About Me
My name is Jane MacLeod. I’m 28 years old & live in the Blackford area of Edinburgh with my partner & 2 retired greyhounds. I love the company of dogs, of all shapes & sizes, & I love being outdoors, come rain or shine. Let The Dogs Out happily combines the two to give a top notch dog walking service for you & your dog(s)! I really care about dogs & will treat all animals as if they were my own.
Experience with dogs
From a young age I have been involved in caring for both my own & others’ animals. I am passionate about dogs in general, & have a big soft spot for retired racing greyhounds in particular. I also have a lot of experience with collies, but to be honest I love all dogs, big or small, old or young, pedigree or cross-breed!
Prior to setting up my own dog walking business, I spent a year regularly walking dogs on a voluntary basis for local rehoming charity, Gracehounds. Through this experience I observed how dogs interact with both one another & their environment. I also learnt how to handle dogs who may be anxious or poorly socialised, dogs who may have injuries or disabilities, & dogs who may have strong prey drives or high levels of aggression. Furthermore, I have fostered dogs for the charity whilst they await rehoming.
With some of the Gracehounds dogs at Gladhouse Reservoir
Qualifications & professional affiliations
Having registered as a National Petsitter (Membership No: 2667, please click here to see my Registration Certificate) during the first year of operating my dog walking service, I now work independently but remain fully insured by Pet Business Insurance. Having attended a Dog First Aid Training course run by Animal Aiders in March 2009, I am competent in basic canine first aid (please click here to see my certificate), should any animal become unwell or injured whilst in my care.
My Psychology degree has fostered a life long interest in animal behaviour, & I read avidly on this subject. I fully intend to obtain further qualifications in this area, & wish to complete a Masters degree in Applied Animal Behaviour & Welfare at some stage in the future. This interest has been spurred on by the fascinating seminar held by international dog behaviour expert, Sarah Whitehead, which I had the privilege of attending in November 2009.
Since March 2009 I have been involved with the Dog Aid Society of Scotland, as a member of the Society’s committee. I am also a member of the Canine Concern Scotland Trust, with whom, along with my pet greyhound Max, I am an approved Therapet volunteer.
Trust me, I’m a doctor!
I am both reliable & responsible. The years I spent employed in the Medical Profession along with the various other caring roles which I have undertaken, both voluntary & paid, are testament to my trustworthiness & integrity.
As the service I will be providing may require me to hold keys to or have access to your property, I have obtained a valid a Disclosure Scotland certificate, which can be seen here.
When I’m not dog walking…
When I’m not out with the dogs, you’re unlikely to find me relaxing on the sofa as my own two tend to get there first! Having always been quite creative, I recently started selling some of the hand printed items which I make via my online shop, Max and Molly Designs. I find designing & printing onto fabrics a great way to relax.
I also enjoy running & regularly take part in organised running events, through which I like to raise funds for various charities. I play fiddle in a local amateur orchestra, grow my own vegetables & adore baking (so much so that I even bake my own dog treats!).
Curriculum Vitae
Please click here if you would like to see my full CV.
With Molly, one of my own dogs
