Thank you for choosing to develop your skills in dog walking and sitting. If you focus on this course, you will have all the tools and understanding starting your journey in what can be a profitable and rewarding career. The course is laid out in sections and sub-sections which break down the subject of that into smaller chunk-sized blocks. After each block you will have multiple choice questions to answer. The answer to these questions are contained within the information you have read in that section.
None of the questions are trick questions and are intended to check your knowledge and not trip you up.
At the end of the whole course, you will have 100 multiple questions that cover every section you have completed and these questions will be there to ensure you can interpret the information you have learned and also to check your knowledge.
Your first session will be an online introduction to the course via an online meeting and will enable you to ask questions and meet others who are also completing the course along with you. Each night the meeting room will open from 6:30pm - 7pm and allow you to ask questions from one of our support team.
TIP: Set yourself time to work exclusively on this course and set yourself a regular time per day to get this completed. If you like many of us, we need to get back into the habit of studying, it takes a bit of structure to make that happen. In our modern age, it's easy to be distracted, with phone calls, your phone beeping and screaming for your attention. Please get yourself into a conformable place and ignore any distractions. This will allow you to get the work competed first time around.
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Dog Walking and Sitting
1.1 Starting Dog Walking and Sitting
1.2 Benefits of this career
1.3 Ethical Responsibilities and Care Standards
1.4 Understanding the human-animal bond
Module 2: Understanding Dog Breeds
2.1 Best breeds for walking an easier life
2.2 Challenging breeds and how to handle them
2.3 Best Family Dogs with Young Children
2.4 Comparison of Best Walking/Sitting Breeds vs. Family Dogs
2.5 Breed-specific exercise and care needs
2.6 Research tools for learning about individual dog breeds
Module 3: Canine Behaviour and Body Language
3.1 Basics of dog psychology
3.2 Recognizing Stress, Fear, Aggression, and Excitement in Dogs
3.3 Understanding body language cues: wagging tails, posture, and facial expressions.
3.4 Techniques for building trust and rapport with dogs
Module 4: Safety and First Aid for Dogs
4.1 Preventing and managing dog fights
4.2 Handling emergency situations
4.3 Basic dog first aid (CPR, wound care)
4.4 Importance of pet insurance and liability coverage
Module 5: Walking Techniques and Tools
5.1 Types of leashes, harnesses, and collars
5.2 Proper walking techniques for different dog sizes and temperaments
5.3 Managing multiple dogs on a walk
5.4 Addressing leash-pulling, barking, and other challenges
Module 6: Pet Sitting Essentials
6.1 Setting up a safe and comfortable environment for the dog
6.2 Feeding, hydration, and medication routines
6.3 Handling separation anxiety and ensuring mental stimulation
6.4 Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene
Module 7: Building Strong Client Relationships
7.1 Communicating effectively with dog owners
7.2 Understanding client preferences and expectations
7.3 Providing regular updates and feedback
7.4 Building trust and maintaining confidentiality
Module 8: Legal and Business Considerations
8.1 Registering your business and obtaining necessary licenses
8.2 Creating service agreements and contracts
8.3 Understanding local laws and regulations
8.4 Importance of liability insurance
Module 9: Marketing and Growing Your Business
9.1 Creating a brand and online presence
9.2 Leveraging local advertising and word-of-mouth referrals
9.3 Setting competitive rates and managing finances
9.4 Expanding services
Module 10: Advanced Skills and Continued Learning
10.1 Working with special-needs dogs
10.2 Gaining certifications
10.3 Attending workshops, seminars, and networking events
10.4 Keeping up with industry trends and advancements