The Pet Industry Federation (PIF), the trade association for UK pet businesses, has successfully delivered its first professional dog walking course. The ‘Level 2 City & Guilds Certificate of Technical Competence in Dog Walking’ took place last week at its Bedford office.
The new 2.5 day course aimed at professional dog walkers, covers a range of practical activities and theory knowledge. It includes emergencies, first-aid, lone working situations and legislation. The course gives dog walkers a solid basis for issues they are likely to encounter as a professional dog walker; and providing their customers with reassurance that their dogs are in the safest hands.
Course participants worked with a range of dogs, assessing their behaviour and walking requirements, and then selecting and fitting suitable restraining equipment before demonstrating suitable control whilst out walking.
The course was assessed through a range of written tasks and practical assessments. An external assessor was in attendance and there was a 100 percent pass rate on the day. Students will receive a City & Guilds certificate showing their level 2 pass in Technical Competence in Dog Walking which they can then display to their clients.
Last week’s inaugural course at PIF generated excellent feedback, with one student stating: ‘This course has been invaluable to my dog walking business, I have learnt an extraordinary amount in such a small amount of time. I wish this course had been available when I started my business, I believe every walker should undertake it, it’s well worth the cost’.
Following on from the success of the course, further dates have been planned, with the next intake being run at Hadlow College, in Kent on 14th-16th July.
PIF members receive a discount on the dog walking course fees. To register for the course; or for further details about it or about PIF membership, email emma@petfederation.co.uk, or call 01234 273933. You can also visit our website: www.petfederation.co.uk.
