About

About the course

Pet sitting and dog walking allow you to get paid to work, play, and take care of animals. Pet owners are prepared to pay top dollar for someone who really loves animals and has been trained to look after them in the way they deserve

This course takes you through all the skills and knowledge you need to be able to step into pet owners’ shoes in their absence. As well as learning how to care for all kinds of needs in different species of animal and fish, you’ll be educated on things like safety and security, handling a crisis, and when to look for help.

Taking care of lovable creatures is not only a fulfilling career, it also gives owners peace of mind. Using the training in this course is bound to get you many recommendations which will help grow your business. Start preparing for your new independent and rewarding career today.

Requirements

Holly and Hugo courses are designed for anyone with an interest in learning. No formal qualifications are required. Our courses are suitable if you want to learn new skills, start a new career, or if you’re already working in a particular industry and wish to upgrade your talents and enhance your resume.

Lessons

Module 1: Training Puppies

• 1.1 Reward based training
• 1.2 Crate training
• 1.3 Basic commands
• 1.4 Basic handling
• 1.5 House training
• 1.6 Socialization
• 1.7 Problem behaviors
• 1.8 Fun and games

Module 2: Training Of Adult Dogs

• 2.1 Reappraise basic training
• 2.2 Reward based training
• 2.3 Recognizing bad habits
• 2.4 Consistent Commands
• 2.5 Anti-social problem
• 2.6 Confidence building
• 2.7 Teaching an old dog, new tricks

Module 3: Cat Training

• 3.1 Clicker training
• 3.2 Litter box training
• 3.3 Scratching or clawing 
• 3.4 Jumping on furniture
• 3.5 Socialization

Module 4: Bird Training

• 4.1 Clicker training
• 4.2 Speaking
• 4.3 Socialization
• 4.4 Handling

Module 5: Fundamentals Of Dog Walking And Pet Sitting

• 5.1 Keeping you and all pets safe
• 5.2 How to handle an attacking dog
• 5.3 When you'll need to involve a vet
• 5.4 Entering and leaving pets’ homes securely
• 5.5 What you're responsible for

Module 6: Out And About – Professional Dog Walking

• 6.1 Be prepared - what to be on the lookout for
• 6.2 Reading dogs’ body language
• 6.3 Understanding aggression
• 6.4 The dynamics of dog fights and how to avoid/intervene
• 6.5 Complying with the law

Module 7: Disease, Health And Hygiene

• 7.1 How to keep pets’ bedding and general environment clean and hygienic
• 7.2 Control of disease and infection
• 7.3 Keeping yourself safe from infection
• 7.4 Zoonosis
• 7.5 How to administer medication safely

Module 8: Being Professional With Clients

• 8.1 Getting off to a good start
• 8.2 The information you need to ask
• 8.3 Microchipping and other forms of ID
• 8.4 Arranging entry/security details
• 8.5 What clients are likely to ask
• 8.6 Outlining your business T&Cs
• 8.7 Agreeing costs

Module 9: Handling And Getting Around With Your Pets

• 9.1 Usual handling equipment and restraints you'll need
• 9.2 Approaching a nervous animal
• 9.3 Predicting unpredictable behavior
• 9.4 How to handle cats and dogs correctly
• 9.5 How to handle exotic pets correctly
• 9.6 How to transport pets safely

Module 10: Specific Information On Dogs And Cats

• 10.1 Correct levels of exercise
• 10.2 Necessary nutrition
• 10.3 Understanding behavior and retraining when needed
• 10.4 How elderly pets can change
• 10.5 Physical care and grooming
• 10.6 Need for love and affection
• 10.7 Recognizing signs of common diseases

Module 11: First Aid

• 11.1 On the spot diagnosis
• 11.2 Vomiting and diarrhea
• 11.3 Poisoning
• 11.4 Cuts, grazes, wounds and burns
• 11.5 Breaks and fractures
• 11.6 Shock
• 11.7 CPR
• 11.8 Contents of your first aid kit

Module 12: Specific Information On Rabbits & Guinea Pigs

• 12.1 Different breeds
• 12.2 Common problems and diseases
• 12.3 Providing an adequate living environment
• 12.4 Exercise
• 12.5 Usual care needed

Module 13: Specific Information On Hamsters, Gerbils, Mice & Exotic Rats

• 13.1 Different breeds
• 13.2 Understanding behavior
• 13.3 Common problems and diseases
• 13.4 Providing an adequate living environment
• 13.5 Usual care needed 

Module 14: Specific Information On Birds

• 14.1 General tips on caring for birds
• 14.2 Small birds
• 14.3 Larger birds & birds of prey
• 14.4 Poultry
• 14.5 The parrot family
• 14.6 Recognizing common diseases and preventing spread

Module 15: Specific Information On Fish

• 15.1 How to care for fish
• 15.2 Tropical fish
• 15.3 Cold water fish
• 15.4 Marine fish
• 15.5 Recognizing disease and what to do

Module 16: Specific Information On Reptiles

• 16.1 How to care for reptiles
• 16.2 Challenges of keeping reptiles as pets
• 16.3 Looking after turtles, terrapins and tortoises
• 16.4 Snakes & lizards
• 16.5 Recognizing disease and what to do

Module 17: How Pet Sitting Can Get You Up And Running In Business

• 17.1 Setting up
• 17.2 Arranging finance & insurance
• 17.3 Regulations
• 17.4 Being creative with services
• 17.5 Advertising & marketing

Career

Who is this course for

• All animal lovers looking for a dream job working with pets.
• Pet parents who want to properly care for, understand, and train their animals.
• Pet sitters, dog walkers, and other professionals who want to deliver a better service for their clients.
• Those interested in owning animals, volunteering at animal shelters, or fostering animals.

Career path

• Learn more about your animals' behavior and how to properly train them.
• Surrogate carers, animal trainers, pet sitters and anyone who works or volunteers with animals can learn better techniques for looking after them.
• Find a job or voluntary position working with animals.
• Be your own boss and start your career in pet sitting, dog walking, or animal care.
• Existing animal care workers in pursuit of promotion or a raise - certification will prove to employers that you are serious in your wish to land a dream job with animals.

Certification

You will be required to complete each lesson in full, and answer exams at the end of each course module. If your pass rate exceeds 55% on each exam then you are eligible to access a certificate of achievement or other accreditation options to recognize your achievement.

Most of our courses will earn you credits through Continuing Education (CE) / Continuing Professional Development (CPD). CE/CPD points are accepted and recognized by professional member bodies and academic institutions across the US and internationally.

All courses are accredited by the International Council for Online Educational Standards (www.icoes.org). When successfully completing a course, students can choose to purchase an ICOES certificate that recognizes the achievement, from this third-party institution.

Creator

Deborah Shores

Expertise: Veterinary Care

Deborah Shores, DVM, is an American Veterinarian and a 2008 graduate of Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science, minor in Chemistry, from Berry College in Rome, Georgia, USA.