Want A Career Working With Dogs?

Dogs once existed as wild creatures; roaming inlicense.
packs and surviving on their instincts. HumansFor most careers working with dogs, it is
domesticated them over 14,000 years ago - sincerecommended that you have an NVQs/SVQs in
then they have become our companions and weAnimal Care at levels 1 and/or 2 as a minimum
have become closely bonded with them. Dogs areeducation requirement. These are available
highly social animals and many cultures considerthrough the College of Animal Welfare, some
them to be important members of the family andanimal charities and through various other colleges
regard them to be man's best friend. In recentaround the country. You may be able to develop
years, there has been an increase in the numberyour career either by gaining experience and
of dogs owned as pets; now 22 % of theworking towards NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Animal
population in Britain have at least one dog in theirCare, or by studying part-time for qualifications
household.such as the EDEXCEL BTEC National Certificate
Dogs are intelligent and they require both mentalDiploma in Animal Management (Care) and the
and physical stimulation, for which, they areEDEXCEL BTEC National Award in Animal
entirely dependent on humans. Being highlyManagement (Kennel and Cattery Management).
sociable, intelligent and adaptable has enabled dogsApprenticeships may be available for those under
to learn to fulfill many roles that are extremelythe age of 24. In England these are currently
useful to society. For example, many are trainedApprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced
as working dogs of which there are several typesApprenticeships (level 3).
including: assistance dogs, law enforcement dogs,Having hands-on experience of being around dogs
rescue dogs, therapy dogs, herding dogs, guardwill help you to be able to recognise when dogs
dogs, detection dogs and war dogs. There areare unwell or unhappy. You will need to be able to
many different careers and jobs available forpay particular attention to detail and to health and
those wishing to work with dogs.safety requirements. Unfortunately, the risk of
To enjoy a career working with dogs, it isbeing bitten exists in all careers with dogs.
important that you understand their physical andRemember, if you are bitten, it is always your
emotional needs; it goes without saying that it isfault and not the dog's - it is never acceptable to
crucial that you are compassionate and genuinelyhit or shout at a dog. To lessen your chances of
interested in their welfare.being bitten, it is important to ensure that you
Working with dogs is usually grubby and canhave sufficient training and that you feel confident
involve tough physical outdoor work; for this sortand enjoy being around dogs.
of career, you must enjoy being outdoors in allIf you haven't spent time working with or caring
types of weather. Dogs need care twenty-fourfor dogs, it is worthwhile working as a volunteer
hours a day, seven days a week and therefore,before embarking on this type of career. Many
the working hours are unpredictable and varied -animal charities run volunteer programmes,
you will probably be required to work atseveral offer work experience placements and
weekends and bank holidays. You will need to besome even offer NVQ training courses. All of
physically fit, healthy, hard working, have plenty ofthese opportunities provide excellent ways to gain
stamina and enjoy exercise. Some careers withexperience and build up your confidence for
dogs, such as working in a boarding kennel, mayworking around dogs.
require you to live on site and to have a driving