In the states (I think it is) a chap has made a business by offering a dog poo collection/picking up service.
I've also had words with some customers in the past, where I said I would text a couple of days before I'm due, so they know to expect me and it can be cleared. If it isn't, then I simply won't clean the house and this worked well for a period of time.
Other than that, I wear gloves this time of year as its cold but with the electric reel I use a cloth on the hose to wind it in. Yet this only partially helps, but just being generally observant as I walk through people's property's and take needed precautions wherepossible