How to split dog care fairly in a family

List all the tasks

Walks (morning, evening and the late one), feeding, fresh water, brushing, cleaning up the garden, vet visits, buying food. Walks are usually the biggest task and the one people argue about most: they happen several times a day, in every kind of weather.

Agree on the split

Take everyone's time and abilities into account. Someone who works long days might take the weekend walks; younger children can do feeding or a short walk together with a parent. Write the agreement down where everyone can see it.

Check the real numbers, not memories

Everyone remembers their own walks best, so "I always do it" is usually meant honestly, and usually not quite true. A simple count per person per week ends the discussion. Look at it together, and change the split if it isn't working.

Keep it positive

Use the numbers to recognise who did a lot, not to blame. A weekly "top walker" or a small reward works well with children.

How LeashTracker helps

• Every walk is logged with who did it, in one tap.
• The fairness leaderboard counts walks per family member for this week and month. With Plus you also see 90 days and the whole year, and can look back at earlier weeks and months.
• Walk reminders go to the people whose turn it is. See how to make a dog walking schedule.

LeashTracker is free on Android for one dog and up to 20 family members. Get it on Google Play, or read how the leaderboard works.

More tips

• Who walked the dog? How families stop double and missed walks
• How to make a dog walking schedule with your family