Working -- Darcy Bateman

SHE IS:

Providing your pooch with plenty of exercise when you don’t have the

time

DOG BEHAVIOR 101

The peaceful sidewalks and picturesque beachfront of Newport Beach are

Darcy Bateman’s office. Five days a week, Bateman strolls the

neighborhood with dogs of all sizes and temperaments as a walker for

Darling Little Rascals Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Service.

“You have to have a passion for animals and understand that it’s not

an easy job,” Bateman said. “It takes a lot of endurance.”

With a background working with wild animals, Bateman is attuned to the

nuances of canine conduct.

“Working with wolves, you learn body behavior and have to be aware of

the circumstances and what’s around you, especially other dogs and their

owners,” Bateman said.

CONTROLLING DOGS OF ALL SIZES

Bateman has been walking for Darling Little Rascals for the past two

years and spends about 20 minutes with each dog per day. On a recent

morning, Bateman walked two dogs of contrasting size and attitude.

First was Milo, a 120-pound Great Dane that Bateman describes as “a

big goofball.”

Bateman took Milo to a grassy field nearby and ran back and forth with

him as he rambunctiously galloped around.

Bateman kept hold of him using a choke collar and explained that it is

not harmful because dogs’ necks are built to collapse.

“The collars simulate an alpha male in the park coming in,” Bateman

said. “When the pup disobeys, the alpha will come and grab it by the neck

and the throat collapses. It does not hurt the dog. When you understand

that part, you understand how the dynamics work. It’s all about

education.”

Next was Dodger, a small Jack Russell terrier packing a whole lot of

attitude.

“[Jack Russells] are high maintenance and intelligent,” Bateman said.

“They will test you any time they can. You don’t want to buy one on

impulse. They’re pretty much a personality.”

BONDING WITH HER CLIENTS

Dodger’s owner, Heidi Sherman, said Dodger has a special affinity for

Darcy.

“He has a special bark just for her,” Sherman said. “Darcy really has

a way with all animals.”

And Bateman says she develops a strong attachment to the dogs she

walks as well.

“You’re happy for them on their birthdays and when they cross that

proverbial rainbow bridge, we all feel it,” Bateman said.”We’re like an

extended family.”

SI-- Story by Deirdre Newman, photo by [tk]