Assistance Dog Trainer

[Clever.K9]

Hi, im new... obviously look at my post count lol, anyway im currently on my last year of education. I would like a career in working with dogs particularly with charities such as Canine Partners or Dogs for the Disabled as a Assistance Dog Trainer and was curious as too the best way to start off working towards this.

I already know having the basics in dog training would be adventageous, i have considered contacting my local dog trainer too see if i could join her group and maybe learn with her, would this be advisable? Im working towards my degree by doing a foundation degree at the moment but unfortunately my University doesnt offer a top-up degree so i also considered doing a long-distance learning course in Canine Behavioural Management.

Am i thinking along the right tracks or should i be considering something else? Also appologies if i have posted in the wrong place, any advice given would be greatly appricated

Glenn aka. Clever.K9

 

[stevinski]

Dr2little might be able to help you

she a trainer herself,

 

[Kase]

I'd be interested to read the replies to this thread. Have you rang any of the charities up? I rang around a while ago and it is quite competative, some said to send in CVs. I'm not really too sure how to get 'into' the whole dog training thing.

I was considering doing a long distance dog training course at some point but am just going to go ahead and do the animal management foundation degree and then go on from there. What are you studying right now, just out of curiosity?

 

[darkchild16]

and CanadianK9 does service/assistance dog training. Im sure if you caught him this weekend he would help you.

 

[Clever.K9]

Thanks for the suggestion i'll have to keep an eye out for the suggested members and i haven't contacted the charities but im thinking about emailing them next week monday and see what they say, just gaining some advice as im still in education on what paths i should be taking really.

 

[Gustav]

Bonjour and welcome.... there are some great trainers on the board who will be more that willing to give you advice and help!!

 

[dr2little]

Hi, im new... obviously look at my post count lol, anyway im currently on my last year of education. I would like a career in working with dogs particularly with charities such as Canine Partners or Dogs for the Disabled as a Assistance Dog Trainer and was curious as too the best way to start off working towards this.

I already know having the basics in dog training would be adventageous, i have considered contacting my local dog trainer too see if i could join her group and maybe learn with her, would this be advisable? Im working towards my degree by doing a foundation degree at the moment but unfortunately my University doesnt offer a top-up degree so i also considered doing a long-distance learning course in Canine Behavioural Management.

Am i thinking along the right tracks or should i be considering something else? Also appologies if i have posted in the wrong place, any advice given would be greatly appricated

Glenn aka. Clever.K9

I can't think of anything more rewarding. You've already gotten some very good suggestions. I would do just as suggested and contact as many of the charities as possible as they would be the best ones to tell you what they look for as far as education/credentials and the like. I know that there are some pretty strict rules as far as methods/training techniques used so I'd hold off on a trainer until you know what they're looking for. Many societies here in Canada have volunteer (shadowing) positions, and I'm sure the same would be true where you live. Good Luck. Please keep us up to date with your progress.

 

[Clever.K9]

I've decided to contact a few of the charitble organisations related to dogs and people next week monday rather than over the weekend. If checked out a few of their websites but only the Guide Dogs seem to provide any good information on their jobs/roles... so im considering maybe them. Their nearest center too me is Helsby which is a good couple of hours drive maybe 3 which i guess isnt too bad.

Living where i do, in such a rural place it restrict work with animals... unless your a farmer lol, with nothing locally it does kinda put a dampner on my prospect after i finish at University... let alone that i will need money (always something ).