Professional Dog Walker Course
10 days, 13 Units
Duration and Dates
- Mumbai Course
- November 2022
Rs. 85,000/-
(exclusive of taxes)
If you enjoy long walks, and meeting and playing with lots of dogs, then the Professional Dog Walker Course is for you.
The profession of dog walking in India is disorganised, rampant with malpractice, abuse towards dogs, people with little knowledge of dogs, and walkers who do not consider ethical issues of the general public.
Shirin Merchant is a pioneer who has changed the field of dog training in India since 1996. She has trained over 600 professionals who enjoy successful careers as dog trainers and behaviourists. Now she ventures into the dog walking profession to help make it into a respectable, ethical and profitable career for dog lovers. With her vast knowledge spanning
over 25 years and her expertise, Shirin can make you into one of the most coveted dog walkers in India.
If you have always desired to work with dogs, this course is a good place for you to start an exciting journey into the world of dogs.
Course Syllabus
UNIT 1
Evolution Of Canines, History Of Dog Training And Canine Ethology
- Evolution of dogs
- Process of canine domestication
- Canine genetics
- Canine ethology
- Canine cognition
UNIT 2
Dog Breeds
- History and origin of dog breeds
- Original breed purposes
- Breed influence on training
- Breed genetics
UNIT 3
How a Dog Learns
- Learning principles
- Learnt behaviours and inherited behaviours
- Classical conditioning and operant conditioning
- Rewards and Punishers
- Reinforcers
UNIT 4
Canine Communication
- Canine body language
- Calming signals
- Stress in dogs
UNIT 5
Dog Training
- Control commands
- Scenting games
- Leash walking
- Recall training
- Stay training
- Solving training problems
- Intelligent games for dogs
UNIT 6
The Human Angle
- Understanding human body language
- Attitudes to companion animals
- Professional etiquette
- Improving client-dog relationship
- Identify client goals
UNIT 7
Puppy Upbringing And Training
- Puppy toilet training
- Puppy selection
- Puppy foundation training
- Puppy developmental stages
- Puppy socialisation
- The breeder’s role
- Adopting a puppy
- Puppy imprinting
UNIT 8
Canine Behaviour
- Understanding why dogs behave the way they do
- Common behaviour problems and solutions
- Separation problems
- Destruction problems
- Feeding problems
- Fearful canines
- Elimination problems
- Barking problems
UNIT 9
Animal Welfare In India
- Animal Welfare Laws in India
- Canine Insurance
- Animal Birth Control Act
- Rescue and rehoming of dogs
UNIT 10
Canine Health And Nutrition
- Canine nutrition
- Common health issues in dogs
- Zoonotic diseases
- Canine obesity
- CPR for dogs
- Poisons
- Canine exercise
- Breed related health issues
- Parasites in dogs
- Neutering
UNIT 11
Dog Training Tools
- Training tools
- Dog toy uses
- Leash walking tools
- Clicker training tools
- Interactive toys
UNIT 12
Setting Up a Dog Training Business
- How to become a successful dog trainer
- Tackling the financial aspect
- Publicity and marketing in a competitive environment
- Setting up your own business
- Liaising professionally with other pet businesses
- Social media marketing
- Presenting yourself professionally- creating a brand
Course Module
Module 1
These convenient online lessons allow you to have a flexible study schedule.
Students will be expected to invest around 2-3 hours daily of study in this module. Requirements - a computer and an internet connection.
Module 2
The stage will include theory classes, and practical training experience with dogs.
Shirin Merchant will personally demonstrate, teach, guide and supervise the students as they learn practical handling skills.
Module 3
This stage will include live online classes with Shirin Merchant and her team. Students will be expected to complete the assignments and practical work given weekly.
Live Online classes will be held twice a week and on alternate weekends from 8 am to 10 am. This module will include live sessions, theory and practical assignments.
This module will also focus on the business and marketing aspect of the profession.
Students will need to devote around 2 hours of daily learning in this module.
Duration and Dates
Mumbai Course
13th September 2021 to
31st October 2021
The 1st module of
home study will be held from
The 2nd Module of practical training will be conducted over a period of 12 days from 9 am to 2:00 pm daily from
4th October to 16 October 2021.
(excluding Sunday)
This module will be conducted in Parsi Colony, Dadar, Mumbai
The 3rd module of self-study, research, assignments and enhancing knowledge will be held from
18th October to 31st October 2021.
Pune Course
24th January to
13th March 2021
The 1st module of
home study will be held from
13th Feb 2021.
The 2nd Module of practical training will be conducted over a period of 6 days from 9 am to 4:30 pm daily from
14th to 19th Feb 2021.
The 3rd module of online theory classes, practise, enhancing knowledge and practical work will be held from
20th Feb to 13th March 2021.
Mumbai 2021 Course
1st March to
24th April 2021
The 1st module of
home study will be held from
21st March 2021
The 2nd Module of practical training will be conducted over a period of 12 days from 9 am to 1:30 pm daily from
22nd March to 3rd April 2021 (excluding Sunday)
This module will be conducted in Parsi Colony, Dadar, Mumbai
The 3rd module of practise, enhancing knowledge and practical work will be held from
4th April to 24th April 2021.
Mumbai Course
10th January 2022 to
12th March 2022
The 1st module of
home study will be held from
The 2nd Module of practical training will be conducted over a period of 12 days from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm daily from
31st January to 12th February 2022
(excluding Sunday)
This module will be conducted in Parsi Colony, Dadar, Mumbai
The 3rd module of self-study, research, assignments and enhancing knowledge will be held from
14th February to 12th March 2022
Mumbai Course
20th February 2022 to
23rd April 2022
The 1st module of
home study will be held from
The 2nd Module of practical training will be conducted over a period of 12 days from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm daily from
14th March to 26th March 2022
(excluding Sunday)
This module will be conducted in Parsi Colony, Dadar, Mumbai
The 3rd module of self-study, research, assignments and enhancing knowledge will be held from
28th March to 23rd April 2022
Mumbai Course
15th May 2022 to
16th July 2022
The 1st module of
home study will be held from
The 2nd Module of practical training will be conducted over a period of 12 days from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm daily from
6th June to 18th June 2022
(excluding 12th June - Sunday)
This module will be conducted in Ville Parle, Mumbai
The 3rd module of online practise, enhancing knowledge and practical work
will be held from
21st June to 16th July 2022
Is This Course For You?
This course is essential for anyone who is interested in taking up dog training as a career or for a pet parent who wants to have a deeper understanding of how to handle and bond with their pet dog. It will examine all of the issues involved in the modern reward based training systems so misunderstood and abused by many trainers practicing today. No previous dog training experience required.
The course will be conducted only in English and students are required to have a good understanding of the language.
Any dog lover above 18 years can apply.