dog-walker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, but slightly informal.
Quick answer
What does “dog-walker” mean?
A person whose job or regular activity is to walk other people's dogs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person whose job or regular activity is to walk other people's dogs.
By extension, a person or company providing professional dog walking services, or someone managing multiple tasks or obligations simultaneously, often under duress.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spacing/hyphenation preferences differ slightly. The concept and term are identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Generally neutral for the occupation. Can carry a slightly humorous or informal nuance.
Frequency
Slightly more common in urban contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “dog-walker” in a Sentence
[Subject] works as a dog-walker.[Subject] hired a dog-walker for [possessive] dog.The dog-walker takes the dogs to the park.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dog-walker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She dog-walks for a living.
- I used to dog-walk in the summers.
American English
- He dog-walks on the weekends.
- They're dog-walking for extra cash.
adjective
British English
- She found a dog-walking job online.
- He joined a dog-walking service.
American English
- She started a dog-walking business.
- They discussed dog-walking rates.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of service industries, gig economy platforms, and small business advertising.
Academic
Rare, except in sociological studies of work or urban animal-human relationships.
Everyday
Common when discussing pet care, neighbourhood services, or part-time jobs.
Technical
Not a technical term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dog-walker”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dog-walker”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dog-walker”
- Spelling as one word 'dogwalker' is less standard than hyphenated. Using it as a verb directly ('I dog-walk') is informal and less common than 'I work as a dog-walker'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The hyphenated form 'dog-walker' is the most standard for the noun, though 'dog walker' (open) is also seen, especially in US English. The solid form 'dogwalker' is less common.
Informally, yes (e.g., 'I dog-walk for my neighbours'). However, it's more common to use the phrase 'work as a dog-walker' or use the related verb 'to walk dogs'.
A dog-walker's primary service is exercising dogs by taking them for walks, often while the owner is at work. A pet sitter typically provides more comprehensive care, which may include feeding, administering medicine, and longer in-home stays, not just walking.
Yes, it is a recognized service occupation. Many dog-walkers operate as professional freelancers or small business owners, often with insurance, certifications, and use dedicated scheduling apps.
A person whose job or regular activity is to walk other people's dogs.
Dog-walker is usually neutral, but slightly informal. in register.
Dog-walker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒɡ ˌwɔː.kər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːɡ ˌwɑː.kɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Metaphorical] He felt like a dog-walker trying to manage the unruly committee.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a person with a 'leash' of dogs, literally walking the 'dog' occupation.
Conceptual Metaphor
MANAGER/CONTROLLER (A dog-walker manages/controls the dogs on the walk).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'dog-walker' LEAST likely to be used?