A tireddog isahappydog!A tired dogis a happydog!

We work long days in the city, and it used to break my heart leaving him at home. Now he gets the same walker every weekday, a proper sniff along the creek and a photo for us at lunch.

Olive took months to trust new people. Her walker started with short visits in our backyard and let her set the pace. Six weeks later she was out on the street with her tail up.

Groodle fur and creek mud do not mix. A wash and tidy after her Friday walk keeps her coat clear of knots, and she struts home like she owns the street.

I worried a group would be too much for an old boy. They walk him with two other seniors, keep it gentle and always carry water, and he comes home very pleased with himself.

With a new puppy and two jobs, the midday visits saved us. A toilet break, a play in the yard, fresh water and a nap. We come home to a calm dog and a dry floor.

Honey stayed home with an overnight sitter while we travelled. We got a photo every morning and every night, the plants survived, and she greeted us like we had popped out for milk.

I get a photo and a quick note after each walk: where they went, who he met and how much he drank. It sounds small, but it means I never wonder how he is going.

Twice a week is enough to take the edge off. He comes home tired and happy, the couch has finally recovered, and booking takes about a minute.

Small dogs need a walker who notices when little legs are tired. Coco gets a shorter loop, plenty of breaks and lots of fuss, then comes home and sleeps on my feet.

His walker practised loose lead walking on every outing and showed us how to keep it up at home. Six weeks on, Saturday walks are calm and nobody drags anybody.