Lost dog training built for dog professionals — walkers, trainers, groomers, sitters, daycare & dog rescues
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The Dog Walker's Lost Dog Protocol badgeFor dog professionals — walkers, trainers, groomers, sitters, daycare & dog rescues

The Dog Walker's Lost Dog Protocol

Because when a dog runs, what you do next matters most. Practical training for professional dog walkers on preventing, responding to and recovering from a lost dog incident.

9 modules · 12 lessons 20 CPD points 4h 26m Certificate on completion

What you'll learn

  • Spot and reduce risk before the walk even starts, with pre-walk checks and a written risk assessment
  • Act decisively in the critical first 60 seconds, including What3Words and managing the other dogs in your care
  • Use voice, scent and familiarity to draw a loose dog back, and avoid the mistakes that make things worse
  • Map and search an area systematically across urban, rural, woodland and coastal terrain
  • Support the owner, brief vets and the public, and know when to hand over to specialist search teams
  • Create effective lost dog posters and use social media without spreading panic
  • Build your own emergency action plan, lost dog kit and safety card, all stored in your account
  • Debrief after an incident and keep your professional practice, insurance and clients protected

About this course

Course content

9 modules · 12 lessons · self-paced

1

Module 1

Who We Are

Meet Eye In The Sky, understand our search mission and the real-world experience behind this protocol.

  • About the Creator – Dave Rimmer, Founder of Eye In The Sky
2

Module 2

Understanding The Risk

Learn the common triggers, high-risk situations and early warning signs that lead to a dog going missing.

3

Module 3

Immediate Response When a Dog Goes Missing

The critical first 60 seconds: how to stay safe, stop the escape and take immediate control of the situation.

  • Managing the Other Dogs In Your Care
4

Module 4

Coordinating a Search

Plan a systematic search, use mapping, scent strategy and clear roles to cover ground effectively.

5

Module 5

Working With Owners and Professionals

How to support the owner, liaise with professionals and know when to call in specialist help.

6

Module 6

Communication and Public Awareness

Posters, social media, local outreach and keeping the public informed without spreading confusion.

7

Module 7

Prevention and Preparedness

Pre-walk risk checks, equipment, group management and habits that prevent incidents before they happen.

  • Pre-Walk Safety Checks: The Foundations of a Safe Dog Walk
  • Emergency Contact Cards and Dog Profiles
  • Dog Walker Risk Assessment
  • Every Walker’s Lost Dog Kit
  • Your Dog Walker Safety Card
8

Module 8

Reflection and Professional Practice

Review the incident, update clients, document lessons and protect your professional practice.

  • Debriefing After an Incident: Reflection, Responsibility, and Recovery
  • Ongoing Training for Dog Walkers: Staying Skilled, Safe, and Trusted
9

Module 9

End Of Course Test

Pass the final assessment to join the Dog Walker Lost Dog Protocol Qualified Register.

  • Your End of Course Test
  • What Next
  • Download Your Digital Badge