57% of Irish dog owners struggle to access professional dog services as Dogs Trust launches new Lead and Learn Academy

A new survey by Dogs Trust revealed that 57% of dog owners in Ireland have struggled to access professional dog services in the past due to a lack of availability, with 58% highlighting that there simply aren’t enough dog care professionals in their area. In response, Dogs Trust, Ireland’s leading dog welfare charity, created the Lead and Learn Academy. A new, virtual learning environment offering accessible, expert-led courses to aspiring dog-care professionals across the country. 

With 49% of households in Ireland owning at least one dog, pet owners are increasingly looking for reliable, professional care for their furry friends, with further research revealing that one in ten dog owners (10%) finds the lack of dog-related services to be one of the top three challenges they face when it comes to having a dog. 

Today, Dogs Trust aims to bridge this gap by supporting the next generation of skilled dog professionals and creating new opportunities for those already working in the space through the launch of their new Lead and Learn Academy. And with 87% of survey respondents agreeing that they would feel more confident using a professional dog service if they knew the provider received a certificate from Dogs Trust, the course will offer access to high-quality learning material created to reflect best practice in canine care. 

The Academy’s first course, Dog Training Essentials, is designed to provide a strong foundation in dog behaviour and welfare. While ideal for those considering a career in dog training, the course also suits dog walkers, sitters, groomers, daycare providers, or simply dog lovers keen to learn more about their four-legged friends. With dog owners expecting to spend around €300 per year on grooming (depending on their dog’s size and breed) and daily services such as doggy daycare or dog walking generally falling into the €10 and €35 range, there is real potential for anyone looking to develop a career or expand their knowledge in dog care.   

The course was created by canine experts and learning specialists, and consists of 5 modules, delivered over 8 weeks. Learners will be introduced to the Five Freedoms in dog welfare and what good welfare looks like in practice, learn how to read and respond to dog body language, and explore the foundations of behaviour and positive training. Finally, they’ll be guided through safe and respectful handling, and finish with insight into how to design and deliver effective training sessions for their clients. 

The course is delivered online and blends self-paced learning with live virtual workshops guided by experts, with interactive activities and a practical project to complete. A Dogs Trust Certificate of Completion will be awarded to those who successfully complete the course. 

Dawn Kavanagh, Training and Engagement Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland said: “We know that people across Ireland love their dogs and want the very best for them. But as demand for dog care services continues to rise, there simply aren’t enough skilled professionals to meet that need.  

This is why we’re launching the Lead and Learn Academy: we want to give confidence to those already working in the dog care industry and to those who are thinking about a change of career. You’ll learn everything from dog welfare to the foundations of dog behaviour as well as how to handle dogs safely. We hope the new course will boost the skills of those attending as well as give reassurance to their customers.”   

Dogs Trust plans to expand the Lead and Learn Academy with additional courses in the near future, ensuring that aspiring professionals and dog lovers alike have the opportunity to continue growing their knowledge. 

Registration for Dog Training Essentials is now open, with the first programme set to begin on September 23rd. With capacity capped at just 25 participants, the charity advises early registration to avoid disappointment. 

Learners can sign up HERE.