Dog-Walking Course
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)
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
- proof of registration as a volunteer dog-walker with a shelter or rescue organization in Ontario
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
- 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
- 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

Course dates will be released shortly.
**Whatta Pup! offers generous discounts for Dog Walking companies who wish to hold this workshop onsite.**
