Dog-Walking Course

Who ever said walking a dog was easy? Not me! There are many challenges tackle when walking a dog. There's also an entire business aspect that has to be taken into account, plus any emergencies that may come up.

Why not let a Dog Obedience Trainer teach you!

Learn about Body Language, Emergency Escape Techniques, dealing with aggression/reactivity, and the business side of being a dog-walker!

If you own a dog-walking company, this course should be mandatory for staff - prevent incidents from happening by having an educated and experienced walker deal with your clients!

Whatta Pup! strives to educate not only dog-owners, but dog-professionals too. We have developed a course geared towards:

  • professional dog-walkers
  • anyone interested in becoming a dog-walker
  • volunteers with rescue organizations or shelters
  • dog owners (general interest)
Please be advised that this is a "Humans Only" course - please leave your pups at home for this one...

PROGRAM INFORMATION

For professional / volunteer dog-walkers:
1 day
Part One = 2 hrs $40
Part Two = 2 hrs $40
Part Three = 30 min $20
Total Cost $100 + GST
Certificate: "Trained & Tested" *
Must have:

  • proof of business ownership or employment as a dog-walker
  • proof of City of Toronto Dog-Walking Permit
  • proof of General Liability Insurance
OR
  • proof of registration as a volunteer dog-walker with a shelter or rescue organization in Ontario

*All graduates of this program must agree to and abide by our Code of Conduct and Ethics*

For those interested in becoming professional / volunteer dog-walkers:
1 day
Part One = 2 hrs $40
Part Two = 2 hrs $40
Total Cost $80 + GST
Certificate: "Completed Advanced Workshop"

For those joining with the intent to become a professional Dog-Walker or Volunteer Dog-Walkermay complete Day One and Day Two and can complete the Testing & Certification portion within 6 months of becoming a registered/licensed/insured Dog-Walking business, an employed Dog-Walker with a registered business and/or a volunteer dog-walker without re-taking the training. After 6 months, the training must be re-taken in order to be considered "Trained and Tested".

For general interest:
1 day
Part One = 2 hours $40
Total Cost $40 + GST
Certificate: "Completed Basic Workshop"
Must have:

  • a love for dogs
  • an eagerness to learn

PROGRAM CURRICULUM:

PART ONE

  • tools & gear
  • bonding with new dog
  • building trust & compliance through strong leadership
  • canine body language
  • meeting other dogs
  • dog-park etiquette
  • working with fears/phobias
  • dealing with reactivity/aggression
  • U-turn technique
  • typical incidents
  • correction vs. distraction & praise

PART TWO
  • basic business plan
  • licensing & insurance
  • marketing/advertising
  • meeting clients
  • dog screening
  • inclement weather policy
  • backups for emergency illness
  • respecting the home
  • follow-up with clients

PART THREE
  • question & answer session
  • test completion

**All participants have the option of Pet First Aid & CPR training in the morning for an additional fee**

What you receive upon completion

  • handouts with information summarizing all topics covered in course
  • a certificate and wallet card
  • Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics

This course is in high demand already...e-mail us to join the short waiting list!

Course dates will be released shortly.

**Whatta Pup! offers generous discounts for Dog Walking companies who wish to hold this workshop onsite.**