The Collapse of The Dog Training College
In late 2025 and early 2026, the collapse of The Dog Training College (DTC) left thousands of students, dog trainers, and professionals facing financial losses and unanswered questions. The organisation presented itself as a professional education provider offering online certification programmes for aspiring dog trainers and continuing professional development (CPD) for established professionals. With a Facebook following of roughly 20,000 people, numerous online courses, an
The Professional Dog Walker’s Guide to Spring
Spring is one of the most enjoyable times of year to be a dog walker. The days are getting longer, the countryside comes back to life, and many dogs have far more energy after the quieter winter months. However, spring also brings a range of environmental hazards, behavioural changes, and practical challenges that professional dog walkers need to manage carefully.
This guide explains what is good about dog walking in spring, what can go wrong, and how to keep both dogs and
The Advanced Professional Guide to Becoming a Travelling Home Boarder
one of the most complex, responsibility‑heavy roles in the dog care industry. You are caring for a living, feeling animal and occupying someone’s private home, often for days or weeks at a time.
The Outdated Wolf Pack Theory in Dog Training
For decades, dog training has been influenced by the flawed idea that domestic dogs operate within rigid dominance hierarchies modelled on wolf “packs”. This theory shaped the language, tools, and methodology of an entire generation of trainers. However, the scientific foundation of that model has long since been...
The One Thing Everyone Needs to Understand About Money
Money problems are rarely about not earning enough. They’re about not having clarity...
The Dog Walker’s Money Series: From Surviving to Thriving
Most dog walking businesses don’t fail because the dogs aren’t cared for properly. They fail quietly, slowly, and expensively because the money side was never truly understood. The Dog Walker’s Money Series: From Surviving to Thriving is a 14-week deep-dive designed to change that.
The Problem with “Wild” Studies in Dog Training
dog training has been shaped by interpretations of wild wolf studies that were never intended to be applied to domestic dogs. Early ethological research into captive wolves was misapplied, oversimplified, and commercialised, leading to training systems rooted in dominance, coercion, and behavioural suppression rather than ...
Dog Walking Contracts in the UK: Laws, Legislation and Best Practice (2026)
An in-depth legal guide for new and established pet care professionals
Running a professional dog walking business in the UK involves far…
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Professional Pet Dog Trainer
If you want to do this properly — ethically, competently and with long-term credibility — here’s what each stage really involves…
A Dog Walker’s Guide to Self-Assessment This January (With Links)
January the looming Self-Assessment deadline. If the idea of returns makes you want to hide under the duvet, don’t panic – by following…
Why Every Dog Walker Should Build a Second Income Stream
unlike employed roles, if you don’t work — you don’t earn.
This is why building a second income stream is not “extra”. It is strategic risk management.... musculoskeletal injuries are one of the most common causes of time off work in the UK....
Battling the Winter Blues and New Year Burnout: A Guide for Dog Lovers
the days are short, the nights long, and suddenly the reality of daily responsibilities hits harder. For dog owners, trainers, and walkers, this can coincide with physical fatigue, mental strain, and a creeping sense of burnout. But there are ways to combat it, regain your energy, and keep enjoying the work—and the dogs...
Legal and Insurance Requirements for Professional Dog Walkers: What You Need to Know
understanding and adhering to these requirements will give you the confidence to operate a safe and professional business.
Remember, the best dog walkers are those who are not only passionate about dogs but also take their legal and insurance responsibilities seriously...
Legal Responsibility of Being in Charge of a Dog
"I did not know" is not a valid excuse.
A statement I often hear is "but it is not my dog, so the owners are responsible!" This is not true, once you set out that door with a dog, you are legally responsible!
I have written this blog so it sets out current UK law as of December 2025, including banned breeds, handler responsibility, and mandatory insurance considerations for professional...
Guide to Preparing Your Home for a Council Home Boarding Inspection
one of the most complex, responsibility‑heavy roles in the dog care industry. You are caring for a living, feeling animal and occupying someone’s private home, often for days or weeks at a time.
🐾 Welcome to the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub
Discover the top challenges dog walkers face — from handling dogs to managing clients — and learn practical strategies to grow your business with confidence.
Why Women Still Earn Less Than Men – And Why Supporting Other Women Matters
women in the UK continue to earn less than men on average — even though equal pay for equal work has been illegal for more than 50 years. This is not a coincidence, a misunderstanding, or a matter of individual confidence. It is structural, historical and deeply embedded in how women’s work, risk and leadership are perceived...
First Aid and Emergency Procedures for Professional Dog Walkers: What You Need to Know
your role goes beyond simply taking dogs out for a walk. You're responsible for their safety, health, and well-being during the time they're in your care. Just like any other caregiver, knowing what to do in case of an emergency is crucial. First aid knowledge and a calm, effective response can save a dog’s life and help you handle any unexpected situation. Here’s everything you need to know about first aid and emergency procedures.
The Dog Training Revolution: Changing Your Dog’s Behaviour by Changing Their World
Dogs read your body, breath, energy and micro-movements long before you’ve said a word….
The Psychology of Pack Dynamics: What Dog Walkers Must Understand Before Walking Groups
Walking a group of dogs isn’t a practical task — it’s a psychological one. Every dog brings energy, history, micro-patterns and emotional…
What Dog Walkers Can Claim as Business Expenses – A Complete Guide for UK Dog Walkers
Many of those costs can be claimed back as business expenses, helping you reduce your taxable income and run a more efficient, profitable business.
Whether you’re a solo dog walker or running a full team like I do at TLC Dog Walking, keeping track of your expenses is essential. Below is a clear guide to what dog walkers can usually claim as expenses in the UK, including how logoed clothing and branded kit fit into your allowable business costs.....
Visibility Series: 1.Before You Launch: Strategic Positioning
The Professional Pet Care Visibility Blueprint helps dog walkers and trainers turn everyday expertise into strategic content that builds authority, trust and local enquiries. Each guide shows you how to increase engagement, position yourself as a professional and convert visibility into warm leads — without hard selling, discounting or chasing clients. Consistent, structured content creates credibility before anyone even messages you.
