Hello...
Welcome to Wilder Walkies!
Thank you for taking the time to visit my site. My name is Neil Waghorn & I'm a Worcester-based Dog Walker & Dog Sitter with over 15 years of experience. I take great pride & joy in my work with dogs: seeing them happy & fulfilled on a daily basis is my passion!
My Story...
As a child, I often walked an agreeable old collie by the name of Josie for an elderly neighbour. I'd take her out, on the lead, to the field at the end of our road. I really enjoyed walking her, although being so young myself at the time, and Josie so old, I suspect she thought she was the one walking me!
In my mid teens, I began regularly walking a Beagle, called Norman, as a favour for a friend who walked him for her neighbours, but wasn't always available herself. Eventually she asked if I'd like to take over responsibility for his walks permanently & I jumped at the chance! This was where it really all began as I used to take Norman on long walks, often twice a day & play with him in his owner's garden. Once I passed my driving test I couldn't wait to take him out on adventures beyond our usual routes. We explored the Worcestershire countryside many times. I walked Norman until I was 23, when he passed at the age of 15. He taught me so much & remains one of the main reasons I'm the Dog Walker I am today.
The other reason was a Russell Terrier called Hector! At the age of 28, the cafe I'd been working in as a supervisor closed down. I'd been paying for singing lessons at the time & my singing teacher, Paul, had recently become the proud owner of an adorable Russell Terrier puppy. I couldn't afford to continue with the lessons but as little Hector was frequently destroying the kitchen when left alone, Paul asked me to look in on him daily in exchange for free lessons. Being so young & lively as he was, I couldn't resist taking him out every day to burn off some of that energy! I became very attached to Hector and, as I'd often considered the possibility of turning my hobby into a business, it was the perfect opportunity to continue walking him indefinitely! As with Norman, Hector taught me an enormous amount & ultimately changed my life: I became a full time Dog Walker in May of 2011 & haven't looked back since!
Fifteen years on, I have the best job I could ever ask for & simply can't imagine myself doing anything else. I love watching the dogs explore & socialise, as they grow from mad little puppies to mature, confident & happy hounds. My philosophy centres around the importance of attuning to the unique character of each dog, supporting the development of their social skills & striving to provide them with the variety & stimulation that I believe is best found on rural group walks.
As a Dog Sitter, I endeavour to provide the continuity & familiarity that can only happen when dogs stay in their own home whilst their owners are away. I have experience of looking after a variety of dogs of all ages & breeds, each with their own unique needs & routines. Over the years I've found that after using my Dog Sitting services for the first time, upon returning home to their very contented dogs, most customers are so pleased with the service that they soon make many repeat bookings!