Professional dog walkersThe 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.
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 · 30 lessons · self-paced
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
Module 2
Understanding The Risk
Learn the common triggers, high-risk situations and early warning signs that lead to a dog going missing.
- Why Dogs Go Missing: Common Causes on Walks
- The Dog Walker's Duty of Care
- Risk Assessment: Spotting Triggers Before Trouble Starts
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.
- First 60 Seconds: What You Must Do Immediately
- Using What3Words When a Dog Goes Missing
- Stay or Search? Making the Right Call
- Managing the Other Dogs In Your Care
- Effective Use of Voice, Scent, and Familiarity
- What Not to Do: Mistakes That Make Things Worse
- When to Call for Help: Owners, Emergency Services, and Search Teams
Module 4
Coordinating a Search
Plan a systematic search, use mapping, scent strategy and clear roles to cover ground effectively.
- Mapping the Area: Creating a Search Grid
- Informing the Right People: Owners, Vets, and the Public
- Dealing with Terrain: Urban, Rural, Woodland, and Coastal Areas
Module 5
Working With Owners and Professionals
How to support the owner, liaise with professionals and know when to call in specialist help.
- Managing the Owner's Emotions
- Handing Over to the Experts: What to Expect
- Who and How to Call in Specialist Support
Module 6
Communication and Public Awareness
Posters, social media, local outreach and keeping the public informed without spreading confusion.
- Creating an Effective Lost Dog Poster
- Using Social Media to Maximise Reach
- Speaking to the Public Without Spreading Panic
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
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
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