Working with dogs

[lalantha]

Hi I've just registered and it seems like there are a lot of knowledgeable people on this site so I thought I would ask for some advice. I love dogs and am interested with working with them in some capacity, maybe training as a behaviourist, and I was wondering whether any of you had any advice on getting into this? It seems you need experience before some places will consider even training you up, but how am I to get experience?! I had a dog once briefly when I was younger but me and my family had never had a dog before and rather underestimated his needs, so sadly we decided the best thing for him was to be rehomed. Consequently I don't want to get another dog of my own while I'm unable to provide all the time, attention, space, money etc that I would like. Sorry if this is too long!

[Snappy]

You have to LOVE dogs to work witht them as they can try the patience of a saint! I work with dogs,in a creche, they drive me mad but i wouldnt ever want another job! You need to volunteer,try as many places as you can! what exactly do you want to do with dogs?

[lalantha]

Hi, thanks for your advice. As I said I'm thinking I would like to be a behaviourist or something similar. I think it would be very rewarding to be able to help people and dogs get along better. Also I've studied psychology and animal behaviour a little bit and I found it very interesting. I do love dogs and I understand they can be very difficult and frustrating at times, but I think it would be worth it in order to see more happy dogs and owners : )

[Snappy]

A good behaviourist has years of experience, online courses are fine but nothing without practical experience.
If your serious about behaviourism try
http://www.bishopburton.ac.uk/index.php?module =courses&navId=5&courseId=10&mode=he

[lalantha]

Yeah I know practical experience has no comparison - just seems difficult to get it when you don't have a dog yourself!

That course looks like just the sort of thing I was looking for, so thanks for that. Only thing is, I'm nearing the end of a undergraduate genetics degree and not sure I want to cripple myself with another 3 years worth of student debt!

Think I'll try and volunteer everywhere I can, and continue looking for practical courses that I can do maybe part time or in evenings/at weekends.

Thanks again for your advice, and for the speed of your replies : )

[lankeela]

Try somewhere like Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Guide Dogs for the Blind or Assistance Dogs for the Disabled, as they have training programmes that take in the human side of training as well as the dogs, i.e. working with the recipients of the dogs to get them used to them. This might combine your previous training/experience.

[kita1]

A good web site for working with animals is: http://www.animal-job.co.uk/jobs-with-animals. html

it has lots of information about courses, etc. also gives jobs links to all the national charities and other sites.