Career options working with dogs

Do you want to work with dogs?

Dogs once existed as wild creatures; roaming in packs and surviving on their instincts. Humans domesticated them over 14,000 years ago – since then they have become our companions and we have become closely bonded with them. Dogs are highly social animals and many cultures consider them to be important members of the family, regarding them as man’s best friend. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of dogs owned as pets; now around 26% of the population in the UK has at least one dog in their household.

Dogs are intelligent and they require both mental and physical stimulation, for which they are entirely dependent on their carers. Being highly sociable, intelligent and adaptable has enabled dogs to learn to fulfil many roles that are extremely useful to society. For example, many dogs are trained as working dogs of which there are several types including: assistance dogs, law enforcement dogs, rescue dogs, therapy dogs, herding dogs, guard dogs, scent detection dogs and military dogs.

There are many different career options working with dogs. For most dog related careers, it is essential to gain relevant dog related training and hands-on experience. Animal Courses Direct offers a well structured training path that enables students to gain extensive knowledge and progress right up to degree level.

Step 1

For those new to the subject, we suggest starting with the Level 2 Award in Canine Care and Behaviour. This is an Ofqual regulated qualification that consists of 2 units exploring natural canine behaviours and their purpose. This is an excellent introduction qualification to the subject of canine behaviour. This qualification meets the Animal Activities Licensing (AAL) Basic Standard requirements.

OR

If you want to meet the Animal Activities Licensing Higher Standard requirements, then we suggest the Ofqual regulated Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour and Welfare This is a short Award course consisting of 2 units about the care of dogs in kennels and dog day care/boarding facilities and it includes an introduction to canine behaviour. The 2 units in this Award course also feature in the Level 3 Diploma in Canine Care and Behaviour and do not need to be repeated if progressing onto the Diploma course. This qualification meets the Animal Activities Licensing (AAL) Higher Standard requirements.

Step 2

The next course is the Level 3 Diploma in Canine Care Behaviour and Welfare. This is an Ofqual regulated qualification consisting of 2 units from the Level 3 Award in Canine Care, Behaviour and Welfare and additional 5 units exploring canine care, welfare, first aid, training, handling, transportation, legislation, grooming, behaviour and more. Achieving this qualification will broaden career options working with dogs. It is an ideal foundation for dog behaviour, training and welfare careers. This qualification meets the Animal Activities Licensing (AAL) Higher Standard requirements.

t: 0208 6269646 l w: www.animalcoursesdirect.co.uk