Dog behaviourist

[RubysGold]

Ok, so at 20, I've finally decided on a career path. I want to be a Dog Behaviourist.
I've always had an interest in behaviour, and have already learnt quite a lot.

I'm going on a 2 day seminar in September, and hopefully another one in November. And I'm planning on doing as many courses as I can afford over the next two or three years (I want to do this right). I want to get my clicker training, CAP 1,2 and 3, but the website isn't up to date so I dont know if you can still do these.

I've emailed several dog trainers/behaviourists in the area about doing work experience too, but I just have to wait and see if any will take me on.

 

[Booboos]

Try your local dog training club as well, they may well need assistants and it's a good way to learn without being left in charge of a whole class or having to deal with the more difficult cases.

I don't know where you are in Yorkshire, but if you are anywhere near her I would really recommend Jan Westby. http://www.bestfriendsonline.co.uk/About Jan Westby.html

 

[RubysGold]

Thank you booboos
Will get in touch with her too
I think theres a few training classes round here, so will try and get to one of those to help out

 

[CorvusCorax]

We're allowed to 'shadow' trainers at our club too so that would be a good thing to do.

And remember to think like a dog would do, not like a human does, and be prepared to unlearn things as well as learn them

 

[RubysGold]

CC: your very knowledgeable arent you
Thats the second time today, youve come up with something that never even occured to me.
Must remember that bit of advice. Always look from dogs point of view. (Although I think its a common fault to look from human point of view isnt it?)

 

[CAYLA]

Volunteer at your local rescue, you will get no better insight to a range of problems you see in dogs, mostly due to humans, but it's a great way to built confidence around dogs of all breeds and natures (and you need confidence in abundance in this type of work), and I have to say it's very rewarding watching and learning from dogs with NO owner which is of course the main problem, I have advanced behavioural certificates for the purpose of insurance, but the hands on I have gained over the years was invaluable.

 

[CorvusCorax]

CC: your very knowledgeable arent you
Thats the second time today, youve come up with something that never even

That's debatable

Most problems with dogs are caused by people treating dogs like people and conveying human emotions, rationale and morality on animals that...don't have any of those things!