Dog walking is both a pastime and a profession involving the act of a person walking with a dog, typically from the dog's residence and then returning. This constitutes part of the daily exercise regime needed to keep a dog healthy. It also provides exercise and companionship for the walker. Dogs are walked with a collar around their neck, or a harness around their waist, which is less common, or by following their owner by familiarity and verbal control (where safe}. Commonly the dog is walked by the owner, or other family member, but there are also professional dog walkers.