walk updates kept together rather than scattered across messages and emails.

Are you a dog trainer?
Leash & Laurel is not currently a dog training business. However, my walks are informed by ongoing education in canine behaviour, learning and reinforcement, and I take a calm, welfare-focused approach to supporting dogs in everyday situations. I’m continuing to build my qualifications with the long-term goal of expanding into training and behaviour support. 

Can you help with my dog's behaviour?
I can support appropriate everyday skills and help reinforce strategies you are already working on, but I don't replace a qualified behaviourist or veterinary professional. Where a dog needs specialist behavioural support, I’ll always recommend working alongside an appropriate professional.

Do you use treats or training on walks?
Yes, where appropriate and with your permission. Walks can provide opportunities to reinforce useful behaviours, build confidence and create positive associations — without turning every walk into a formal training session.

How long are walks?
Group walks and 1:1 Behaviour Walks include approximately one hour of walking time, with travel time separate. Puppy Foundations sessions are approximately 45 minutes.

Will you pick my dog up and drop them home?
Yes, collection and return are included within the agreed service area.

What happens if you're delayed?
I'll keep you informed if unexpected circumstances cause a significant delay.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Walks may be adapted according to the weather and your dog's individual needs. Extreme heat, storms or unsafe conditions may mean shortening, changing or rescheduling a walk.

What happens if my dog is ill?
For everyone's safety, please don't send your dog out if they're showing signs of illness or have a contagious condition. We'll discuss whether the visit should be cancelled or rearranged.

Are you insured?
Yes. Leash & Laurel is fully insured for the services I provide.

Are you dog first aid trained?
Yes. I have a SQA accredited certificate in Expert First Aid for Dogs. These courses are facilitated by the Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home. 

Do you use GPS tracking?
Yes. Every dog is GPS tracked during walks, providing an additional layer of safety and allowing me to keep track of their location throughout their time with me.

Will my dog ever be left unattended?
No. Dogs in my care are supervised throughout their walk and while being transported.