I’m Chris, the face behind The Dog Enthusiast, based in Kentish Town, North London. With over seven and a half years of group dog-walking experience, my working day revolves around one simple principle: giving every dog the best possible experience, from the moment they leave home to the moment they return.
The Dog Enthusiast - Chris Wilshire
Starting the Day
My day typically begins at 7:30 am, collecting my four-legged passengers in my customised Citroën Berlingo. I follow a carefully planned, straight-line collection route, meaning all four dogs are collected efficiently and we’re ready to start our walk by 8 am.
My van is designed with canine comfort in mind, featuring individual crates, comfortable beds, and access to water, ventilation, fans and air conditioning. I aim to keep journeys under 30 minutes wherever possible, so the dogs spend less time travelling and more time enjoying their walk.
An Hour on Hampstead Heath
Our destination is always the Hampstead Heath Extension, where the dogs enjoy an hour of off-lead exercise, socialisation and enrichment.
The first 10–15 minutes often involve balls and Frisbees, giving the dogs an opportunity to burn off energy and enjoy some interactive play. After that, we settle into a more relaxed rhythm, allowing plenty of time for sniffing, exploring and enjoying their surroundings.
I believe a great dog walk isn’t simply about covering distance. It’s about providing a balance of physical exercise, mental stimulation and positive social experiences.
I also carry a rucksack containing a first-aid kit and fresh drinking water, ensuring I’m prepared for the unexpected and that the dogs have access to water throughout our time together.
By around 9:15 am, the dogs are safely back home, ready to settle in after their morning adventure.
Three Walks, One Passion
Chris Wilshire and one of his dog walking packs.
My day continues with collections from around 10:15 am for my second walk, starting shortly before 11 am. I repeat the routine again for my 1 pm walk, usually finishing my working day by 3 pm.
I don’t offer day-care or boarding. Instead, I concentrate entirely on my group walks, allowing me to put my time, attention and passion into the dogs in my care.
Transparency and Professional Standards
For me, being a professional dog walker means much more than simply taking dogs to the park. Accountability, preparation and transparency are equally important.
My walks are recorded using a body cam, while my vehicle journeys are recorded on dash cameras, including interior-facing cameras. This gives my customers additional reassurance, knowing there is a clear record of what happens during walks and transport.
I’m also a licensed professional dog walker on Hampstead Heath, hold £2 million public liability insurance, and am first-aid trained through First Aid for Pets with a clean DBS record for additional peace of mind.
Chris Wilshire and his dog walking pack
After more than seven and a half years of group walking, I remain just as passionate about my work as when I started. Every day brings different personalities, adventures and muddy paws, and that’s exactly what makes being a dog walker so rewarding.
Written by Chris Wilshire, The Dog Enthusiast October 2026
Website: https://www.thedogenthusiast.co.uk/
Instagram: @thedogenthusiastlondon