Become a Certified Dog Walker
Attend the original Dog Walking Academy course live in San Francisco
You want to enjoy a stable, profitable dog walking business. We want to help you make that happen.
We’ve set the bar for professional dog walker training and certification since we created the first ever course for dog walkers—the dogtec Dog Walking Academy—in 2004, right here in the SF Bay Area.
We invite you to become a certified dog walker through the original dog walking training and certification course.
You get
- Expert dog walking training
- Expert dog walking business tips
- Hands-on San Francisco dog walking fieldtrip
- Professional dog walking certification
- Your dog behavior questions answered
- Your business challenges solved
- Course presentation materials
- The Business of Dog Walking training course book
Start a new career
Trade in your desk and boss and coworkers and say goodbye to the office or Zoom in favor of walking dogs in our beautiful SF Bay Area.
Grow your business
Take your current dog walking business to a new level with expanded business confidence and expert insights into dog behavior and training.
Get the best staff
Grow your dog training business with structured, ongoing support from dogbiz coaches and a supportive community of +R trainers as a member of our group coaching program.
Why attend the dogbiz Dog Walking Academy
Love what you do
Whether you’re just starting as a dog walker or have been walking dogs for a decade, we’ll help you get the most from every moment. Walk with confidence and ease, enjoy safe control of your dogs, and let go of your business worries.
Bypass business hassles & make more money
Learn how to sidestep and fix the common start-up, marketing, rate, and policy mistakes that keep dog walkers from making a strong, reliable living walking dogs. Why learn from your own mistakes if you don’t have to, or make less money than you could?
Solve perplexing dog problems
Ever wondered why dogs do what they do? Found yourself unable to get a dog to start or stop doing something? Struggled with a stressful behavior problem? You’ll leave class with answers and solutions to all your canine dilemmas.
Set yourself apart
Stand out to potential clients, referral sources, or employers by investing in the “Harvard” of dog walking schools. Your CPDW (Certificate in Professional Dog Walking) seal proclaims your professionalism and commitment to the best possible care of the dogs entrusted to you.
Maximize safety
From canine first aid/ CPR to emergency protocols and understanding how to avoid and break up dog fights, arm yourself with the understanding, skills, and confidence to handle anything that comes your way.
Be a pro
In an unregulated industry, anyone can be a dog walker. But to be a professional dog walker requires professional education and training. We’ve continued to set the bar for dog walking education since we launched the first class of its kind in 2004.
What our grads say
“This course has inspired me to breathe new life into something I’ve been doing for years, and take it to the next level. I absolutely recommend the DWA to experienced and inexperienced dog walkers.”
–Sara Munro
Santa Barbara, CA
“I was determined to follow my passion and work with dogs… but it wasn’t until the Dog Walking Academy that I felt confident to turn my passion in to a true endeavor.”
–Nick Carrel
San Francisco, CA
“The DWA was a life-altering experience for me. You provided me with more ‘ah-ha’ moments in those three days than a lifetime with dogs.”
– Glynis Dewing
Pacifica, CA
“There is so much to learn in this business, and your program covered everything! You gave me the knowledge and confidence to start my own dream business.”
–Jill Merjeski
Delray Beach, FL
Looking to start a dog walking business or elevate your current one?
Ready to take dog walking—and your confidence—to a new level?
Become a Certified Dog Walker.
Not in the California Bay Area? Attend the Dog Walking Academy online from the comfort of your home!