Working with dogs

Hi all,

For those of you who work with dogs in the capacity of training them or working in dog daycares or maybe even a dog boutique or bakery - how did you get started? The more I'm around my dog and other dogs - the more I feel like I'd like to work with dogs full time. Any advice for a newcomer?

Thanks!

0 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Karen Stasky on July 16, 2009 at 10:12am

I've been working with dogs for over 30 years (that's all I'll admit to) and I work as a vet tech, rehabber, nutriton advisor at a holistic animal hospital, and trainer-I got started working at an animal hospital as summer help (you do alot of cleaning, but that's where you start and that's a part of having animals). I worked my way up to supervisor at an animal shelter, one of those places from hell-we tried to make it as good as we could for all those animals-My PWC Cori was from that shelter, and because of him I had to learn a different way to train-positive reinforcement IS the only way-and because he was so "enthusiastic" he ended up injuring his back and acl to the point he could not walk. So I had to learn rehab therapy. Now, we've been dealing with a very bad nasal tumor that should have taken him from me a year and half ago-I had to learn Good nutrition (raw) and he is continuing to amaze the drs!! He looks great-we still play, do agility and he is still my demo dog for freestyle classes-he has taught me soooo much and continues to teach me about life and to enjoy every day. The best way to get started is Volunteer!! Alot of places won't hire you unless you have experience, and a shelter is a great place to get alot of experience with mant different dogs Good Luck!

Permalink Reply by Julia on September 10, 2009 at 7:54pm