In-Person Dog Walking Academy
A 3-day immersive experience
In-Person DWA Class Details
Classroom Instruction
Enjoy learning from our experienced, talented instructors. Presentations are interspersed with lively discussion and Q&A. Your course binder makes taking notes easy.
Hands-on Activities
Practice first aid and CPR, engage in activities designed to put classroom concepts to practice, and learn some basic training tips working hands-on with a variety of dogs.
Group Walking Field Trip
Take the dogs on the road! Show off what you already know or try out new skills guided by your supportive instructor.
Take-Home Written Exam
Our rigorous take-home exam is open-book and course binder, providing a stress-free way to revisit, apply, and solidify what you’ve learned.
Tuition
In-Person DWA Tuition
- Dog Walking Academy tuition
- Business of Dog Walking book
U.S. $850 USD
Canada $650 USD
Australia $650 USD
New Zealand $700 USD
Dog Walking Package A
- Dog Walking Academy tuition
- Business of Dog Walking book
- Business Toolkit for Walkers & Sitters
You save: $100
U.S. $1,050 USD
Canada $850 USD
Australia $850 USD
Dog Walking Package B
- Dog Walking Academy tuition
- Business of Dog Walking book
- Business Toolkit for Walkers & Sitters
- 5 hours of Business Consulting
You save: $150
U.S. $1,750 USD
Canada $1,550 USD
Australia $1,550 USD
New Zealand $1,650 USD
The typical full-time professional dog walker makes between $40K and $150K per year, depending on location, style of service, and size of business.
We’d love to help you do the same.
In-Person Dates & Locations
3-day classes run 9am-6pm each day
4-day classes run 5:30pm-9:30pm Thursday & Friday and 9am-6pm Saturday & Sunday
Watch for more classes
We hold classes in these cities:
- Adelaide, Australia
- Arlington, VA
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Chicago, IL
- Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Kalamazoo, MI
- Los Angeles, CA
- Milpitas, CA
- NYC, NY
- Oakland, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Sydney, Australia
Email to be notified when we add dates to your preferred location. »
Can’t wait? You can take the DWA online anytime. Learn more here »
What DWA grads say
“The DWA was a life-altering experience for me. You provided me with more ‘ah-ha’ moments in those three days than a lifetime of raising my family dogs. I thank you for the amazing coaching!”
– Glynis Dewing, Lucky Pawz Pet Services, Pacifica, CA
“Thank you so very much for putting on such an informational and engaging course. I learned so much during my three days with you and had a great time doing it. It was well worth traveling to attend!”
– Jessie Lipman, Bark! San Diego, San Diego, CA
“I have really felt lighter and enjoyed my work days more since taking the DWA class! I highly appreciated the entire presentation and enjoyed myself so much! You are the cutting edge in our industry!”
– Nancy Gabriel, Nancy’s Pet Care, Bay Area Peninsula, CA
Why Attend the DWA In Person
Enjoy support from our engaging instructors
Learn from highly-qualified, experienced dog trainers with a passion for helping others make their living working with dogs.
Join a community
Looking to make some friends in the field? Our instructors create a friendly, safe environment for learning and networking.
Learn from others & share what you know
Whatever your experience level, you’ll benefit from an interactive curriculum that promotes cross-pollination of great ideas and best practices.
Ask questions in real time
Fire away! Bring your pressing questions and ask follow-ups as you learn. (Don’t worry—our instructors are adept at staying on topic and keeping things on track!)
Get your certificate fast
Want or need to get going quickly? There’s no better way to elevate your education and add a marketing edge than our jam-packed 3-day course.
Graduate Perks
dogbiz University Certified Dog Walker seal
Signal your professionalism to potential clients, referral sources, or employers. You receive an electronic certification seal for your website, a version for printed marketing materials, and (upon request) a paper certificate.
Access to our private Facebook page
Join our exclusive, active, supportive community of DWA graduates. Ask questions, offer answers, and keep in touch with fellow dog walking pros around the world. Our instructors hang out there, too.
Discounted dogbiz products & services
Enjoy discounts on business support consulting, dogbiz University courses, and products to help run your dog walking business.
Ready to start a new dog walking career or elevate your current one?
Become a Certified Dog Walker.
Get free business and walking tips
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“I love your newsletter. I read it from start to finish every month and learn so much.” – Gayle Motyka, Rescue Me Canines
