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Please help me get my thoughts straight..!

2 replies

calmtulip · 22/09/2014 13:20

I got our dog Jess 2 years ago. She's a miniature schnauzer and at about 6 months old became snappy and barky. I took her to the vet and he referred us to an APBC behaviourist. I found out that Jess was a very nervous and anxious dog and the behaviourist helped us put various things in place to help her feel more secure.

She's got a lot better over the past 2 years and during that time I've also been doing loads of reading and have started on a Tellington Touch course.

I've also started volunteering at my local rescue and am really falling in love in working with the dogs and cats there.

I'm seriously considering this as a possible future for myself, as the children are getting older and I'm thinking about what "career" I could maybe carve out for myself in the future (I don't want to go back to my old job).

I've looked at various options on how to train as a behaviourist. To become one affiliated to the APBC I'd have to do Biology A level and then a 3 year degree course, the first 2 years of which you're with the biology students and only start working with animals in the final year. I don't really want to spend so long not working with animals as I feel time is passing by already and it is Very theoretical.

I've noticed that many of you recommend looking for someone who's a member of the APBT, but looking at the course it covers mainly dog training (eg class structure, basic commands and so on) and not so much on behaviour. Have I got this right? I don't really want to do dog training but maybe it would be a good grounding.

People have also recommended the courses run by COAPE but I don't see that mentioned much on here..

My main aim is to help in whatever way I can the dogs in the rescue to find a new home as a volunteer but also to have some private client work to actually earn some money.

Any thoughts? TIA for reading all of this... Some clarity would be very very welcome!

OP posts:
KatharineClifton · 01/10/2014 01:54

I've no idea about which route etc. but would suggest you talk to people from each route about the training/job etc. Also, what is practical to your life? Being a mature student is very very hard at times when you have demands coming from all directions.

calmtulip · 01/10/2014 22:14

Thanks Katharine for your reply. You're right that studying as a mature student is hard but my children are growing up and I feel I can start spending a bit more time on my passion, animal welfare.

Having spent more time checking out the various courses I'm leaning towards doing the COAPE diploma as it looks very thorough and seems to have a good reputation .. I don't know if anyone on the forum has an opinion on that though?

I'm reading like crazy and really enjoying working at the rescue with the team there. It's just hard trying to figure out the next step. A good problem to have though..!

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