Dog Walker Certificate Basic 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under US law, if a dog in your care bites a third party, who may be held liable?
- Only the dog's owner
- Only the dog walker
- Potentially both the owner and the dog walker, depending on state law and negligence (Correct answer)
- No one, as dog bites are considered accidents
Correct answer: Potentially both the owner and the dog walker, depending on state law and negligence
Liability varies by state, but both the owner and the walker can face legal consequences if negligence is established.
Question 2: Which vaccination is legally required in most US states before a dog walker accepts a dog for service?
- Bordetella
- Leptospirosis
- Rabies (Correct answer)
- Influenza
Correct answer: Rabies
Rabies vaccination is mandated by law in virtually every US state for all dogs and is the minimum documentation a walker should require.
Question 3: What does a professional dog walking service agreement (contract) typically include?
- The dog walker's personal daily schedule
- Services provided, rates, cancellation policy, and liability terms (Correct answer)
- A list of all dogs the walker has ever cared for
- The owner's bank account information
Correct answer: Services provided, rates, cancellation policy, and liability terms
A service agreement protects both parties by clearly defining expectations, fees, and legal responsibilities.
Question 4: A dog walker notices a dog in their care has developed a sudden rash. What is the correct step?
- Apply a human antihistamine cream without consulting the owner
- Photograph the rash, end the walk, contact the owner, and recommend veterinary evaluation (Correct answer)
- Ignore it and note it in the next weekly report
- Wash the area with dish soap
Correct answer: Photograph the rash, end the walk, contact the owner, and recommend veterinary evaluation
Documenting the rash with a photo and alerting the owner promptly ensures the dog receives proper veterinary attention.
Question 5: What is 'counter-conditioning' as it applies to reactive dogs on walks?
- Training the dog to walk against traffic
- Pairing the trigger stimulus with something positive to change the dog's emotional response (Correct answer)
- Using a firm leash correction each time the dog reacts
- Avoiding all stimuli the dog reacts to
Correct answer: Pairing the trigger stimulus with something positive to change the dog's emotional response
Counter-conditioning changes the dog's association with a trigger from negative to positive through repeated pairing with rewards.
Question 6: How should a dog walker document incidents that occur during a walk?
- Only verbally inform the owner, no written record needed
- Write a dated, factual incident report and provide a copy to the owner (Correct answer)
- Post about it on social media immediately
- File a report only if there is a bite injury
Correct answer: Write a dated, factual incident report and provide a copy to the owner
A written, dated incident report creates an accurate record that protects the walker legally and keeps the owner fully informed.
Question 7: Which of the following best demonstrates professionalism as a dog walker?
- Arriving late occasionally since dogs do not notice
- Showing up on time, communicating proactively, and following client instructions consistently (Correct answer)
- Using your own judgment to override all client preferences
- Charging extra fees without prior notice
Correct answer: Showing up on time, communicating proactively, and following client instructions consistently
Reliability, clear communication, and respecting client instructions are the hallmarks of a trustworthy, professional dog walker.
Dog Walker Certificate Basic 5
Under US law, if a dog in your care bites a third party, who may be held liable?