Stratford Dog Walkers

My German shepherd girl, Ruby, starting walking with Stratford Dog Walkers in April of this year. The reasons - so that she could get out of the house on the long days while we are at work, as well as help me to walk her with more ease.Both reasons have been satisfied, in particular, Ruby learning how to walk better on a leash plus the added bonus of her being socialized in pack walks.But not only this, Joel takes the time to send updates and to send pictures of your dog from that day's walks. Receiving these pictures and seeing that Ruby has been happy while I am at work is one of the favourite parts of my day. He will provide suggestions on behaviours as well as equipment, too!Joel's knowledge, patience, and evident love for Ruby makes this money well spent.

Joel, Janessa and the small team are exceptional. They are kind, patient, generous with their time and talents, and make the effort to know each and every canine client (and owner). I highly recommend them (as does my Frenchie Vinny)! ;)

Probably one of the best decisions I have ever made regarding my dog is to have Stratford Dog Walkers take him out for walks, my dog due to Covid has had issues with socializing and Joel and his team of highly dedicated and knowledgeable dog lovers have improved almost every aspect of my dogs day to day routine. A lot of attention and care goes into each of the dogs Stratford Dog Walkers interact with and by learning each of the dogs personalities and traits SDW not only is able to help get your dog some exercise but also offer some pointers and tips to improve my own walks and encounters. 100% would recommend this to anyone with a dog.

Joel has been an important part of my Norfolk terrier’s life since he was 10 weeks old and six pounds. He has been walking him four afternoons a week. Joel adapts the walk to the dog’s age, needs, health, and sociability. He is strong on behavioural issues and helps with that too. He is kind, always cheerful, and Benny loves to hear his voice when we watch the little videos Joel sends every day from the walk. Joel’s great teenage children help in summer and holidays, and he has hired Katherine Walker to help him too. Recommend highly.

Joel and the Stratford Dog Walkers team are great. They love our fur babies and take great care of them. They get to know their different personalities and encourage them and work with them accordingly. Our baby girl is very social but also gentle and has really enjoyed meeting new friends.Joel makes sure to give tips for training not only for walking but much more. Leash handling, interacting with others and more.Our girl looks forward to the times she gets to go for a group walk and I love the pictures and videos I get.Thank you Joel and your team!

Stratford Dog Walkers has been a life saver! They walk my dog almost daily & have for several months. Joel is also a great dog trainer & offers training sessions in groups or 1-1! I have found the training to be very comfortable, easy to follow & helpful. They provide photos & videos of every single walk, which is awesome!

So we have a beautiful boxer who is 10 years old. She has developed increased anxiety around thunderstorms, rain. She presented as being unhappy. I had heard about the work that Joel had did thru friends and neighbours. As well I had actually observed the work that he did with a small terrier and was super impressed.Joel came and met Princess. He asked all about her and what she was like. Joel’s sincerity and genuine interest was refreshing and reassuring. After spending some time with Princess, Joel recommended the “dog group” that he felt she would be best suited to. Well, what a transformation -I swear after Princess returns from her walk that if she could talk she would tell me a story of everything she saw lol. She is happy, she is relaxed -what a difference. What also was unique is that Joel didnt try and push how many days a week she should be walked -instead he suggested that for her size, age, needs that twice a week would be sufficient and the walks would be about 4 km.I cant tell you how happy we are at Joel’s care for Princess. And did I tell you he send’s pictures of her walking, riding in the car -it is like finding “Mr.Doubfire” for dogs -all I can say is “thank you so much”.

I have a nine month old Golden Doodle who is difficult to walk. Zoey believes everyone wants to play with her. She lunges at approaching wildlife, dogs and people. She plays a chewing game with her leash, often throwing me off balance.Then I found Joel and “Stratford Dog Walkers” !!Joel doesn’t just walk your dog.He has an excellent knowledge of dog behaviour, obedience training, and an ability to connect and communicate with the dogs.He is patient, enthusiastic and caring . You can tell he loves his work!!!Safety is a priority for the dogs in his care.The group walks provide socialization for Zoey as well as an opportunity to learn from the other dogs.He always takes a few minutes to talk with me on how Zoey is doing, as well as providing training tips.I love the videos he sends from his walks with Zoey. You can see how he interacts with her and how happy and attentive she is when he speaks . Zoey goes crazy hearing his voice and the sound of the other dogs!!The dogs are provided with many different experiences on their walks; walking amongst tourists at the park before the theatre, backyard romps with other dogs and cooling off in a wading pool.Joel can read each dog; their behaviour, and their needs.Zoey loves her walks with Joel.I see an improvement in her walks with me after 3 weeks. Her leash is looser, not tugging and I can sometimes distract her enough to walk past other dog walkers.I am so grateful to be a client of Joel’s. Janesssa is part of Joel’s team and has walked Zoey several times. She is great too!!Honestly, Joel is more than a dog walker for your dog. I tell him he is a “Dog Whisperer.”“Stratford Dog Walkers“ are Top notch !!

My Husky Rio loves when Joel comes to the door to get a walk with his pack twice a week! Joel is always available to help anyway he can I appreciate the care he takes in providing his services to every dog in his care! Love seeing the pictures that he takes on his daily walks! I would highly recommend Joel and his team for their services! Keep up the Great Work!

Joel and his team are the best. Joel has been walking and boarding our Golden Retriever, Hank, since he was a puppy. We are so grateful to Joel for always taking such good care and such a genuine interest in Hank.