Advice and opinions needed

[Naoki]

Hi!

I'm not sure if this is the appropriate thread for my question, since I'm not asking for some advice for my dog, but for myself. However, it is about training and it seemed like the most accurate place to post this.

I am currently starting my second year of studies in the animal health technology program, to become a vet tech. However, I have realized in the past few months that I wasn't suited to work in a clinic or in labs. I have been a lot more interested in my animal behaviour class than any other, and an internship with a dog trainer has confirmed that a career in dog training and behaviour would be more appropriate for me. It's something I have been thinking about for a long time, and now I have no doubt it is what I want to do. I have done research on training programs that were offered in the areas, and have found some interesting ones. I also read some reviews and asked the trainer with whom I did an internship where he'd learned his techniques and how he became a dog trainer.
However, now I'm not sure about what I should do, so I decided to ask some advice and opinions. Feel free to tell me honestly what you think, I'm really open-minded.
My first option would be to finish my animal health program first, and then do the training programs. That would mean spending two more years in school for classes that don't really motivate me anymore, but I don't like the idea of quitting either, and I guess what I'd learn wouldn't all be useless.
I could also start the training program next year. Then I wouldn't have finished my animal health program, but at least I'd be doing what I want to do sooner.

I'm really not sure what would be best for me to do. What do you guys think? I understand I'll be the one taking the decision in the end, but I'd like to hear other point of views and opinions from others.

Thank you!

 

[stardogs]

You can become a behavior focused vet tech - check this group out: Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians !

 

[lizzybeth727]

What is the training program?

 

[marcp]

The certificate and qualifications give your advice and opinions a lot more clout. Im going to sound like your parents in saying...Its worth sticking with the studies. I didn't and regret it 15 years on.
Imagine if you are passionate about training, develop some new ideas, and want to publish a book or something, the qualifications are going to help your credibility.
Just a thought.

 

[Maura]

So, you have one year of college in. How many years does it take to be a vet tech? If it is two years, I say stick it out, either as a vet tech or something else. Also, volunteer at an animal shelter one day a week. See if you can switch majors. Talk to an academic counselor about what you can switch to considering your new plans. An associate degree in Arts or Science is a good base for whatever you may wish to do in the future. It means you can take business classes (I suggest accountancy or bookkeeping), science, math, literature, a full array of classes that will help you in the future.

The older you get, the harder it is to go to college. It's much easier to go full time and "get it over with" before you start raising a family and/or working full time. Later, you can go part time for a bachelor's degree, but you will have the first two years done with. If you stop now and decide later to get a bachelor's degree, you have pretty much thrown away your schooling because they will make you take all those classes over again. The paper in hand is worth more than you think.

 

[Doberluv]

I agree with the others. Do as much as you can now. Don't put anything off till later. The more related studies in this area, the better, even if you don't exactly use some of it. My daughter put off school and has been trying to do it off and on while working full time. She regrets not getting the schooling out of the way when she had the chance...earlier, when she lived at home. If you can just go to school and don't have to work full time also, it's vastly easier.