Who should take this course?
If you...
- are interested in a career with dogs
- volunteer or foster with rescue organisations or shelters
- are a current pet professional (dog walker, boarder/pet sitter, daycare staff, shelter worker, veterinarian, or technician)
- love dogs
- want to learn more about canine behaviour & body language
- are tired of the 9-5 grind
- want to run a business or join an already existing one
- love being active in any weather
- want to help people improve their relationship with their dog
Why I created this program
Years ago, I started out as a Dog Walker out of convenience; I had a dog with severe separation anxiety and couldn’t leave him alone. I was already working as an apprentice with a Dog Trainer, so it felt like the right path. I quit my corporate job and started walking neighbourhood dogs for a small fee. Word travelled fast, and I started taking on more and more clients. Before I knew it, I was walking dogs full-time and loving the experience I was gaining. I learned so much about dog behaviour and body language and it really helped me to build my dog training career.
The only challenge was that it felt like trial-by-fire. I was learning everything on the fly and I felt like I was dodging bullets. I wished for a program that would teach me all I needed to know to have the confidence to run my business successfully and still love what I was doing. I studied other Dog Walkers and Pet Professionals and continued my education in animal behaviour, and finally launched Toronto’s first Dog Walker Course in 2009 - ten years ago! What started out as a four-hour program, grew into an eight-hour program, a two-day program, a three-day program, and finally, a four-day certificate program.
My passion is people AND dogs. I can't wait to share my knowledge, skill, and experience with you, and get to know YOU and why you can't wait to work with dogs.
What you'll learn
- canine behaviour & body language so that you can confidently handle the dogs in your care
- learning theory & myth-busting so that you can truly understand the dogs without having to be a "whisperer"
- handling techniques that can be applied in real-life situations
- transport safety and emergency management so that you can be sure the dogs in your care are safe at all times
- tools & equipment so you're not fumbling with the basics
- group management & screening so you can be sure you're taking on the clients you want and pairing appropriate dogs together
- strategies for starting or improving your own business because while we do it for the love of dogs, we keep doing it because we can afford to!
- sales, business practices & policies, customer service because not everyone has a masters in business administration
- confidence in taking the next step in this career
What our students are saying:
The days flew by!
Chris, Toronto
A refreshing outlook!
Kim, Toronto
Above and beyond what I was expecting
Wildly impressed
Daniel, Toronto
Your Instructor
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Owner & Founder, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Fear Free Certified Professional, Family Paws Parent Educator
Caryn Liles
Caryn speaks from the heart, injecting humour and compassion into all her work. She strives to inspire pet owners and pet professionals to take an active role in learning the language of animals and teaching them appropriate behaviours through humane and science-based training. Drawing on years of experience in the corporate world, she shares a wealth of knowledge in communication, technology, and leadership. Having studied languages, human resources, finance, and psychology, Caryn brings a well-rounded and creative perspective to the table when working with clients both human and canine. As a lifelong learner, she earns continuing education credits each year, ensuring that she is up to date with her skills and knowledge. Caryn has trained dogs, cats, horses, chickens, a rat and even a goldfish. She has a soft spot for German Shepherds and other misunderstood breeds, and three-legged dogs.
What is included in the tuition?
This program is a knowledge certificate course for those currently working in the field or just getting started. Students must complete 20 classroom hours including assignments and a final exam.
- 20+ modules over four days - lectures, photo & video analysis, group assignments, and discussions
- LUNCH PROVIDED on Saturday & Sunday - onsite cafe for snacks and beverages
- A certificate upon successful completion & use of a graduate badge on your website and marketing material
- Access to a closed Facebook support group
- Excellent resources
- Exclusive access to class auditing opportunities
- Discounted Pet Pro Biz coaching with me!
Location
QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK COMMUNITY & CULTURAL CENTRE
2302 Bridge Road, Oakville, ON L6L 3L5
$799 USD $599 USD
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REGISTER NOW!
$599.00
Price guaranteed for March 2019
Countdown to March 2019 program
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