Professional Dog Walking Certification

Description
Reviews

Access to an offer of MDWA membership is gained by successfully completing the Professional Dog Walking Certification

Dog Walking: Care, Welfare and Professional Practices

Special introductory price: £190 + vat for all four seminars and certification!

A comprehensive series of four seminars presented via Zoom over four afternoons:-

YOUR COURSE FEE INCLUDES:
All four seminars
Your invitation to complete the MDWA Assessment and ...
... if successful your invitation to be member of the MDWA

October/November 2025 course:-
Saturday 25th October 2025 2pm - 5pm
Sunday 26th October 2025 2pm - 5pm
Saturday 1 November 2025 2pm - 5pm
Sunday 2 November 2025 2pm -5pm

February 2026 course:-
Saturday 7th February 2026 2pm - 5pm
Sunday 8th February 2026 2pm - 5pm
Saturday 14th February 2026 2pm - 5pm
Sunday 15th Februry 2026 2pm -5pm

April 2026 course:-
Saturday 18th April 2026 2pm - 5pm
Sunday 19th April 2026 2pm - 5pm
Saturday 25th April 2026 2pm - 5pm
Sunday 26th April 2026 2pm -5pm

June 2026 course:-
Saturday 20th June 2026 2pm - 5pm
Sunday 21st June 2026 2pm - 5pm
Saturday 27th June 2026 2pm - 5pm
Sunday 28th June 2026 2pm -5pm

NB: if you can't make a particular date, don't panic! We'll record the session for you and send a link for you to watch within 7 days of the session you've missed.

We will send you the links to simply click on to join each session.

Full certification upon completion

Course feedback received from an Animal Welfare Officer:-
"Thanks for a great course, really really impressed with that, and it would probably solve most of the issues we have with dog walkers in a day or so if they did half of what was in there!"

This is an important course ideal for anyone who is walking or contemplating walking dogs professionally.

The seminars are based not only around the practical aspects of running a dog walking business but also delve into the many areas that contribute to the dog’s welfare whilst they are under your care.

This complex subject involves knowledge of the law, risk assessment, canine welfare, canine behaviour and behaviour change, introducing dogs to each other, dog body language, handling and numerous small considerations that can easily be overlooked.
Along with the science, skills and business considerations required to work in this way, the seminars include tips and important observations that have kindly been suggested by experienced professional dog walkers.

The seminars include video of different scenarios with dogs, linked to handling, breed typical behaviour, dog to dog introductions and observing body language in general.

At the end of the fourth seminar an assessment sheet will be sent out for completion by all attendees of the complete seminar series.

A 75% score will class as a pass for the course, with a certificate to confirm this; any attendee that doesn’t achieve this mark will be allocated a certificate of completion.

Please see below for seminar content

Part 1:

What does your job entail?
The skills you need to master and maintain.
Your clients: Communication, contracts, access and guidance
Records
Health and Safety
Risk Assessment – dogs, people and the environment
Collecting the dogs
Recognising poor welfare, sick or injured dogs
Dog Breeds and Individuals
Research and further reading

Part 2:

Welfare of other dogs, people, and wildlife
Insurance, DBS checks, GDPR
Transportation: vehicles, crates, harnesses, cleanliness
Transportation: Safety, theft, welfare
Waste disposal
Welfare; protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease
Care visits and company for dogs
When walking isn’t an option – suitable play, enrichment.
Research and further reading

Part 3:

Equipment: Clothing and essentials
Monitoring Behaviour
Body Language
First Aid and Veterinary support
Medication?
Allergies
Emergency planning
Walking equipment
Handling Skills
Weather
Research and further reading

Part 4:

Council Regulations
Dangerous Dogs Act
How many dogs can you handle safely?
Exercise levels, age, mobility
Introducing new dogs
Recognising Stress, Anxiety and overarousal
Frustration
The effects of pain on behaviour
Training walks
The Business bit.
CPD
On-line Assessment

This course is a 'live' presentation available for you via zoom presented by David Brice IMDT Head of Behaviour

NB: if you can't make a particular date, don't panic! We'll record the session for you and send a link for you to watch within 7 days of the session you've missed

What happens when you book your course?

You will receive a Confirmation Email then so you know your course is booked ...
... Two weeks before your course date you will recieve a Welcome Email - this email will have your course notes and your zoom links ...

... but don't worry if you book your course with less that two weeks to go before your course date, the Welcome Email will be sent again the day before your course date so everything is easy and taken care of for you

On the afternoon of your course simply click on the link 5 minutes before the seminar starts and we will do the rest

Enjoy!

PLUS: After your course you will receive an email with your course attendance certificate

Any questions? email [email protected] and we're here to help

Reviews

22/05/2025

Rating:

Really interesting course and covered a lot of important information that was very helpful, definitely will be signing up for other courses 😊
Karen

07/05/2025

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I have been a professional dog walker for 12 years; however, enrolling in the Modern Dog Walkers Association (MDWA) course was a game-changer for my career in professional dog walking. The course was well-structured, informative, and practical, covering everything from canine behaviour and safety protocols to business management and ethical dog handling.

What Stood Out?
• Comprehensive Content - the course covered essential skills, including first aid, canine body language, recognising stress and anxiety, client communication, and much more.
• Expert Guidance - led by experienced professionals, providing real-world insights and hands-on learning.
• Industry Standards & Best Practices – emphasised ethical dog walking, ensuring client trust and canine well-being.
• Business Advice - helped improve understanding of insurance, contracts, and legal requirements, establishing a strong foundation for a sustainable dog-walking business.

Why It’s Worth It?
The MDWA certification boosted my credibility, allowing me to build trust with prospective new clients and stand out in the competitive dog-walking industry. Whether you’re new to dog-walking or looking to refine your expertise, this course provides invaluable knowledge that will directly impact your success.

I highly recommend the MDWA course to anyone serious about turning dog walking into a respected and professional career.

Ali Spence

05/05/2025

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I've been a Dog Walker & Trainer for 25+ years and still found this Course full of useful information, which was presented in a professional and engaging way. Dave Brice is an absolute delight to listen to, always answers questions in a informative and knowledgeable way. This course is a must for anyone who works as a dog walker or is thinking about becoming one. Like any job, there is an awful lot to learn and you can never know it all! 100% recommend this course. Lucy B
Lucy B

05/05/2025

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I recently completed the 12-hour Dog Walking Course with the IMDT, presented by David Bryce, and I can’t recommend it enough! It was absolutely packed with valuable information – everything a professional dog walker needs to know. From how to conduct yourself professionally, to understanding what policies and procedures should be in place, it covered it all. David’s delivery was clear, engaging, and easy to follow, and I especially loved when he dived into the geeky science stuff – it really gave depth to the learning and helped me understand why certain practices are so important, not just what to do. It wasn’t just about walking dogs – it was about doing it safely, responsibly, and with integrity. I left feeling informed, inspired, and far more confident in my role. I’m also really looking forward to becoming a member of the MDWA as the next step in my journey. Highly recommended for anyone considering dog walking as a profession!

See this review and reply

Amanda

19/11/2024

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Absolutely fantastic course. Covers so much. Well worth doing and an absolute must have for professional dog walkers.
Gareth Round

18/11/2024

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Such a great course. Really helped build my confidence with dogs body language and also added some additional bits to my processes, and forms which I was unaware of. Would highly recommend for any dog walker.
Bryony Clark

18/11/2024

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It is a great course to study if you plan to pursue dog walking and caring as a profession. Tutor is knowledgeable and has been in the field for a long time, so shares first hand experience, along with what the job standards should be. I am glad that I got the chance to study this course
Aly

11/11/2024

Rating:

Another outstanding course from IMDT ! I didn't expect too much from a dog walking course tbh, but this blew my expectations right out of the water. Touching on so many things, from planning, safety, psychology and business strategies, this really delivered. I've done much with IMDT over the years, but this was absolutely sensational. I couldn't recommend highly enough. Thanks IMDT x
Rich Fletcher

10/11/2024

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Thank you very much for a very enjoyable course and for accommodating me , it is so appreciated.
Chloe

04/11/2024

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This is an excellent course. It has encouraged me to think about and reflect on my current practices and procedures. Our tutor was inspiring, knowledgeable, and nurturing and the pacing of the sessions was perfect for the content. I thoroughly recommend this course to any dog walking professional who wants to take their business to the next level.
Jane H

04/11/2024

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I've been a dog walker for 7 years and although the dog boarding stopped a few years ago, I feel it's put me in good stead to adapt and make changes within the business. The 'Professional Dog Walker' course covered all aspects that need to be highlighted and the most important thing is the wellbeing and welfare of our doggo family. Thank you
Colette

04/11/2024

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Thank you so much for providing the Professional Dog Walker Course. I really enjoyed the sessions and came away with a lot of new knowledge and things I can apply in my business.
MC

04/11/2024

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Thank you for a very in depth and interesting course, I can't wait to start my new career!
Zoe

03/11/2024

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Thank you so much for such an informative lovely course!
Aimee

01/11/2024

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Thank you for delivering this excellent course. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it has encouraged me to think about and reflect on my current practices and procedures. Our tutor was inspiring, knowledgeable, and nurturing and the pacing of the sessions was perfect for the content. I thoroughly recommend this course to any dog walking professional who wants to take their business to the next level.
Jane H

30/10/2024

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This course was brilliant, I already have quite a few canine qualifications and I wasn't sure what to expect with this course. I was surprised by the level of detail and the huge amount of valuable information. Anyone serious about walking dogs needs to do this course. Hopefully, dog walking will get properly regulated, and this course will set you up to be ahead of the competition. Thank you to Mr David Brice for taking the time to break down everything and answering everyone's questions.
Richard Brown

29/10/2024

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Thank you again for a very enlightening and useful course. I must compliment your delivery. I found the pace of the course was just enough and your knowledge and expertise brought value to the sessions. I look forward to doing another course with IMDT in the future.
Anonymous

29/10/2024

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Thank you again for a very informative course with a superb tutor. Will ensure all my dog walking buddies know of this course AND hopefully enrol.
Simon

27/10/2024

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Brilliant course for any dog walker or anyone looking to become one. I enjoyed it and learned a lot too. Hopefully can do more courses with IMDT in the future.
Ryan Brown

22/10/2024

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the course is absolutely fantastic. I’ve done quite a few IMDT courses now, both online and in person. I didn’t expect too much from a dog walking course to be honest, but I was thoroughly impressed by the content and delivery. Incredibly comprehensive and well thought out."🤓
Anonymous

05/10/2024

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This course was invaluable when I started my career as a dog boarder/walker. It gave me so much knowledge and confidence! I am now working towards my Ofqual Level 3 for higher standards and I still check my material of this course. Best investment ever. 💯
Ligia Turincio

17/07/2024

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Very interesting course. The course covered everything you need to know about the industry. I recently found out licensing is coming into force in our area for dog walkers and I now feel prepared for when this comes into place. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Beth

14/07/2024

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Excellent course, although I've been a dog walker for many years, I learnt so much, things I never even thought about .I also appreciated that our safety and well being was covered in the programme
Victoria Milne

11/07/2024

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Thank you so much for running this course. I've learnt so much and enjoyed the course immensely. It was full of information needed to be fully prepared for being an example how dog walkers should be on a professional footing to give dogs, clients and members of the public confidence in the profession.
Gillian

27/06/2024

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I’ve have recently started a dog walking business and although I’m heavily involved in dog sports and showing dogs, I thought something on paper to show my competence to my clients would be beneficial. I have to say even though I’ve 30 years experience around dogs I still learnt plenty of new information and throughly enjoyed this course. I highly recommend to people new to the industry but also those with more experience. Well presented , informative and enjoyable.
Gail Irvine

26/06/2024

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I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole course and am amazed by the breadth and depth of material covered.
Anonymous

24/06/2024

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Thank you for such an interesting seminar, it's made me realise I do enjoy (and know more than I thought about) the behavioural aspects. It's definitely making me think about my future development.
Lisa

24/06/2024

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Thank you for an amazing course!
Louise

24/06/2024

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Thanks so much for providing this course, as it has been very insightful and informative.
Martin

23/06/2024

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I've been a professional dog walker for 7 years, you can never know enough about our job, covers everything you need and more. Highly recommend this course for new and already established dog walkers, if only every dog walker did this course, it would raise the standard of our industry
Carol Lyon

27/04/2024

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I have found the course helpful. It’s nice to have the certification even after I have been both a volunteer for years and have my own business for years. I thank you for putting a great program together and there is always something new we can learn in life.
Helyn-Rose Parrott

26/03/2024

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Without doubt, this should be the "go-to" course for all prospective and established dog walkers. The course focuses on best practices throughout and is delivered in a friendly manner. Thank you so much for setting me on a good path towards a reputable and prosperous business!
debzdoz.co.uk

26/03/2024

Rating:

Excellent course, very useful content, well presented with slides and easy to take notes during the webinars. Opportunity to ask questions throughout was also useful and gave additional information from others with experience. Great that if you can't make one of the sessions you can use the recording. I would highly recommend this course. Communication from tutor was excellent. Thank you.
Angie Braidwood

26/03/2024

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This course is a must for all dog walkers. The tutor’s are extremely knowledgeable and experienced and the content covers a range of topics in detail. Even if you have been doing the job a long time, this course is the cherry on the cake!
Anonymous

26/03/2024

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A very informative course. I was a little bit wary purchasing this course as I wasn’t sure how much new information would be presented. However it is well worth the money. Recapping what you already know in a different way and learning new ways of thinking and doing - very well worth it. Thank you very much!
Suzi Apps

26/03/2024

Rating:

This was a really useful course. Even if you have years of experience and lots of training accreditation, there's loads in it to jog the memory, remind you why you do the things you do and tighten up knowledge and procedures that maybe need a refresher. I definitely recommend it.
Doug Thackway

26/03/2024

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Thanks so much – delighted to have passed. This is the first course I’ve done with IMDT and I’m definitely going to do more.You gave us so much information in a very digestible way with the mix of videos, slides and examples so thank you for that.
Anonymous

21/03/2024

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Many thanks for a fantastic and enjoyable course. Plenty to learn combined with great input from you and the attendees.
Alec

19/03/2024

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An excellent course which was very informative and enjoyable. I can highly recommend.
Teresa

18/03/2024

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Thank you again for a well delivered course which I have learnt a great deal from.
Andy

11/03/2024

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Thank you so much for the Dog Walking lesson. So much food for thought! All the learning I’ve gained has actually really taken a load off my mind as we’ve had so many queries and concerns about the day-to-day running. It’s been great to have all those questions answered! I’d really recommend this course, especially if you’ve been in the business for a bit of time.
Jennifer

10/02/2024

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Thank you for this very complete course about dog walking. One more certificate with Imdt! This is the course I wish I had 6 years ago when I have started my new career. So I highly recommend it to everybody starting with dog walking, but also to more experimented dog walker like I am now as you always learn something and it is good to refresh and more importantly to keep your knowledge up to date.
Izzy

09/02/2024

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Thank you I just received my email. I am so pleased with my result. This was a great course, really informative. I have already made lots of positive changes to my walk and admin. Thank you.
Anonymous

09/02/2024

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A very enjoyable and comprehensive course jam packed with useful information and best practices! This is a must for any dog walkers/animal care providers out there, and has given me a lot of confidence and reassurance!
David’s Doggie Adventures

29/01/2024

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Thank you for an excellent course, I am already applying the knowledge to my work day.
Rebecca

27/01/2024

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Thank you very much for an excellent course!
S

26/01/2024

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Thank you for the course and assessment - it was AMAZING. Totally worth every penny. I'm hoping to complete some more courses with the IMDT in the future.
Sarah

24/01/2024

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The course was brilliant, and I look forward to taking on another course soon!
LG

24/01/2024

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Just wanted to say thank you so much for running this course; I've gained invaluable knowledge and practices that are incredibly useful going forward, and have increased my confidence in areas I felt unsure!
David

22/01/2024

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I was delighted when I got an email at the end of last year about this new course. Dog walking needs to be regulated!It's an excellent course with a wealth of information, well presented - The IMDT presenter was great at answering all our questions and giving out helpful advice and tips.
Kirsty

21/01/2024

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The course was excellent… super helpful for someone who’s just starting out!! Can’t wait to do the assessment now and get my badge of honour! I will definitely be doing more courses!!
Emma

12/01/2024

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I really enjoyed the course and am now looking forward to the Consultation and Follow-up course in a couple of weeks...
H

09/01/2024

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Throughly enjoyable course packed full of useful information. Would highly recommend to dog walkers who are just starting out as well as established walkers.
Loraine

09/01/2024

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I really enjoyed the course and found it informative. I have been dog walking for 2 years but I found it great to make sure all my knowledge was topped up and so I can provide the best service.
Grace

09/01/2024

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Another great course from the IMDT!
Anonymous

08/01/2024

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I hugely enjoyed the course which incorporated invaluable information which I hope I can implement should I decide to take up a Dog Walking or Pet Sitting Business. It certainly helped gain up to date information and was great to be able to access this all online. Thank you very much IMDT.DE
Anonymous

08/01/2024

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Another informative course with the IMDT. You can tell there’s been a lot of thought about the content so that all the information is bang up to date and really relevant and really highlights how much we need to know in the industry. Doing it over the 4 days was really helpful too. I really enjoyed it.
Deb

08/01/2024

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I really enjoyed this course. The content was both administratively practical for managing a business in this environment and the for walks on the day to day front with some great illustrations on canine communication. The course was delivered flexibly considering the day to day (Mondays to Sunday) nature of our business and the of the course was engaging and thought provoking. I throughly enjoyed it and the online convenience of the course just hit the spot! A pragmatic and practical approach for those hoping to or already in the industry. Thankyou IMDT.
Jo Sutcliffe

07/01/2024

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Today I received the news that I passed my professional dog walking course 🙂. I took the course to make sure I am as knowledgeable as possible on Dog law, first aid, dog behaviour, health and safety and good practice. Such a great course with The IMDT and Steve Mann Dog Training Page
Sirius Pet Care

07/01/2024

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Great course for those wanting to get into the dog walking industry
Jo

05/01/2024

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Everything about this course has been a thoroughly enjoyable learning process, from the first webinar, through all of the further reading and research sections. I shall take this opportunity to say a big "Thank you," for creating this fabulous course
TW

02/01/2024

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I'd just like to say I found the course very beneficial and interesting. A big thanks for hosting this and going through so many topics with such detail. It also helped by having the other experienced walkers within the course material. I hope to one day have a future with IMDT, starting with the 2 day dog training course in Dublin this month.
James

31/12/2023

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I thoroughly enjoyed the course and have taken away valuable information that I can implement into my dog walking business. Thanks so much for providing such an opportunity for dog walkers and pet sitters, it is much needed in this industry I feel.
KO

28/12/2023

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It’s an excellent course. I’m already thinking about updating my terms and conditions.
Bev

22/12/2023

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I very much enjoyed the recent seminars and in addition to reviewing my current knowledge, certainly gained new knowledge as well. I will be signing up for more courses in the near future.
JB

17/12/2023

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Thank you Dave and IMDT - this course is so, so good! My head is full to bursting with great information; things I can do to build my business and importantly, I feel far more confident that I can now do the very best I can for my clients and their dogs.
Nicky

02/12/2023

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Lots of legal info I wasn’t fully aware of, very interesting. I have been involved with dogs for years so this is bringing me bang up to date on stuff I was missing. Thank you!
Jo

28/11/2023

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I’ve been dog walking professionally for 8 years. There’s information on this course that has already proved to be invaluable, and that’s only after the first zoom session. It’s also great being able to share experiences with other dog walkers up and down the country. I’ve only had experience of working with adult dogs and from adopting a couple of my own. The information about working with puppies was fabulous giving me another notch to my belt. I’m really looking forward to the next 3 Sunday afternoons. A fabulous course for new and experienced dog walkers. Nobody can ever know enough.
Anonymous

27/11/2023

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A well thought out and presented course that has been created to support professional dog walkers of varied experience. It was great to see that operators in this profession have been consulted and shared their views and ideas, as well as lots of ideas being shared throughout the first session. David was scribbling them down like mad, to add to future sessions, so everyone who books in the future can take advantage of the additional information shared. I know that my clients, and the dogs I walk, will feel the benefit of the new ideas and confidence that they have a certified professional looking after them.
Paul McGuirk

27/11/2023

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Really enjoyed the first lesson Very informative and well presented My business is 5 years old but I still had great value in this Wish it was around when I first set up, anyone new or thinking of setting up, this is gold!
Lynsey Rathjen

Professional Dog Walking Certification

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