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what is it?
An intensive 4-day workshop leading to professional dog walking certification. |
Graduates come away fully equipped to start a dog walking business—or advance an existing one. |
Is it for you? Read our article Dog Walking For A Living. |
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why sign up?
To succeed. Build or maintain a thriving business while increasing your safety and enjoyment with the dogs.
To build expertise. Expand your knowledge of canine behavior and learn new pack management techniques and fight protocols.
To wow your clients. Learn how to market yourself and promote professionalism in the industry.
To streamline your business. You’ll come away with the A-Z in running and marketing a dog walking business. |
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when & where?
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4 workshops/year, Thu–Fri evening, all-day Sat–Sun |
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San Francisco and New Hampshire |
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The workshop is limited to 16 participants |
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2009 dates. CA: May 28-31, Aug 27-30, Oct 29-Nov 1. NH: Nov 12-15 |
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the curriculum
Pack management | dog communication & body language | aggression in all its forms: what it means, how to prevent it, and what to do about it | safety and fight protocols | basic training: build reliable sits, recalls, and polite leash behavior | client and dog screening | public relations | small business practices | liability protection | marketing | increasing profits | legalizing your business. |
The course is taught through lecture, video analysis, demos, hands-on exercises, and fieldtrips. |
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| what the grads say |
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“Veronica is a wonderful teacher—both about dog behavior and about how to run a dog-related business. I went through the Dog Walking Academy in 2005 and have since put eight of my dog walkers through it. I often use and reflect upon what I learned—I think in large part our great safety record is a result of her excellent guidance.” –Molly Kenefick
“Extremely educational! I came out of the class much more aware and prepared for my new career.” –Jessica Chase
“Superb, educational, fun, and informative. Thank you!” –Kath Lawson
“Thanks again! The class made me take a critical look at how I work and can make improvements. I learned a lot, met some swell folks, and had a great time!” –Carmen Kuziemsky
“The Dog Walking Academy was a great experience. What a terrific way for people to learn to start a dog walking business or, like me, improve the one they already have. I’m proud to be a certified dog walker!” –Mandy Thompson |
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Kim Moeller is the San Francisco SPCA’s dog-dog socialization and rehabilitation expert. In 2002, she was awarded an honorary certificate in dog-dog aggression by Jean Donaldson. Kim has been a professional dog trainer and walker for 10+ years. She has written articles for various publications and given lectures on leash reactivity and dog park etiquette.
Veronica Boutelle is the industry’s leading business consultant. Founder of dogTEC, author of How To Run A Dog Business, and former Director of Behavior & Training for the San Francisco SPCA, Veronica began her career with dogs as a dog walker.
