Thinking of training as a dog trainer/behaviourist

[boringnickname]

I am considering doing a course in dog behaviour/training/psychology. I was chatting to my DP about things today and have thought about doing dog walking in the past, but wanted to have a bit more to offer.

My background is in biosciences, but i have worked as a vet nurse, owned dogs all my life (apart from two months) and have rescued a problem dog in the past and learnt alot from him.

Whilst i have lots of dog experience, I have never really adhered to any particular training "method" more common sense and learning from the individual dog, I have found them to have very different requirements based on breed and background.

Does anyone one know of any recognised qualifications I could study for or associations that i might need to join. Also, are there any "methods" that are particularly popular just now?

I am going to try and volunteer as a dog walker for the local dogs trust

I think my interests would lie with tackling behaviour issues, basic traininig etc rather than the traditional obedience training.

Any suggestions?

I would start by looking at the APDT website - Association of Pet Dog Trainers (assuming you are in the UK). If you are trained under their umbrella, you will be properly accredited, and will learn about training and dog learning that is based on solid academic principles and research not fads, or media stardom.

Clicker training is (rightly and deservedly) v popular as a training aid.

Good luck

APDT will be very much coming from positive training methods. APDT is very much training so would not give you any qualifications for behavioural work.(although that does not stop many people)

The person you really need to speak to is Minimu who has posted on here. She is one of the country's top behaviourist and lectures at unis across the world on behavioural issues. You could pm her. She will know all there is to know about the courses available.

Bishop Burton College do a distance learning dog training and behavioural foundation degree which you can top up to be a BSC with an extra year. This was a fab course but I think the course leader may have changed recently.

COAPE also do courses but do less teaching but more assessment so you will need to have some experience to start with.

Sarah Whitehead offers distance learning courses many theoretical but does also offer a very short practical course again though positive based which is the way to go!

Also check out Puppy School

bishop burton degree

coape

Gosh, thanks - i will look at those links when i am less knackered.