About

About the course

Much as we might adore our pets, very often we are reminded that they are animal and not human. Sometimes, we need to train them to adjust to living in a human world. There are social rules and boundaries that need to be observed so you and those around your pets stay safe and comfortable. Behaviour that could be dangerous must be managed responsibly.

We look at life with a pet from their point of view as well as yours. This course helps you understand what’s behind actions, reactions and dispositions. We outline behaviour modification advice and training that respects your pets’ natural instincts and inherent natures. To lighten things up, we also include guidelines for tricks and games.

Pet sitting for worried owners

When busy lives mean owners need to spend long hours away from pets, they worry. They’re concerned about their needs not being met and about how lonely they might be without good company.

• I know he needs more exercise…
• Will he be lonely while I’m gone?
• Is her anxiety at night due to stress of being alone?
• Will she eat anything all day?
• What if he knocks over his water dish and is thirsty?
• Will her boredom lead to anything dangerous?
• I feel so bad he’s not able to play more with other dogs

Offering to be the surrogate carer for much beloved pets puts people’s minds at ease and is a very rewarding career for you.

You can use your dog walking and pet sitting training as you travel. There are many opportunities now to offer a pet sitting service in exchange for accommodation, making it a wonderfully low cost way of exploring new places.

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

What you will learn

This course teaches you a comprehensive range of approaches and disciplines including how to:

• Teach basic commands and obedience.
• Train puppies using positive reinforcement.
• Deal with problem behaviors like barking, biting, urine marking and jumping up.
• Make litter box use a success.
• Use clicker training to instil boundaries with your cat.
• Train your cat not to jump on furniture.
• Socialize your bird around people, other pets & other birds.
• Condition your bird to handling and train to return to his perch.

Gain expertise in all aspects of pet sitting

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.

Some of the topics you’ll learn:

• How to take a group of dogs on a peaceful, fun filled walk
• Steps to prevent the spread of disease
• Level of hygiene needed
• Keeping pets safe
• Necessary amounts of exercise and nutrition
• Preserving security on your clients premises
• Dealing with an aggressive pet, restraints and equipment
• Handling unusual pets
• First aid and when to call a vet
• Grooming
• Special considerations for birds, fish and reptiles
• Caring for hamsters, gerbils, mice, guinea pigs, rabbits etc.

Start your dog walking and pet sitting business

We’ll also give you a head start on how to turn your training into a business, with useful advice like:

• Setting up an arrangement with a new client
• Micro chipping and other methods of ID
• Your business responsibilities
• Finance and insurance
• Regulations

Requirements

International Open Academy courses are designed for anyone with an interest in learning. No formal qualifications are required to study with us. 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

Course Breakdown

Career

Who is this course for

Those interested in exploring the fulfilling and challenging career of pet sitting, dog walking, and animal training. Whether a pet owner or someone interested in the pet care industry, this course will allow the learner to reach new levels in pet care. 

Career path

Candidates with an interest in working with animals
Anyone interested in a career in pet sitting, dog walking, or animal care
Those interested in owning animals, volunteering at animal shelters, or fostering animals.
Existing animal care workers in pursuit of promotion

Certification

Certification details

To receive certification, you must:

• Complete every page of the course
• Pass the exams with a minimum score of 55% for each (each module includes a test based on key learning objectives in that study topic)

If you meet this criteria, your certificate of successful completion will be emailed to you immediately after you finish the course

You will also have the option to order a hard copy certificate directly from ICOES. ()

This course is CPD/CE accredited. Our CPD accredited courses count towards the total of CPD hours to submit for your job role. CPD points are accepted and recognized by employers from both the public and private sectors, and academic institutions across the UK and internationally.