Dog Walker Certification
Dog walking as a profession barely existed at the turn of the 21st century. Today's dog owners regard their animal companions as members of the family. They want the best for their dogs--good health, good exercise and companionship. Exercise and companionship can be difficult to provide on a regular basis when the dog owner works or goes to school full time. Because they want reliability and competence, dog owners look for certified professional dog walkers.
Other People Are Reading
-
Duties
-
A dog and walker enjoy their outing. As a professional dog walker, you will be expected to take good care of your clients' dogs during their daily exercise. Whether you are walking one dog or several, you must understand how dogs communicate with one another, through barks, growls, whining and, most important, body language. If the dog you are walking gets involved in a fight, you must be able to protect yourself and your canine by using approved fight protocols.
Education
-
Everyone must be on the same page. As a professional dog walker, you will be expected to adhere to the highest standards of safety. It's your job to be sure the dogs you walk will sit and stay when told or come back to you when you call--even in a park full of other dogs and children. Completion of courses in pet first aid, pet dog training and such skills as pack management assure your clients that you can safely handle whatever develops on your walks and play times.
-
Ways to Become Certified
-
You can become certified as a professional dog walker by attending seminars, where you will receive hands on training. You may also self-certify by taking the courses recommended by International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) members. Other available options for certification include online courses. It is important to note that online courses must teach what IACP courses and seminars teach in order for you to have a thorough grounding in the safety aspects of your profession.
A True Professional
-
Treat your business like a business. Your clients will determine if you are a professional dog walker by how well you treat their pets and how well you present yourself. Become licensed in your community. Carry appropriate insurance against accident and injury. Be ready to present new clients with two letters of recommendation from current satisfied clients. Because your business is registered in your state or city, you will be responsible for paying taxes. Invoice your clients on a regular basis so you and they will have accurate records of services and fees.
Maintain Your Certification
-
Keep up your professional studies. Renew your training every two years, including first aid and pet obedience. Membership in the IACP offers dog walkers the opportunity to keep up to date with advances in the field.The IACP urges professional dog walkers to continue their education even after certification. Volunteer at a local shelter, where you will work with dogs of all ages and temperaments on a regular basis.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit police dog 7 image by Andrew Buckin from Fotolia.com Focused on Training for a walk image by Hoosier Dreams from Fotolia.com the girl with dogs image by Vladimir Konjushenko from Fotolia.com business image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com tourist studying street map, isolated on white image by Accent from Fotolia.com
