Walk on

Hi

I have been researching courses to attend to train to become a Professional Dog Walker. There are a number of different ones and I am not sure which one is best. I am hoping some Dogs Today readers might be dog walkers and can advise me?

Thank you

Zoe Pinhey, by email

Bright future ahead

Dear Dogs Today,

Well done for another fabulous edition! I love the magazine and I buy it when I can!

My name is Emily and I am a budding animal behaviourist/dog trainer. I am currently in year nine so have been choosing my options this year and was wondering how your fantastic dog behaviourists and dog trainers got to where they are now? I would love to know which colleges/sixth forms they went to, what they studied, what universities they went to, what hey studied there, and how they built up their careers to where they are now.

I know I am very young, but our generation is finding it increasingly more difficult to find jobs and I would love to set myself in good stead for the rest of my life so that maybe one day I could be as amazing as they are! They are a big inspiration to me as they are changing the harsh opinions that people have on different dogs and rescues. This is what needs to happen because many dogs are suffering because of it.

I have a rescue dog myself called Jasper. The only training he had had was toilet training when we got him. So, me and my family had to train him right from the start! He was in a really bad state when we got him, but now, besides his arthritis, he is a happy, fit, healthy, well-behaved Toy Poodle.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully,

Emily Foster, age 14, by post



Dogs Today says...

Dear Emily,

Thank you very much for your letter. It is wonderful to hear you have such a passion for dogs and for learning. Jasper must be in very safe hands.

We would like to send you a couple of dog training books and a subscription to Dogs Today to help with your background reading. I do hope they are useful and enjoyable.

Very best wishes with your future career. You are certainly asking all the right questions, and it sounds like the dogs you care for will have a very bright future.

Rachael Millar
Dogs Today

Caring career

Hello,

I have been in contact before, I am looking for a career in the dog world. I am a qualified dog groomer but I am looking into another careers with dogs. I am very passionate about them and have a lot of interest in issues around them such as BSL and their welfare.

I am looking to become a campaigns assistant or help support charities or groups to help dogs have better lives and education people into responsible dog ownership.

I have applied for jobs with leading animal charity but I don't seem to be getting anywhere. I was wondering weather there was smaller charities or groups I could get in contact with to help me find a career or advice to work towards this.

In a nutshell:
I have over a years admin and customer service/reception experience.
3 years experience as a kennel hand.
2 years experience as a dog groomer.
I spend a lot of my spare time on dog blogs and at dog shows.

I am so keen to find a job I care so passionately about and a job where I can really make a difference to dogs lives and their owners.

Kind regards,

Katie Page, via Facebook

All above board

Hello,

I am a happy owner of four Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and I do dog walking in my local area as well as other pet sitting.

I have had many enquiries about doggie day care and I am insured to do this, but I do not know if I need licencing. I know that if a dog stays overnight, I definitely need a licence. The owners are providing the dog's own food, if it needs a meal during the day.

I have contacted my local council but am still awaiting a response. I have researched the internet and for some councils you need a licence and for others you don't, so I am very confused.

Hope you can help,

Claire, by email

Calling all dogtrepreneurs!

Hello everyone,

We're running a feature in an upcoming issue on career opportunities within the dog world that may appeal to our readers, and whether you're a hydrotherapist or run your own dog sitting franchise, we would love to hear from you.

If you'd like to be invloved, please do get in touch. We'd specifically like to hear about things that others may not have thought of, perhaps even things you hadn't taken into account and learnt about on the way.

Please email me your comments and anecdotes during the next two weeks (rachael@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk)

Thank you,

Rachael Millar, assistant editor