KIRO NEWSRADIO OPINION

How many dogs is too many? Ursula says commercial walkers should have a limit

Jun 1, 2025, 5:03 AM

commercial dog walker...

A commerical dog walker walks outside. (Photo: Spencer Platt via Getty Images)

(Photo: Spencer Platt via Getty Images)

Seattle is known for its dog lovers, and some locals have built entire careers walking the city’s countless pups. But should there be a limit for commercial dog walkers?

“Yes, I think the limit should be how many you can handle,” Ursula Reutin, co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, said.

The debate stemmed from a “Rant and Rave” column in The Seattle Times, where a reader shared her issues with the Magnuson Off Leash Area.

“The other day, close to 40 dogs were congregated with multiple dog walkers in a narrow area of the park. A vicious dogfight ensued, resulting in one of the dog walkers being bitten until bloody. It was a dangerous situation for everyone, and it happens almost daily at this park,” the reader wrote, in part.

A limit for commercial dog walkers?

Ursula said there should be a dog cut-off for walkers, though she couldn’t say exactly what that number should be.

“I wouldn’t put a number on it, because there are people who could handle eight dogs really well, depending on the size and the temperament of each dog, and then there are people who would do a horrible job with just four dogs,” she said. “So I don’t want to put a number limit. It would be you do whatever you think you can handle, but if you can’t handle it, there is going to be a ticket for you, a citation. There’s going to be a punishment if you are not able to handle your dogs.”

Listen to the full conversation below.

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio. 

Please follow our Community Guidelines

Gee and Ursula Show

KIRO Newsradio Opinion

seattle police chief shon barnes...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘It’s not a problem until it’s a problem’: Jake questions if Seattle police chief job is right for Barnes after heated exchange with reporter

Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes got into a heated exchange with a reporter following a news conference on a mass shooting at the Seattle Center.

6 hours ago

shooting seattle center...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘Something’s not right’: Gee questions why it took 17 hours to confirm second shooter at Bite of Seattle

Officials reveal details on the tragedy that killed three and injured seven at the Bite of Seattle event, but Gee Scott asked why it took so long to confirm.

11 hours ago

shooting seattle center bite of seattle...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘Crickets from city leaders’: KIRO reporter blasts 5-hour silence after Bite of Seattle shooting

Three dead and four injured in a shocking Seattle shooting. City leaders respond to the tragic incident at the Bite of Seattle.

14 hours ago

pike place street preacher attack...

John Curley Show

‘If you don’t like it, just leave’: Curley criticizes man who confronted street preacher at Pike Place Market

A street preacher near Pike Place Market was recently confronted by a man who yelled at him and tried to assault him, demanding he turn off his speaker.

16 hours ago

wa millionaires' tax...

John Curley Show

‘They are leaving’: Curley rips lawmakers behind millionaires’ tax, says the rich don’t trust WA government

KIRO host John Curley argued that lawmakers in Olympia are deluding themselves if they think the millionaires' tax will solve the budget.

2 days ago

jimothy votes...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘An adorable, cautionary tale’: Jake and Spike weigh in after WA voter writes in Jimothy for every race on their ballot

KIRO hosts Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill found the ballot amusing, but warned that Jimothy's fame could follow a familiar rise-and-fall trajectory.

2 days ago

How many dogs is too many? Ursula says commercial walkers should have a limit