Animal Training & Pet Sitting

Learn about handling & hygiene, security, group dog walking, exercise, nutrition and more.

MODULE 1: Training puppies
1.1 Positive reinforcement
1.2 Crate training 1.3 Basic commands/obedience
1.4 Nail trims, ear cleaning, handling paws
1.5 Housetraining
1.6 Socialization
1.7 Problem behaviours
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 Antisocial problems
2.6 Confidence building
2.7 Teaching an old dog, new tricks

MODULE 3: Cat Training
3.1 Clicker training
3.2 Litter box
3.3 Scratching, 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 behaviour
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 behaviour 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 Recognising signs of common diseases

MODULE 11: First Aid
11.1 On the spot diagnosis
11.2 Vomiting and diarrhoea
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 behaviour
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 Recognising 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 Recognising 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 Turtles, terrapins & tortoises
16.4 Snakes & lizards
16.5 Recognising 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"