Starting June 1, Nashville's first dog*tec Certified Dog Walker (CDW) Tasha Erickson will start walking Nashville pooches, filling a much needed void for professional, competent and trained dog walkers in the Nashville area. Tasha is the owner of Pawsitive Dog Walking & Pet Sitting, which she started in 2014 in Fresno, California. “We moved to Nashville because we wanted a change,” says Tasha. “Nashville hit all our priorities on paper, but when my husband visited to check it out in person, that's when he knew for sure we would be happy here.” She adds, “Everyone we had ever told about the move, friends or strangers, had nothing but good things to say about Nashville and the people; it made me very excited to settle down here.”

Being a CDW puts graduates in an elite group. Much of the canine industry is unregulated, meaning anyone can call themselves a professional dog walker or trainer, without actually having to go through any schooling or training programs. While dog trainers have KPA & CCPDT certifications to distinguish themselves, dog walkers have CDW certifications through dog*tec. To date, there are only 1200 graduates throughout the world with the CDW certification, and Tasha is one of only four in the entire state of Tennessee. “By gaining the CDW credentials, we are holding ourselves to a higher standard than your average dog walker. Dog walking is a serious profession, with much more liability and risk, and much more reward when you do it right, than many people understand. Dog walking is no longer something you pay your neighbor's kid to do.”

dog*tec certified dog walkers have been through an intensive training program. Candidates must pass a hands-on practical exam that includes walking multiple dogs on and off leash (sometimes in challenging situations) and maintain voice and leash control, keep dogs safe, and make sure the dogs are having fun. They also must pass a comprehensive written exam about dog behavior, pack management, dog body language, and managing dog play and leash manners; be first-aid certified, pledge to use only humane training approaches that are scientifically sound and positive, and adhere to ethical business practices. Violation of any of these could result in a loss of a graduate's certification. “I also have a mission to help people understand just how incredible a dog's mind & biology is, and how to use that information to enhance their relationship with their dog, and understand what our place is in a dog's world. I've already looked into volunteering at local shelters to help make an impact there, and I can't wait to get started!” Tasha said.

Pawsitive Dog Walking & Pet Sitting specializes in dogs 45 lbs and up, with no breed restrictions. Dog walking includes group and individual walks, and pet sitting is a 24/7 service, not just overnight. Cat care is also a service offered. Grand opening begins June 1, and you can find out more information at Tasha's website: www.PawsitivePal.com.