Dog Nature Hikes Guide

Imagine spending your days outdoors on scenic Adelaide foothills trails, leading small groups of happy dogs on calm, enriching nature hikes — and getting paid to do it.

This isn’t a standard dog-walking job. You’re the trusted face of a premium service that high-net-worth clients, business owners, doctors, lawyers and other high-achieving professionals choose when they want the absolute best for their dogs. When they think of Puppy Matters Co, they think of the experience you provide.

At Puppy Matters Co we exist to deliver the highest possible standard of care and complete peace of mind. Every team member lives these values:

• Premium Care – We never cut corners.

• Safety & Reliability – Clients entrust us with their family members & access to their homes.

• Genuine Connection – We build real relationships with both dogs and owners.

• Adaptability & Growth – We are a small business growing rapidly. Flexibility as routes, dog groups, weather and schedules change is essential.

A typical day mixes driving and hiking. You will usually spend up to 4 hours driving the company van for pickups & drop-offs and approximately 3 hours on the trails.

You will:

• Drive a modern, purpose-built automatic company van (Hyundai Staria Load) to collect and return dogs from homes between North Adelaide and Seacliff (including the Eastern suburbs).

• Safely access clients’ properties using provided keys and follow clear security protocols.

• Lead two 90-minute nature hikes per day with a maximum of 4 dogs at a time (always on long leads and harnesses).

• Work with a wide range of dogs — from small breeds (Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Poodles, West Highland Terriers etc.) through medium and large breeds that make up most of our clientele (Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies) to Large/XL dogs such as German Shepherds and Rhodesian Ridgebacks that can weigh up to 60 kg.

• Work in a range of weather conditions, including rain and temperatures up to 32°C in summer (we have a clear cut-off above that temperature).

• Capture short GoPro videos of every hike so owners can see how much their dogs enjoyed the outing.

• Deliver the consistently high-quality service our clients expect and pay for.

The goal of every hike is calm collaboration. Dogs walk together in a relaxed, controlled manner rather than playing, running, or pulling chaotically. This is very different from walking a single dog. You will be trained to read dog body language and behaviour so you can effectively manage a small group, remain calm yourself, and gently lead and guide the dogs when needed. Remaining calm and providing clear leadership is critical to keeping the group settled and the experience high-quality for every dog.

Once trained and competent, you will run a van independently. This means you will spend the majority of your working time alone, without direct supervision or constant team interaction.

Some dogs can be playful or pull strongly on the lead. You need the physical strength and stamina to safely manage up to four dogs at once, including larger dogs that may weigh up to 60 kg.

Because the role is physically and mentally demanding, it is offered as a casual position of 1–3 days per week only to begin with. It is not designed as a full-time role.

We provide comprehensive paid training, including ride-alongs with the business owner, before you take any dogs out alone. Clear systems and checklists are in place so you always know exactly what is expected.

What we’re looking for

We want versatile, resilient people who genuinely love dogs, have good rapport with people and enjoy being outdoors in varied weather, and are comfortable working independently for most of the day.

Must-haves:

• Reliability and punctuality

• Valid driver’s licence and confident, safe driving ability

• Physical strength and fitness — able to comfortably walk approximately 10,000 steps per day and safely control up to four dogs that may pull or weigh up to 60 kg

• Comfortable accessing clients’ homes with keys and following security protocols

• Willingness to learn and strictly follow detailed checklists and safety protocols

• Ability and willingness to learn dog body language and behaviour so you can calmly lead and manage a group of dogs (this is different from handling a single dog)

• Ability to work independently for extended periods once trained

• Flexibility and adaptability — able to adjust to changes in weather, dog groups, routes or scheduled days as the business grows

• Current police check (or willing to obtain one during the trial period)

Nice-to-haves (not essential — we train the right person):

• Previous experience with dogs or study in a dog-related field

• Existing understanding of dog body language and behaviour

Why join Puppy Matters Co?

• Spend your working days outdoors on beautiful trails with dogs

• Comprehensive paid training so you feel confident and capable

• Clear systems and support while you learn

• Opportunity to grow with a small but rapidly expanding professional dog-care business

• Competitive casual rate: $32.18/hour during the 3-month probation, rising to $33.85/hour + Superannuation

How to apply

Please send:

1. A short cover letter explaining why this role appeals to you

2. Your written resume

3. Optional but helpful: A short, casual video introduction (30–60 seconds) telling us a bit about yourself and why you’d like this job. This is not required — applications without a video are still fully considered.

Check out our social media to see what our nature hikes look like:

Instagram: @puppymattersco

Facebook: Puppy Matters Co