Modern Dog Walkers Association launches
The Institute of Modern Dog Training (IMDT) has launched the Modern Dog Walkers Association.
The membership organisation has been formed to promote and support professional dog walkers via membership benefits, community, and education.
Alison Martin, from IMDT, told The Canine Times: “With more and more dog walkers entering the market, increasing media and governmental pressure, higher reports of dog theft and bite incidents – the need for professional, qualified and ethical dog walkers to stand out from the crowd has never been stronger.
“The MDWA are here to support dog walkers through education, promotion and representation. The MDWA recognises and appreciates the hard work, professionalism and ethical standards required to be an outstanding professional dog walker.”
Dog walkers are required to complete IMDT’s Professional Dog Walking Certification course which includes an assessment and course attendees are invited to complete the assessment. Successful completion of the assessment results in an invitation to membership.
The course is comprised of four seminars 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 while they are under the care of the dog walker.
The course includes knowledge of law, risk assessment, canine welfare, canine behaviour and behaviour change and includes the essential subject of introducing dogs to each other, reading canine body language along with the science, skills and business consideration that are required to work in this way.
Martin added: “We want to ensure that dog owners looking for a professional dog walker who they know will have the best interests of their dog at the heart of their business can be assured dog walkers listed on the MDWA website have met the criteria set by the assessment and all dog trainers listed will have agreed to abide by a code of conduct – in addition dog professionals who might, as part of advice for owners, recommend a dog walker will be able to recommend the MDWA knowing that professional standards are in place.”
Martin told The Canine Times that feedback from dog walkers has been “extremely positive”.
She said: “The dog walkers we have spoken to are excited with the prospect of having a place to showcase their services.
“Recognition that what they offer is an important service has been something lacking, the MDWA understand how important their work is for the welfare of many dogs and are proud to be able to offer them support and community,” Martin added.
